Part Three: Dogsong Summary

Russel's song is complete. His journey out and back again has brought him full circle. Russel finally has his own song. The song solidifies Russel's entrance into manhood and his acceptance and love of the Old Ways.

The song begins: "Come, see my dogs. They carry me / into all things, all things I will be; / all things that will come to me / will come to my dogs" (p. 175). The song tells of Russel and the dogs being one unit, one person. Russel's song is one of reclamation of his true self and respect for Eskimo traditions. The dogs that once ran only for Oogruk now run only for Russel. They are as much a part of him as he is of them and Oogruk.

The song that Russel sings mirrors the song that his dream-self sings in a previous...