Tuunbaq
In The Story
The fictional, supernatural creature that stalks the two ships’ crews in The Terror. In the story, the Tuunbaq is controlled by shaman in local northern tribes. The creature is intended to maintain balance with nature, and the expeditions upset that balance.
History
Based on the Tupilek, a creature of misfortune in Inuit mythology, these entities were created by practitioners of sorcery in order to kill their enemies. However, if the creature failed to do so or the target defeated it — perhaps by greater magical power — the Tupilek would return to kill its creator instead.
There seems to be some semblance of intent for balance with the Tupilek. For example, if someone committed a crime, but would not admit it, a Tupilek might set upon them. If the perpetrator of the crime admitted to their wrongdoing publicly, they would be spared.