The Tulkun are a race of enormous, highly intelligent sea-dwelling creatures. With intellect and cultural development equal to the Na’vi, Tulkun possess not only names and rich family histories, but also sophisticated music and poetry. After eons of bloody warfare among their social groups, Tulkun turned away from violence and are collectively sworn to a life of absolute pacifism. Metkayina and Tulkun share a unique and powerful interspecies kinship, with each Na’vi individual paired for life with a Tulkun, who is called their spirit brother or sister. In this and many other ways, the Tulkun are sacred and ancient partners to the Metkayina, sharing ceremonies and living together in harmony. Among their shared ceremonies are the Communion, Return, and First Breath ceremonies.
Tulkun are a totem animal for the Metkayina. Their forms are mimicked in ornamentation throughout Metkayina culture. Large, woven wall panels depicting the Tulkun are built into Metkayina marui to honor their bond. While many parts of their dwelling structures may be damaged and repaired, the Metkayina revere these panels highly, preserving and cherishing them above all else.
