Queequeg

Character from the novel Moby-Dick Fictional character QueequegMoby Dick characterCreated byHerman MelvilleIn-universe informationGenderMaleNationalitySouth Pacific Islander Queequeg is a character in the 1851 novel Moby-Dick by American author Herman Melville. The story outlines his royal, Polynesian descent, as well as his desire to "visit Christendom" that led him to leave his homeland. Queequeg is visually distinguished by his striking facial tattoos and tan skin. Ishmael encounters Queequeg in Chapter Three and they become unlikely friends. Once aboard the whaling ship the Pequod, Queequeg becomes the harpooneer for the mate Starbuck. Familial and cultural history Queequeg is native to the fictional island of Kokovoko (also known as Rokovoko), an "island far away to the West and South", or more specifically in the South Pacific Ocean. His father was the High Chief or King of his tribe, while his uncle was the High Priest, and several of his aunts were the wives of mighty warriors. Queequeg's culture is referenced to be cannibalistic. The narration of the book makes it clear that cannibalism was not universally accepted at this time. In the novel, Queequeg is described as havin