Rika Maja was from Mausjaur south of Arvidsjaur, and belonged to the forest sami of Arvidjsaur.
The surrounding Sámis were referred to as her vassals, and at the annual great winter market day, the Swedish merchants of Piteå was forced to ask for her permission to conduct trade with the Sámi people.
On a famous occasion during a time of drought, she allegedly successfully summoned rain by performing a magic ritual.
She was old at the time, and asked to be lead out to her sacrificial stone in the Mausjaur lake in ceremonial robe; after reaching the stone, she struck the water with a staff made of brass in prayer to the rain- and thunder god Horagalles, and according to legend, caused the rain to fall.
After the burial, all of her thousands of reindeers, according to the legend, suddenly stormed toward the sea and did not stop until they were all drowned.