We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is Beating the Odds…Lucky Folktales Around the World to Brighten Your Day. Each post highlights that the stars aligned and what would have normally been…bad…turned out after all. Considering what we – as humankind – have experienced the past year, how nice is it to remember that all of us can “beat the odds” to some level in our lives.
And we’ll admit now…some are actually myths, legends, or epics rather than only limited to folktales. So is that a type of “loading the dice”? Ah, but the stories were too wonderful to pass by.
FOXES-
From China
Three foxes roam China: red fox (most common), corsac fox, and the Tibetan sand fox. You could maybe count the raccoon dog that is related most closely to foxes. Those raccoon dogs do like to trap fish…and perhaps crabs.
What makes foxes dangerous?
Foxes in China are seen as spirits possessed with magical powers. These creatures are mischievous. The nine-tailed fox (jiuweihu) can shapeshift and lure people, especially in the form of a beautiful woman. And…no good intentions with that part. The fact that this story focuses on the fox’s tail? Hmmm. This story appears to be a one-tailed fox. Probably already lucky for that crab.
50-words-or-less summary:
Fox made fun of Crab as “slow.” Crab suggested race. Crab claimed he could win if Fox tied down this tail. Fox agreed to place weight on tail. Go! Fox ran. Crab clung to Fox’s tail. Fox turned to check on Crab. Crab let go and won. Fox slunk away.
That crab was lucky to outfox that fox and gain back his pride. It’s hard when faced with a bully. While no treasure or love interest was gained in this story, being repeatedly insulted can have an emotional drain. To then gain that self-confidence again? Yes, lucky indeed.
Finding the Story and Background:
“Nursery Tales Around the World” by Judy Sierra pp. 81-83 can be found online to purchase here – https://www.amazon.com/Nursery-Tales-Around-World-Sierra/dp/0395678943/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=%22Nursery+Tales+Around+the+World%22+by+Judy+Sierra&qid=1617852487&s=books&sr=1-1
Aesop fable that also involves Fox and Crab…and proves how lucky the Crab from China is – http://read.gov/aesop/103.html
Please share in the comments…or anything on your mind. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings with virtual as well as proper-distanced/masked/outdoors.
We are excited for the monthly All Things Story virtual workshop series as well as the hybrid Story Crossroads Festival on May 10-13, 2021 (then viewing beyond the event to June 15, 2021). Interested in deeper articles and e-workbooks plus stories, activities, and recipes? Then pursue Story Crossroads Memberships.
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