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.
IMPS-
From Congo
Cassava can be pounded into flour to create bread. The leaves of the cassava serve as a vegetable rich with proteins, Calcium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. In the Congo, the cassava can feed a family. Thus, the importance of keeping an eye out for bush-pigs or any other creatures that would destroy the crop. Interestingly, the cassava plant originally came from Brazil and was brought to Congo. People enjoyed the plant because it was “pest-free.” Ur…but no one said “imp-free.”
What makes imps dangerous?
Imps are smaller beings that have mischievous natures much likes fairies. While imps are not as threatening or evil as demons, you can be still be in danger of “accidental” harm through pranks and tricks. Sometimes, the imp really is up to something awful. Have you ever heard of children who want attention – whether positive or negative? Often, imps are thought to be lonely and wanting attention from humans in whatever way they can manage. Now, I’m starting to feel bad for imps.
50-words-or-less summary:
Imp digs pit if share animals trapped. Females animals for imp. Males for man. Male animals trapped. Feeds family! Man’s wife falls in pit, imp claims “female” for him. Man’s son tells imp to jump in pit to claim her. Son says now “male” is in pit. Imp admits defeat.
That man was lucky to have his kid outwit that imp. Who knows the plans the imp would have had with the man’s wife! Have you ever felt like you had to make a “bad deal” to get out of a situation only to find yourself in a trickier one? Though, the family did benefit from the imp digging the pit and the nourishment from that meat. Hmmm. I’m glad it work out in the end.
Finding “Outwitting the Imp”:
“How a Child Saved His Mother’s Life” from Congo life and jungle stories : Part I: Life on the Congo as described by a brass rod. Part II: Thirty-three native stories as told round the evening fires by the Rev. John H. Weeks, find online here: https://www.amazon.com/Congo-life-jungle-stories-Thirty-three/dp/B008GDHKW4/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=Congo+life+and+jungle+stories&qid=1618117118&sr=8-4
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.
I knew this one! 🙂 It is a very clever story.
The Multicolored Diary
It almost seems this is a sting of fantasy characters for a game of “Small World”! 🙂