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.
LLAMAS-
From Peru
Llamas are native to Peru as well as Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. Llamas are related closely to camels and can live for 15 to 25 years. Though, I love the fact that llamas are known to protect sheep. Perhaps it is in the animal’s nature to protect as seen in the story? Lucky us!
What makes llamas dangerous?
So this particular llama had some dangerous dreams but yet saved lives. Though, anyone who can predict the future is already in a precarious position. But looking at the actual animal characteristics, llamas are typically calm and can be treated as carefully as large dogs. No documented deaths have been caused by llamas. Only one that was indirect–but let’s not count it.
50-words-or-less summary:
Llama dreamed that world would be flooded. Llama told family who owned him. Llama convinced family to get to highest mountain top. As they traveled, more animals convinced. Foxes dawdled. When flood came, black tips of tails due to water rushing towards them. Yet, all animals and humans saved.
That llama was lucky that most of them listened. True, the foxes still came but they could have moved faster. I will need to ponder any dreams I get and see if lives can be saved, too. Zzzz.
Finding the Story:
https://www.amazon.com/Llama-great-flood-folktale-Peru/dp/0690047274
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.
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I love llamas, so it’s nice to hear that a llama was responsible for saving the world. =)
Black and White: O for Oz
I heard this one was a constellation legend, with the fox’s tail dipping below the horizon…
The Multicolored Diary
That is a separate story. Many llama tales! Though understandable if some people combine them.