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.
NARIPHONS-
From Thailand
Nariphons are 12 trees that bear fruit that looks like women created by Indra, who is god of gods in Hindu mythology. That’s necessary for you to know before reading the story summary. Though, what is a yogi? In Thailand, a yogi is a traveler and sometimes they travel for so long that they have hermit-like attributes. They do much medication and why someone who does yoga has been known as a yogi. While being alone in the wilderness can be refreshing and satisfying, this story tells of yogis who were not satisfied enough. You may even wonder why I didn’t save this one for the “Y” post. Choices, choices. And a sala? That’s an open pavilion.
What makes nariphons dangerous? Are nariphons really what is dangerous?
Having a tree that bears fruit that appears like women? This seems to fall under “pleasure” versus “pain.” Any harm in it? In this story, this type of fruit saved this couple from a terrible circumstance. Though, if you were deceived by such a thing but then figured it out later…how dangerous would be the aftermath? Hmmm.
50-words-or-less summary:
Indra and family lived in sala. When wife gathered fruit, she could be attached by yogi. Despite being meditative, the yogi were overpowered by lust. Indra created 12 nariphons that bore women-shaped women that looked like his wife. Yogis took those fruit home and saved his wife from attacks.
That wife was lucky that those yogis could be “distracted”…though not sure how I feel about the “how.” Still, I am relieved the wife is safe. This was not a one-time incident. After four months, the yogis attempted again and had to led away by those fruit.
Finding the Story or about Nariphons:
https://amp.en.googl-info.com/1430380/1/nariphon.html
https://www.google.com/books/edition/Thai_Folklore/g2MDngEACAAJ?hl=en
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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