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 Dual Natures in Folktales Around the World – opposites, contradictions & paradoxes.
BOX-
From Tlingit people, Southeastern Alaska/Northwestern British Columbia-
With the Tlingit culture, animals and people are related to each other. In fact, animals used to be human. The Tlingit people are known for fishing though other animals such as caribou and moose are hunted along with deer, mountain goats, and birds. The language spoken as well as their name means “People of the Tides.”
What is so fascinating? What dualities have surfaced?
There is always the human/animal debate, which brings about a duology. The Raven is one of the known tricksters and can transform and shapeshift. Knowing this human/animal connection, perhaps this shows Raven as animal and human at the same time.
I find it interesting of the dynamics between Seagull and Raven. Almost a yin/yang feel right there.
And…I love how this is also a pourqoui story of why the Seagull stands on one foot. You’ll see what I mean!
50-word-or-less summary:
Animals had cedar-box with special gifts. As boxes opened, gifts! Water. Mountains/hills. Seeds. Wind. Seagull kept box closed. Held light. Animals begged Seagull to open box. Raven wished Seagull had thorn in foot. Appeared! Raven pushed it in. Claimed too dark. Opened box – became moon. More – then sun.
Finding the Story:
A version of this story on a Scouting site – found here
“Myths, Legends, History Oh My!” blog site – found here
Story shared on National Library of Scotland – found here
Please share in the comments…or anything on your mind. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has been “dual” in our offerings of our hybrid summit & festival on May 9-12, 2022 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; Youth, Educators, Storytellers (YES); City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Clever Octopus, and 80+ businesses and individuals.
For some reason, I am fascinated by light-bringing stories these days 🙂
The Multicolored Diary
Yes, we all need more light or discover how light can be brought forth in our lives.
Hah, this box is the opposite of Pandora’s: all sorts of good things instead of all sorts of bad!
B is for Breathing Fire
Yes, thought of Pandora’s box, too. Then this box. How many of us hold tight and do not share that light? What gets us to share?
Every mythology needs their tricksters. Raven came through it this one.
Tasha
Tasha’s Thinkings: YouTube – What They Don’t Tell You (and free fiction)
Usually the tricksters get us the gifts that we enjoy today!
Tlingit culture sounds amazing. I enjoyed reading the myth of the box.
Yes, love understanding views and meanings. So glad you enjoyed the micro-version of that story (or longer versions through the links)!