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 Finding Resilience & Strength through Traditional Tales.
Fire –
From Absaroke / Crow People
The Absaroke (Children of the Large-Beaked Bird) or known as Crow, are found around Montana and Wyoming. The Crow Indian Reservation is found southeast of Billings Montana back in 1885. Today? About 6,000 people are there.
When Brave Wolf asks the Thunderbird for rain at the right moment, the Thunderbird only had to flap its wings and blink its eyes to summon rain and lightning bolts. Despite this power, Thunderbirds do not kill people. Now, the Monster in the story…does not make that distinction.
50-word-or-less summary:
Thunderbird snatched Brave Wolf. Thunderbird explained that monster kept climbing cliffs and killing her babies. Asked for Man’s help. He asked for: rocks, buffalo, water. Took buffalo skin to make basket. Built fire. Asked for water in basket as Monster climbed. Man heated rocks. Threw into Monster’s mouth. Victory!
Finding the Story:
Book “Brave Wolf and the Thunderbird” – here
The Thunderbird of Native America – here
Rulers of the Upper Realm, Thunderbirds – here
Official website of the Crow Nation – here
Finding Resilience & Strength:
The Thunderbird experienced so much tragedy. We do not know how many babies she lost. Instead of contemplating the reason to live, she still had children and vowed to protect them. She was willing to go to someone smaller than her, show great humility, and ask for help. The Man could have focused too much on being snatched to help. He still did. They both are wonderful examples.
Here’s an article from the Greater Good Magazine called “What I Learned About Resilience in the Midst of Grief” to explore mental health and strategies.
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See quick list of programs here.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has been resilient and strong during these past years and looks forward to the next hybrid summit & festival on May 8-11, 2023. We 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; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Ashton Family Foundation; and people like you.