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.
Icy Individuals –
From Alaska, Canada & Greenland
There are many arctic breeds of dogs. From what I can tell, the “Master of Strength” or a dog could be an Alaskan Malamute. Though, there is also the Canadian Eskimo Dog as well as the Greenland Dog. As these are the three area where this story roams, then…who knows?
The Alaskan Malamute, probably of no surprise, is Alaska’s state dog. It does have that famous fluffly curled tail, much like the tail that curls and uncurls when releasing the toys from the Orphan so that the Orphan can grow and strengthen.
50-word-or-less summary:
Orphan played and won’t grow. Villagers abusive. Grandmother constantly mending Orphan’s clothes. Grandmother asked Orphan to summon Master of Strength (Dog). Dog curled tail around Orphan and released toys. Orphan grew! Grandmother hid growth from Villagers. Three Bears! Orphan as Bait? But…Orphan killed Bears. Villagers repentant. Skins became Orphan’s clothes.
Finding the Story:
Book “The Dancing Fox: Arctic Folktales” – here
Wikipedia on Alaskan Malamute – here
Benny Benson – made history in Alaska – connected with orphanage – here
Story of an orphan boy who became a wrestler – here
Finding Resilience & Strength:
The Grandmother was constantly patching up the Orphan’s clothes because the Villagers were so mean. When she ran out of thread, someone even suggested that the Orphan run around naked and laughed. The Grandmother and the Orphan went through so much.
How many years of this!
The Villagers switched from wishing to use Orphan as bait for the three Bears to respecting the Orphan. The Villagers knew they deserved much punishment. Amazingly, the Orphan was kind yet still had justice by not sharing the meat with those who abused him. He did many kind deeds and put his new-found strength to help his community.
The Orphan (and the Grandmother) survived and thrived.
Here’s a study through Chapman University called “Resilience in Individuals Who Have Experienced Emotional Abuse as Children” 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.