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.
Jackals –
From Tibet
Tibet is known for the Himalayas Mountains. So many mountains. The average elevation is 4,380 meters (14,370 feet) above sea level. The lowest? About 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) above sea level. Yeah, high.
In the story, the Tiger never met Jackals before. When Tiger hears voices, he hears the word “Jackal” but has no experience to link it to an image. Where are Jackals compared to tigers in Tibet?
Jackals tend to live in open savannas, deserts, and arid grasslands. The story takes places with much rockiness and caves. Tigers in Tibet prefer to be about 4,000 meters above sea level within the Himalayas. So it all makes sense.
50-word-or-less summary:
Jackal family attacked by Dogs. Needed new home. Found cave but strong with Tiger smell. Father Jackal told family to still move in. Father on lookout for Tiger. When saw Tiger approaching, called out that kids impatient to eat Tiger meat. Afraid! Tiger ran to Baboon. Comforted. Baboon walked Tiger back. Father thanked Baboon for bringing Tiger. Ran away! Family safe.
Finding the Story:
Book “Favorite Children’s Stories from China & Tibet” – here
Wikipedia of “Folk Tales from Tibet (1906)/The Jackals and the Tiger” – here
Different story, Different country – but also involves Jackal and Tiger – here
Finding Resilience & Strength:
The Jackal Family already experienced so much distress and abuse from the dogs. They removed themselves from that situation and came upon a cave. Sure, it smelled of Tiger, but Father Jackal wanted to protect his family. He wanted to use his wits to make it work.
ACE stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences. The Jackal kids had an adverse childhood with those dogs. This leads to toxic stress. The parents found a place to rest and heal. They dug down and found the strength and resilience to outwit Tiger.
Here’s an article from Public Schools 1st NC called “ACEs and Resilience: What Can We do?” 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.