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 “Fantastic Females in Folk & Fairy Tales.”
About Norse Symbols of Goat and Wooden Spoon:
The fact that Tatterhood, the main character of the story, is born on a goat celebrates fertility. The King and Queen tried for many years to have a child. When they were blessed with twins, the first child, later known as Tatterhood, bounds out on a goat. Besides fertility, goats represent strength and resilience. This reflects Tatterhood’s personality. If you are familiar with Norse mythology, Thor had two goats named Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr. Thor (and his guests) could eat these goats and they would arise the next day and could be eaten over and over again. As long as bones are not broken…or there would be consequences. Sorry, different story. Back to Tatterhood…she also waved about a wooden spoon, which was a sign that one could take care of oneself. Though, you may have heard of Welsh love spoons, where these spoons can be intricately carved with meanings for a spouse. But Tatterhood had a spoon before a possible love match. Thus, the spoon is more about her independence.
50-word-or-less summary
King and queen unable to have children. Eat flower (not weed). Ate both! Baby born riding goat waving wooden spoon. Plus beautiful twin sister. Trolls attack castle. Tatterhood attacks with goat/spoon. Sister’s head exchanged for cow’s head. Sisters retrieve head. Two princes. Youngest prince allows Tatterhood to be herself.
Finding the Story:
Book – Tatterhood: Feminist Folktales from Around the World: Volume 1 – here
Book – Tatterhood and Other Tales – here
Digital Story – “Tatterhood” – here
Wikipedia – Tatterhood – here
Tatterhood story with funny commentary – here
Finding the “Fantastic”:
What woman doesn’t want to ride a goat waving about a wooden spoon? The visual makes one laugh, but instant delight can transform into respect and an expanded perspective. Oh, and then to be able to bop trolls on the head with this spoon or some kicks from this goat? Fantastic!
While the action and adventure can intrigue, the exchange between Tatterhood and the youngest prince on the ride to the castle seals this story as one to make one think. Tatterhood had the power to change the goat to a horse, her tattered hood/cloak to a beautiful gown, and her wooden spoon into a scepter. Yet, the youngest prince honored Tatterhood’s sovereignty. She possessed supreme power and freedom of herself as soon as she was born on a goat and waving about a wooden spoon.
Recommended Article:
As Tatterhood was true to who she was, then enjoy this article entitled “10 Things Fearless Women Do” written by Anhchi Ly, MS, Health Coach/Behavioral Health Clinician.
Thoughts?
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See our popular links and upcoming events at our One-Stop.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
Story Crossroads celebrates the hybrid Summit & Festival on May 13-16, 2024 – 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; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; and people like you.