S is for Sorrowing Selkie

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.

SELKIE-

From Ireland/Scotland

How did the stories came about of half seal/half people (seal folk) creatures known as selkies? While people will differ, most think it was the sealskin coats that the Finnish or Sami wore while floating in their kayaks. The Irish and Scottish people exchanged these selkie stories.

What is so fascinating? What dualities have surfaced?

Do you live as a seal? Or a human? Or both? I have dreamed of what it would be like to be a selkie. There is so much sorrow – to be split between two worlds. When there is a child, it becomes more intense and heartbreaking.

Yet, not all selkie stories are sad. I have come upon kind ones and truly inspiring tales. So there is hope that a balance can be had. And joy. There can still be joy.

50-word-or-less summary:

Man heard singing. A dozen selkies (women). Seal skins on shore. Man took one. Selkies swam off except one. Trapped in woman form. Begged for skin. Man offered marriage. Time passed. Woman could not find her skin. Man and Woman had child who finds skin. Tells mother. She swims away.

Finding the Story: 

Origin of the Selkie Folk – found here

Storyteller Daniel Allison wrote a post on Selkies – found here

One of Several Selkie Stories – found here

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…

Go to A to Z Archive

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

Explore Summit & 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; High Desert Brain Trust; Ashton Family Foundation; and people like you.

R is for Reincarnated Rama

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.

RAMA-

From Hinduism, part of Ramayana

The Ramayana is an ancient epic poem that was written sometime between 500 and 100 BCE. Many say that sage Valmiki wrote it from India. It is quite the feat to summarize this epic to 50 words. I encourage you to read it. The main focus is on doing one’s duty, known as dharma.

What is so fascinating? What dualities have surfaced?

Reincarnation goes beyond duality. Birth and re-birth continuous. Vishnu and Laksmi already love each other. When both are reincarnated as Rama and Sita, that love endures. This is a beautiful duality.

Despite this love story, Rama does question if Sita has still been faithful to him. After all, she has been with the King of Demons for so long. What could have happened in the meantime? Instead of being insulted by taking a test to prove herself, Sita patiently shows her innocence. She must walk through fire, but the flames turn into flowers.

Even the strongest of love can have some questions. Two sides – confidence mixed with questions. A strong marriage can survive tests without being offended. Or at least recognizing that no one is perfect.

50-word-or-less summary:

Vishnu reincarnated as Rama. Laksmi as Sita. Love. Rama banished 14 years. Ravana, King of Demons, loves Sita. Kidnapped! Rama and brother have monkeys search. Ring given to Sita with promise to be saved from island. Bridge built. Battle! Ravana killed. Free! Rama worries of her faithfulness. Passes test. Innocent!

Finding the Story: 

Read the entire Ramayana – found here

Quick guide to the Ramayana – found here

Teacher-version of sharing Ramayana – found here

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…

Go to A to Z Archive

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

Explore Summit & 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; High Desert Brain Trust; and people like you.

Q is for Questioning Queen

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.

QUEEN-

From German, Polish, and Czech folklore

Rübezahl has been said to mean “Number Nip.” That “Nip” is short for turnip. The story reveals this more. He is the “Lord of the Mountains.” Some would call him a demon with a tail, but he is technically a woodwose that can shapeshift. What’s a woodwose? That’s a fancy way of saying “wild man.” Yet, Rübezahl has the power over the weather such as lightening or wind.

What is so fascinating? What dualities have surfaced?

Tricksters are always appearing one way and then are really another. Rübezahl constantly changes form. Can anyone know the true self of him?

The turnips – being the friends and family – are not what they appear either. Hmmm.

50-word-or-less summary:

Rübezahl abducted a princess and wished for her to be his queen. He turned turnips into her friends and family. Wilted! “Queen of the Mountain” asked Rübezahl to count her turnip friends. While he counted, she ran off. Became Queen…but not for him.

Finding the Story: 

Blog post on reflecting of story heard many times in ancestry – found here

Different story featuring Rübezahl – found here

Wikipedia on Rübezahl – found here

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…

Go to A to Z Archive

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

Explore Summit & 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; High Desert Brain Trust; and people like you.