Reading Notes: Brer Rabbit, Part A

For the current unit, my Myth and Folklore class had the option to choose between Asian and African units for our reading. This week, I have chose to focus on the African unit, specifically African Tales in the Americas: Brer Rabbit. Brer Rabbit, a series of folktales, recounts the stories of Brer Rabbit and other anthropomorphic animals in the American South. Written in the original dialect, our reading is taken from Joel Chandler Harris's book Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings. 

Joel Chandler Harris's book

From today's readings, I liked one story in particular. In the classic Brer Rabbit: The Wonderful Tar Baby, Brer Rabbit is tricked by Brer Fox, with a unique device of the fox's own creation. 

Brer Rabbit: The Wonderful Tar Baby

In this story, Brer Fox devises a plan to trap Brer Rabbit. Mr. Fox's motivations for trapping Brer Rabbit are never explicitly stated, but it can be inferred that Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit are casual enemies. Brer Fox forms a baby out of tar, and places the tar baby at the edge of the road. Brer Rabbit stumbles upon the tar baby while Brer Fox watches from nearby. Mr. Rabbit begins to argue with the baby, frustrated that it did not return his greeting. Ultimately, Brer Rabbit strikes the tar baby, becoming terribly stuck. Eventually, Brer Fox reveals himself as the baby's creator. However, the story does not end with a clear resolution or explanation of how Brer Rabbit became unstuck. 

If I were to create a new iteration of the story, I would better explain why Brer Fox was conspiring against Brer Rabbit, and the results of his plan. What is the nature of the feud between Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit? Is it natural to their species, or do they have troubled pasts? What happened after Brer Fox revealed himself? 

I would also like to explore the idea of the tar baby's becoming animated, and serving as its own character in the story. How might the baby feel about being a tool for revenge? Do his or her sympathies lie with Brer Rabbit, or with Brer Fox?

Week 6 Story: Miemun and Khojisteh

The prince wanted nothing more than to have a son. He prayed day and night for a strong and beautiful boy who would carry on his lineage. After what seemed to be years of prayer, the Creator acquiesced, and created for the prince a son who was shining as the sun, bright and kind. The boy's father, the prince, knew that it was not fitting for such a beautiful creature to be alone. So, he immediately began seeking a wife for his child, whom he called Miemun.
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Khojisteh seemed to be the perfect match for Miemun. She was beautiful in her own right, the moon to his sun. Shortly after the prince introduced Khojisteh to his son, they became inseparable. They shared a deep love for their families, storytelling, and learning more about the world around them. They were married in only weeks.

A Happy Day for Khojisteh and Miemun

Khojisteh was deeply infatuated with her husband. She could not fathom that he had been born of the Creator Himself, and that such a kind and beautiful man was her's to love. The longer their relationship lasted, the harder Khojisteh fell for Miemun, and the more she began to doubt herself. Khojisteh genuinely believed that she was not worthy of such a wonderful husband. Thus, she became clingy and desperate, striving to earn the love of her husband.
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Miemun was ecstatic when his father suggested Khojisteh for his wife. He had noticed the woman long ago, and had loved and lusted after her since. From the day they met, Miemun knew that they would marry, and hated waiting the prerequisite weeks to court Khojisteh. However, the waiting period was worth it, as he learned of Khojisteh's passions and fears. 

Despite Miemun's deep feelings for his wife, he was nevertheless frustrated by her at times. She had no confidence in his love, and overcompensated with neediness and self-pity. Miemun suspected that Khojisteh had a tendency to self-destructed, and worried what that may mean for the success of their marriage. He began to devise a plan. 

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Miemun would go away for an extended business trip, hoping to put a healthy amount of distance between himself and his wife, praying that his absence from her would make his heart grow fonder. Before leaving, he purchased a parrot to keep her company as he was away. Little did he know, the parrot would keep his wife from the company of others...

Author's Note: "Miemun and Khojisteh" is inspired by Tales of a Parrot, an ancient Mideastern legend in which a parrot prevents his mistress from committing adultery by distracting her with stories. As I read the legends, I found it odd that Khojisteh would cheat despite her alleged love for Miemun, and thought that more context was needed to make that jump. 

Reading Notes: Tales of a Parrot, Part B

To review, this week I have been reading the Middle Eastern Myth Tutinameh, or Tales of a Parrot. In these stories, a creative parrot is the pet of a merchant and his wife. When the merchant takes leave on an extended business trip, the wife becomes enamored with a stranger, and makes a plan to cheat on her husband. Thus, the parrot takes it upon himself to prevent the act of adultery, and begins to tell the wife many stories, which distract her from leaving home to be with her lover.

A Parrot Prepares to Tell a Story

In today's readings, I am focusing on an aspect that is common to all of the stories, along with the eventual conclusion of the series. First, I will discuss the woman's seeming obedience to the parrot. Then, I will recount my thoughts on the events of her husband's homecoming. 

Khojisteh and the Parrot

Each night when darkness falls, Khojisteh (the wife) prepares herself to visit her lover, but stops at the cage of the parrot. She seems to be asking the parrot's permission to leave and commit adultery against her husband. On the surface, the parrot seems supportive, encouraging the woman to make herself happy. Yet, he is a trickster, always telling stories that keep Khojisteh awake until dawn, preventing her from going to the man.

Khojisteh, while sometimes expressing her frustration with the parrot, never became outright angry with him. What would have happened if she had shown her anger? What if the parrot had not been allowed to continue tricking Khojisteh? 

A Husband's Return

Eventually, Khojisteh's husband, Miemun, returns from his travels. He asks what has happened to the parrot's companion. the sharuk bird. At this point, the parrot reveals all of the events that have transpired since the man has been gone, especially Khojisteh's attempted adultery. Miemun becomes angry at his trying wife, and kills her immediately. 

What I found most shocking about this reading was how quick Miemun was to believe the parrot, without evening questioning his wife. He killed Khojisteh so quickly, but I think their original passion demands more details as to how Khojisteh's death came about. 

Reading Notes: Tales of a Parrot, Part A

This week, I was most interested in reading Tutinameh, or Tales of a Parrot. In the original myth, a wise parrot belongs to a rich and beautiful couple. The husband goes away for several weeks on business, at which point the wife begins to wander into the arms of another man. So, the parrot conspires to distract the wife from her adultery through stories. Notes on the introductory stories can be found below.

A Wise Parrot

In my initial readings, I was fascinated by two important origins in this myth. First, the relationship between the man, Miemun, and his wife, Khojisteh. Second, the origins of the parrot himself. Read on for my thoughts on how both may have come into being.

Miemun and Khojisteh
According to the original myth, Miemun was created by God himself. "His countenance was resplendent as the sun." His earthly father, who had prayed to God for the creation of Miemun, married him off to Khojisteh. It was said that Khojisteh had a "body as fair as the silver moon," making her a fitting partner for Miemun. The myth also explains that the pair was deeply in love, and practically inseparable.

When writing a story for this week, I could potentially tell how Miemun and Khojisteh originally met. Furthermore, I think seeds need to be planted to explain why Khojisteh, who is said to truly love her husband would eventually move to cheat on him.

Khojisteh and the Parrot
The parrot, after learning of Khojisteh's intentions to cheat on her husband, moved to prevent the adultery by distracting his mistress with stories. This came only after the parrot watched as Khojisteh murdered his companion, the sharuk bird, after the other bird instructed Khojisteh not to be unfaithful to her husband.

In my stories, I hope to write more background for the parrot's character. How did he come to know the stories the shares with Khojisteh? How did he feel as he witnessed Khojisteh's killing of the sharuk?

Week 5 Story: The Pen of Life

At his father's request, E.B. was cleaning out the barn. He typically resented such a chore, and had rather stay inside reading or writing than be outside getting dirty. Today, however, the barn was cool and peaceful, and E.B. found he didn't mind sifting through old junk. So far, he had come across broken furniture, collections of knick-knacks, and a whole pile of rotten wood. Next, he planned to clean out his great-grandfather's ancient writing desk.

E.B.'s dusty, old barn

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E.B. rolled back the top of the desk, and was astounded by what he found there. Lying amongst torn paper and dried pots of ink was the most beautiful pen he had ever seen. It was iridescent, shimmering gold and silver despite the dim light of the dusty barn. The pen was encrusted with rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, yet somehow did not appear gaudy. Despite its being made of precious metals and stones, E.B. knew that when he picked it up, the pen would be light in his hand, and easy to maneuver.

E.B.'s fingers trembled as he reached for the instrument, but as soon as he made contact, the pen seemed to come alive, warming in his palm. E.B. grabbed a piece of paper, and gently touched the pen's tip to the paper's edge. He was not surprised to find that the pen naturally held the darkest, richest ink imaginable. E.B. began to write.
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Without thinking of what he was doing, E.B found himself forming his great-grandfather's name in beautiful script: Allan. Suddenly, Allan's image appeared next to E.B. in the barn. Startled, E.B almost dropped the beautiful pen.

"Peace, E.B.," said Allan. "You have discovered your birthright. This pen is imbued with tremendous history and power. It descends from a great pen of lost times, a pen which wrote the future and the past. While the pen in your hand does not have the same power, it holds great potential. Anything you choose to write in its ink will vividly become life, as sure as I am standing in front in front of you now."

E.B. spluttered, unable to form words in his shock.

"Worry not," said Allan. "The desk contains hidden manuscripts and instructions for the pen's use. You will learn to use it carefully and thoughtfully. You will write, and write well."

As the ink of his name dried, Allan's image faded away. E.B. immediately tore from the barn and into the house; he knew the first story he must write.



Author's Note: "The Pen of Life" is a rethinking of the Moslem legend of the pen of Allah, with which he wrote the future and the past on the Tablet of Destiny. I began to imagine the power such a pen might hold today, and the beginning of E.B.'s story is the result.

Reading Notes: Folklore of the Holy Land, Part B

This week, I have been continuing my reading of the Folklore of the Holy Land, from the book Folklore of the Holy Land: Moslem, Christian, and Jewish by J.E. Hanauear. I have enjoyed the unfamiliar interpretations of the Biblical stories I know well. Today's reading, while still featuring some Biblical characters, were more like fables than parables.

I enjoyed two stories in particular, neither of which seemed especially Biblical in nature, despite featuring Solomon (Suleyman) as a main character. The first, in which two pigeons are turned to stone by Solomon, seems to have important implications today. The second, which tells of a "destroyer plant," could be retold as a more explanatory legend than it was in the reading.

Two Stone Pigeons

Two Stone Pigeons 
In one of the stories, Solomon overhears the bragging of a male pigeon as it tells a female pigeon "I could kick [Solomon's buildings] down in a minute." Solomon rebukes the male pigeon, but forgives him when it become clear that the pigeon was only trying to impress his female companion. The pigeon flies away from Solomon, only to brag once again. Ultimately, Solomon turns both the pigeons to stone in his anger.

Such a story could be told many times over today. A weaker man takes credit for the works of a stronger man in order to impress a lady, only to have the stronger man become furious when he discovers the dishonesty. Perhaps I will explore this thread in my writing this week.

The Destroyer Plant

Destroyer Plant
When I first read of the plant called "El Kharrub," whose name means the destroyer, I immediately thought of ivy. The reading says that Solomon, who was a master green-thumb, discovered the plant, which told Solomon it had been sent to "destroy thy works." In the context of the previous story, in which the pigeons referred to Solomon's buildings, my interpretation was that it must be a plant that would pull down Solomon's architecture.

While the original story did not play out this way, I believe it could easily be rewritten to explain why ivy exists, why it climbs walls, and why it is ultimately destructive.

Reading Notes: Folklore of the Holy Land, Part A

This week, I have chosen to read a unit called Folklore of the Holy Land: Moslem, Christian and Jewish. The stories are taken from a book of the same name, written by J.E. Hanauer. Thus far, this week's content fits nicely with my past readings for the class, especially Genesis and the Noah narrative from last week.

Today, I was especially drawn to the possibilities for two different stories within my readings, which are reflected in my notes below. For the first story, I took notes on Allah's great pen, and may explore its capabilities in the future. The second pertains to the unique differences between the Muslim account of Adam and Hawa, and the Christian Adam and Eve, and attempts to align those stories. 

Allah's Great Pen
The reading recount that before Allah created the world, he wrote the past, present, and future on a great tablet made of a giant pearl and rubies. He wrote on the tablet using an awesome pen. The legend claims that this pen was made of precious stones and was so long that one would have to travel 500 years to reach its tip. Its ink was made of light, and the pen began to write simply because Allah commanded it. When the tablet was completed, the pen dried out and was finished.

This week, I would like to create a story which plays on that pen. What would happen if the ink had dripped, creating a similar, but less powerful pen? Who might discover the pen; how might he or she use it?

Islamic Adam and Eve

Adam and Hawa
In much the same way as the Genesis account, Adam and Hawa (Eve) are dismissed from Paradise after being tempted by the serpent, with the aid of Iblis, Satan. However, in this case, the four characters are cast out separately, each from a different gate. As a result, Adam and Hawa are not reunited until 200 years after their fall.

The legend speaks of the sexual immorality of Adam and Hawa during their time apart. I would like to further explain this story, perhaps taking it in a different direction. What obstacles prevented Adam and Hawa from coming together sooner? How were those obstacles overcome?

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Busts of Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto

My project this semester is called Three Brothers in a Spacious Kingdom, and will follow the Roman gods Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto as they rule over their earthly domains, as well as their planetary homes. I would love to hear whatever feedback you may have; just comment below!

Reading Notes: Noah, Part B

Unlike yesterday's reading, today's reading on Noah was taken entirely from Louis Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews. As such, it was all new material for me. While I was familiar with some of the stories from my personal reading of the Pentateuch, the Jewish legends offered interpretations to which I had never been exposed. I recommend reading portions 1-9 of section B to learn more.

This set of legends was more episodic in nature. While telling a chronological story, the progression of legends could skip only days or many years in between. Some legends recounted concise stories and portions of dialogue, while others were dry and historic in nature. Overall, two accounts stood out to me. The first, The Flood, offers a description of what it was like to care for the multitude of animals on the ark. Next, Nimrod describes the effects of Nimrod's favorite outfit, and how he came to possess it.

The Animals Entering Noah's Ark by Jacopo Bassano

The Flood
As I wrote yesterday, I am interested in learning more (or writing about) how Noah managed a large and diverse group of animals in an enclosed space for so long. This story gave some clarity to that idea, while also instilling in me further inspiration. It is said that Noah went to great efforts to make sure that the animals were well-fed, "feeding the day animals by day, and the night animals by night." He innovated in order to provide for them. He also asked a blessing up the urshana, an animal that was especially peaceful and patient. This supports my idea that Noah is, and must continue to be, characterized as kind and thoughtful.

Nimrod
Deviating from the common theme of this week's reading notes, the final story did not feature Noah, but one of his descendants. Nimrod was the great-grandson of Noah; Cush, the son of Ham, was Nimrod's father. In his resentment after being cursed, Ham stole from Noah the garments of skins that  had been given to Adam and Eve by God after they had eaten of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Ham passed down the garments, which eventually ended up in Nimrod's possession. The power of these garments resulted in Nimrod's being popular, so much that he led his people astray from God. I would love to flesh out the story of the garments - Did Nimrod struggle with their power, or did he always relish it? If the garments were so valuable, did anyone ever try to steal them?

Reading Notes: Noah, Part A

Today's reading on Noah featured both fresh and familiar accounts of the Biblical narrative. I began by reading the included pieces from the King James translation of the Bible, Genesis chapters 5 - 11. Then, I read a few related excerpts from Louis Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews. To follow along, read portions 1-8 of section A here.

 Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat by Simon de Myle

Unlike the previous readings for which I have written notes, which were mostly short fables, today's reading is a more continuous story. Within the story presented in these readings, several aspects of Noah's life stood out to me, including the wickedness of the generation in which he lived, the meaning of his name, and his relationship with his grandfather, Methuselah.

A Wicked Generation
In both the Biblical translation and Ginzberg's Legends, emphasis is placed on the evil nature of mankind. "God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth,...his heart was only evil continually." Ginzberg goes on to explain that at the time, fallen angels had committed multiple acts of fornication with human women, resulting in a strong but sinful race. Thus, Noah exists in stark contrast to all other people. He is sent as a hero that will restore God's creation to peace and purity. In my writings about Noah, I hope to capture this sense of endowment upon Noah's life, continuing to create contrast between him and his surroundings.

No Normal Name
In Ginzberg's "The Birth of Noah," Noah's name is said to indicate that "he would cause the earth to rejoice in compensation for all destruction." However, he is called Menahem, which means comforter. Ginzberg states that Noah could have been a comforter to his fellow men, if only they had repented from their wicked ways. This information about Noah has two possible implications for future stories. First, it goes a long way in characterizing Noah, presenting him as someone who is gentle and relatable. Next, it could provide the basis for a story explaining how Noah kept peace between the animals in the confines of the ark.

Mighty Methuselah
In the same story that details Noah's birth, Ginzberg shares that Noah's grandfather was the only one to refer to him as Noah, rather than Menahem. Methuselah also advocated on behalf of Noah when Noah's father, Lamech, is troubled by Noah's behavior and appearance. In later stories, it is also noted that God did not allow the flood to come upon the earth until after the death of Methuselah, who, besides Noah, was the only "pious" man on earth. Such facts lend themselves to the idea that Noah's purpose is closely connected to his grandfather.

Topic Research: Divine Brothers - Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto

Last week, I brainstormed potential topics for this semester's Storybook. One topic in which I am particularly interested is exploring the "experiences of the individuals responsible for creating natural phenomena," inspired by Shel Silverstein's Somebody Has To. Feedback on that branch of brainstorming has led me to a somewhat different, but still related topic. In researching mythological explantations for weather patterns and other natural systems, I naturally found stories of traditional Greek and Roman deities, who are said to be responsible for the behaviors of the sun and moon, wind and sea.

While Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades may be the more familiar identities of these three brothers, I prefer to recognize them as Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto. I intend for my stories to take place primarily in space, which each of the gods ruling over his own planetary kingdom, along with his share of Earth. As I write, my preferences for their Roman interpretations will become more apparent, with some storylines inspired by the Roman poet Ovid and his Metamorphoses.

Caravaggio's Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto

I intend to devote a story to each of the three brothers, with the main conflict of the story pertaining to his domain on Earth. In each episode, the god will be motivated by a conflict he witnesses related to the earth/underworld, sea, and sky, respectively. All three of the gods will be featured in all three of the stories, however. For example, Pluto's portion may be about the destruction of natural resources, or humanity's fear (or lack thereof) regarding death. Neptune's story might center around rising sea levels, or focus on his role as a god of horses. Jupiter's chapter could give explanation for recent storms, or denounce high levels of air pollution. While environmental stewardship could be a theme that unites the three stories, I will continue to research possible options, and how to connect them into a cohesive unit.

Week 3 Story: The Astrologer's Revenge

The Astrologer woke up in a cold sweat. For the fourth time this week, he'd dreamt of that terrible night.
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It had started out wonderfully. The Astrologer was doing his favorite thing, admiring the stars, and imagining the future they may hold. One constellation seemed to promise him a deep and passionate love, while another predicted that the next months would hold pleasant surprises.

Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night

As he scanned the sky from east to west, he noticed a troubling grouping of stars. They seemed to be telling him that the end was coming, but were not specific as to what end.

Suddenly, his feet fell through the ground. His mouth and nose filled with dirty water, and he sputtered as he struggled to catch his breath.

Sometimes, The Astrologer woke up after this point of the nightmare. On worse nights, it went on. He could handle having fallen, but the rescue was so much worse. The nearby villagers kindly pulled him from the sinkhole, but then began to berate his dreaming. They criticized his precious stars, claiming that they were millions of miles away, and unconcerned with The Astrologer. The villagers insisted that he should turn from the stars, and give his attention to the immediate.
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He'd dreamt of that night so many times, and now, he was ready the break the cycle. Despite the early hour, The Astrologer got out of bed and sought the stars.

He furiously studied the constellation he'd noticed that fateful night. He refused to believe that the end the stars had promised much be the end of his dreaming. He considered the relation of the constellation to the village, and collected information on the lives of the villagers.

Three sleepless days later, he believed he had cracked the stars' code. An end was coming, and it did not bode well for the villagers...
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The stars seemed to warn of an upcoming storm. It would be fearsome, full of powerful lightning and roaring thunder, and would take place directly over the village. Based on his reading of the stars, The Astrologer knew the village would not survive.

Even after all that had happened in the past weeks, his decision was easy. The Astrologer raced to the village square, warning everyone he saw that a storm was brewing, and it was time to evacuate. Many scoffed at his claims, while others broke into panic. Eventually, a town meeting was called.

The Astrologer maintained his claims, asserting that the village would shortly be destroyed by a great storm. Some seemed to believe him, but unfortunately, his rescuers were in power, and testified against The Astrologer's sanity. Ultimately, he was declared unreliable, and his warnings were ignored.

He left the village hurt and dismayed, but he knew he had tried his hardest to save them. That night, the stars, seeing The Astrologer's disappointment, sent a storm which leveled the village, without harming the villagers. The next morning, a search party found The Astrologer taking shelter in the hole he had once despised. The immediately brought him home, where he was given a place of honor and leadership as the village rebuilt beneath a starry sky.


Author's Note: "The Astrologer's Revenge" is a sequel to Aesop's The Astrologer, from the book The Aesop for Children. In the original fable, the Astrologer falls into a hole while admiring the stars, and is criticized for caring more about the distant future than the immediate present. After reading, I began to wonder how the Astrologer must have felt, and questioned if the stars would ever align for him.

Reading Notes: Aesop's Winter Unit

Once again, I adored this week's reading from Aesop's fables! There were two specific fables from this collection the I especially enjoyed, and have shared my notes on them below. Before reading further, you should preview the two stories: The Wolf and the Shepherd and The Astrologer.

A wolf and a shepherd can't be friends, right? 

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The Wolf and the Shepherd

In this story, a wise and patient wolf seems to make a plan. He begins stalking a herd of sheep. At first, the shepherd is worried, as he should be. But, the wolf watches and waits. Slowly, slowly he gains the shepherd's trust. Over the course of several days, it seems to the shepherd that the wolf is not attempting to harm the sheep, but is the shepherd's ally in their care. The wolf gains the shepherd's trust and appreciation. Soon, the shepherd opts to leave the sheep alone with the wolf, but only for a few hours. Nevertheless, he returned to find much of his sheep slaughtered, and regretted that he had ever trusted the wolf.

A wise wizard once said, "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." - J.K Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

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The Astrologer 

The Astrologer loved to look at the stars, for he believed that if man took the time to learn their patterns, the stars would show him the future. It was a normal, starry night when the man began to sense that the stars were claiming the world's demise. With intense focus, the man studied the sky, and was shocked when the earth seemed to fall from under him. Suddenly, he found himself deep in mud, unable to climb from the hole into which he had fallen. His cries for help brought forth a group of peers who willingly rescued him. However, they were quick to remind him of his own faults, asserting that he should pay attention to the immediate, and leave the heavens to their own devices. 

I think the aspect of these stories that drew me was the naivety of their main characters. Both the shepherd and the Astrologer believe in qualities that are not present in the reality of their situations. In the realm of myth and folklore, I think that dreamers are invaluable characters - exact the type who should populate stories of high fantasy, where ghosts, demons, and talking animals have domain.