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Post by Shan on Jun 11, 2006 1:46:43 GMT
Hey Fille, you have come up with some really good ones too. I like the Windingo legends and Why the Leaves Have Many Colors in Autumn. I haven't had a chance to read the canoe one yet, but I will.
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Post by Shan on Jun 11, 2006 1:48:57 GMT
Jags, instead of giving her the name Mosquito, why couldn't it have been some more useful. Maybe then we wouldn't have mosquitoes to eat us alive. ;D Good posts. Thank you. I've really enjoyed all of them.
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Post by Shan on Jun 11, 2006 1:52:20 GMT
More Scandinavian Myths
Hel, child of Loki
Sigyn stayed a loyal wife to Loki when the gods punished him for the death of Balder. After the Trickster was chained to three large boulders with a poisonous snake above his head, she caught most of the dripping venom in a bowl. But it's Angrboda, the Giantess, who is the mother of his children. And what troublesome children they are!
Hel was the youngest of three children born of Loki and the giantess Angroboda.
When the gods kidnapped all three children, Hel was cast into Nifilheim to look over the dishonoured dead, or those that died of illness or old age, sharing whatever food she had with them.
It was in Nifilheim that she built her hall called Eljudnir, and within she had a manservant and maidservant named Ganglati and Ganglot, whose names mean Tardy. They were so slow that no one could tell if they were coming or going, or indeed if they were moving at all. On her table sat Hel's plate which was called Hunger, her knife which was called Famine. In her hall was her bed named Sick Bed and her bed hangings called Glimmering Misfortune.
Hel herself was very odd, yet horrifying looking monster. Half of her face was lovely and fair to look at, taking after her father, while the other half was ugly and misshapen like her mother. From her waist up her skin was pink and alive while from her waist down it was dead and rotting
When Balder the Beautiful and his wife Nanna died, they went to Hel's hall. Nine days later, Hermod, the brother of Balder rode the eight-legged steed Sleipnir to Nifilheim and spent the night with his brother. The next day Hermod met with Hel and explained to her the grief the gods were suffering because of Balders death, and begged her to release the fair god.
Hel agreed to let Balder go back to the living world on the condition that everyone in the nine worlds truly did grieve him. Hermod returned to the living world and informed the gods of the succesful outcome. Then the gods managed to get all things in the nine worlds to grieve, except for one giantess named Thokk, who was really Hel's father Loki in disguise.
Because of Loki's act, Balder will remain in Nifilheim until Ragnarok
Hel will make her last stand at the twilight of the gods when she brings her hoard of dead up and out of Nifilheim to join her father and the other giants in the final battle of Ragnarok.
Unlike her brothers Fenrir the Wolf and Jormungand the Serpent, we don't quite know how she will meet her doom on the field of Vigrid .. but meet her doom she surely will.
For it is destined so.
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Post by Shan on Jun 11, 2006 1:55:56 GMT
A Scandinavian Myth
Odin Allfather
He is called Alfadir, Allfather, for he is indeed Father of the Gods. You remember his grief for his favourite son in the death of Balder but he is also the father of Hod and Hermod, Visar and the mighty Thor. At times, Odin Allfather will cross the Rainbow Bridge and mingle with men in our world of Midgard.
His attributes are the spear Gungnir, which never misses its target, the ring Draupnir, from which every ninth night eight new rings appear, and his eight-footed steed Sleipnir. He is accompanied by the wolves Freki and Geri, to whom he gives his food for he himself consumes nothing but wine.
From the first Odin had a desire for knowledge and wisdom, and he consulted all living things to obtain them. He gained most from his uncle Mimir, who guarded the Well of Knowledge, but he had to sacrifice an eye to drink from the Well. Now the Allfather has but one eye, which blazes like the sun.
Just as we mortals grow old, the gods too, grow old, and like us search for rejuvenation. The Gods of the North ward off ageing by eating magic apples kept by the goddess Idun.(see apples in mythology).
Odin hanging from the World Tree But Odin, in typically male fashion, went about it in a much harder way. He pierced himself with his own spear and hung himself for nine days from the great cosmic tree Yggdrasil. Hanging suspended like this he renewed his youth, and it was here he learned nine powerful songs and eighteen powerful runes, to become the master of the runic inscriptions that can accomplish any mortal purpose, either beneficial or baneful.
Odin was invaluable in warfare. His mere presence could strike the enemy blind, deaf, and, more chilling to men, sexually impotent. However, he may decide to change allegiance if he witnessed great acts of bravery, for the Allfather values courage above all other human traits, a quality which he himself has demonstrated.
When you are aware that the final battle is drawing nearer, a battle in which you and your comrades and followers will die, you need to be brave. And when you are fully aware that the universe itself is doomed, it can be hard to keep up courage. But Odin Allfather has ordered the Valkyries to collect a band of only the most courageous warriors to sit with him in Valhalla, the heroes who will face the end with brave hearts.
In the end, Odin will slay the wolf, Fenrir, just as Fenrir devours him. But that is the time of Ragnarok, when all will end. For it is destined so.
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Post by janggut on Jun 12, 2006 4:57:31 GMT
this is an australian aborigine folk tale ...
How the Kangaroo Got a Long Tail, and the Wombat a Flat Forehead
Many years ago, Mirram the kangaroo and Warreen the wombat were both men. They were very friendly, and hunted and lived together in the same camping-ground. Warreen had a very comfortable gunyah made of bark and soft leaves, but Mirram who was a careless fellow-did not trouble to build a home. He was content to sleep in the open, by the side of a big fire, with the blue sky for a cover, and the green grass for a couch. This open air life was very nice in fine weather, when the stars twinkled in the sky like golden fire-flies, but it was extremely uncomfortable in the rainy season.
Ore night a great storm arose. The wind howled eerily, and rocked the tall trees to and fro as though they were shaken by the strong arms of an invisible giant. The rain fell in torrents, and darkness covered the light of the stars. The rain quickly quenched the glowing embers of Mirram's fire, and he was left to the mercy of the storm. After shivering in the cold for some time, he decided to seek the hospitality of Warreen. "Surely my friend would not refuse me shelter on such a night as this," he thought. "I will ask him."
Feeling very cold and miserable, he crept to the opening of Warreen's tent, and seeing there was sufficient space for both of them to sleep comfortably, he woke him and said: "The storm has killed my fire. I am very wet, and the cold wind has chilled me to the bone. May I sleep in the corner of your tent?" Warreen blinked his eyes sleepily and answered in a gruff voice: "No. I want to place my head in that corner. There isn't any room." With this rude remark he moved into the corner, but, as he could not occupy the whole space of the tent, another corner became vacant. Mirram went away and sat by the wet ashes of his fire, and his thoughts were as miserable as the weather. The fury of the storm increased, and looking anxiously at the rainproof gunyah of his friend, he decided to approach Warreen again. He entered the shelter, and, touching Warreen gently on the shoulder, said: "The wind is very cold, and as biting as the teeth of the wild dog. The rain is falling heavily and will not cease. I should be grateful if you would allow me to sleep in that corner. I will not disturb you." Warreen raised his head, listened to the moaning of the storm outside, and then replied: "I will not have you here; there isn't any room. Go outside and do not keep waking me." "But," replied Mirram, "there is room in that corner. Surely you wouldn't drive me out into the storm to die!"
Thereupon, Warreen moved one leg into the corner and again a space became vacant. Seeing he could no longer hoodwink Mirram and hide from him his selfish intentions, he grew very angry and yelled: "Get out! Get out! I won't have you in my tent. I don't care where you die." This harsh treatment exasperated Mirram and he left the tent in a terrible rage. Outside the tent, he groped around in the dark until he found a large flat stone. Then he crept silently to the gunyah. By the sound of heavy breathing he knew Warreen was asleep. Moving very silently, he entered the tent, and, raising the stone high in his arms, dashed it on the head of the sleeper. The terrible blow did not kill Warreen but flattened his forehead. When he had recovered from his pained surprise, he heard the mocking voice of Mirram saying: "That is your reward for treating a friend so cruelly. You and your children and their children's children will wander through the land with flat foreheads that men may know them for your selfishness." As Warreen was no match for his opponent, he did not answer, but nursed his sore head and some very bad thoughts. From that moment, he was always planning revenge for his injury.
Some time later, Warreen was hunting in the forest, and, through the shadow of the trees, he saw Mirram a short distance ahead. He crept noiselessly towards him, and, when Mirram was looking for the marks of a possum on the bark of a tree, he threw a spear at him with all his strength. The spear struck Mirram at the bottom of the back, and so deeply did it enter that he could not pull it out. While he was struggling with the spear, Warreen walked up to him, and, in a bantering voice, said: "Aha! My turn has come at last. I have waited long to repay you. You will always carry the spear in your back and wander without a home while you live. Your children will carry the spear and be homeless for ever. By these tokens, men will always remember your attempt to kill me while I slept."
From that time the kangaroo has had a long tail, which makes a low, thudding sound as he wanders homeless through the bush, and the wombat still has a very flat forehead as an everlasting sign of selfishness.
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Post by janggut on Jun 12, 2006 5:15:34 GMT
this one is from southern Nigeria, by Elphinstone Dayrell, published by Longmans, Green and Co., 1910.
The Elephant and the Tortoise; or, Why the Worms are Blind and why the Elephant has Small Eyes
WHEN Ambo was king of Calabar, the elephant was not only a very big animal, but he had eyes in proportion to his immense bulk. In those days men and animals were friends, and all mixed together quite freely. At regular intervals King Ambo used to give a feast, and the elephant used to eat more than any one, although the hippopotamus used to do his best; however, not being as big as the elephant, although he was very fat, he was left a long way behind.
As the elephant ate so much at these feasts, the tortoise, who was small but very cunning, made up his mind to put a stop to the elephant eating more than a fair share of the food provided. He therefore placed some dry kernels and shrimps, of which the elephant was very fond, in his bag, and went to the elephant's house to make an afternoon call.
When the tortoise arrived the elephant told him to sit down, so he made himself comfortable, and, having shut one eye, took one palm kernel and a shrimp out of his bag, and commenced to eat them with much relish.
When the elephant saw the tortoise eating, he said, as he was always hungry himself, "You seem to have some good food there; what are you eating?"
The tortoise replied that the food was "sweet too much," but was rather painful to him, as he was eating one of his own eyeballs; and he lifted up his head, showing one eye closed.
The elephant then said, "If the food is so good, take out one of my eyes and give me the same food."
The tortoise, who was waiting for this, knowing how greedy the elephant was, had brought a sharp knife with him for that very purpose, and said to the elephant, "I cannot reach your eye, as you are so big."
The elephant then took the tortoise up in his trunk and lifted him up. As soon as he came near the elephant's eye, with one quick scoop of the sharp knife he had the elephant's right eye out. The elephant trumpeted with pain; but the tortoise gave him some of the dried kernels and shrimps, and they so pleased the elephant's palate that he soon forgot the pain.
Very soon the elephant said, That food is so sweet, I must have some more but the tortoise told him that before he could have any the other eye must come out. To this the elephant agreed; so the tortoise quickly got his knife to work, and very soon the elephant's left eye was on the ground, thus leaving the elephant quite blind. The tortoise then slid down the elephant's trunk on to the ground and hid himself. The elephant then began to make a great noise, and started pulling trees down and doing much damage, calling out for the tortoise but of course he never answered, and the elephant could not find him.
The next morning, when the elephant heard the people passing, he asked them what the time was, and the bush buck, who was nearest, shouted out, "The sun is now up, and I am going to market to get some yams and fresh leaves for my food."
Then the elephant perceived that the tortoise had deceived him, and began to ask all the passers-by to lend him a pair of eyes, as he could not see, but every one refused, as they wanted their eyes themselves. At last the worm grovelled past, and seeing the big elephant, greeted him in his humble way. He was much surprised when the king of the forest returned his salutation, and very much flattered also.
The elephant said, " Look here, worm, I have mislaid my eyes. Will you lend me yours for a few days? I will return them next market-day."
The worm was so flattered at being noticed by the elephant that he gladly consented, and took his eyes out-which, as every one knows, were very small-and gave them to the elephant. When the elephant had put the worm's eyes into his own large eye-sockets, the flesh immediately closed round them so tightly that when the market-day arrived it was impossible for the elephant to get them out again to return to the worm; and although the worm repeatedly made applications to the elephant to return his eyes, the elephant always pretended not to hear, and sometimes used to say in a very loud voice, " If there are any worms about, they had better get out of my way, as they are so small I cannot see them, and if I tread on them they will be squashed into a nasty mess."
Ever since then the worms have been blind, and for the same reason elephants have such small eyes, quite out of proportion to the size of their huge bodies.
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Post by janggut on Jun 13, 2006 5:00:24 GMT
since this website i'm about to share with u doesn't allow reproduction of any of its stories, so i will only give link to its site. this site is about the folklores of aborigines of Australia, particularly dreamtime which is about creation for the aborigines. truly a wonderful set of stories. this site also has the story not only in text format but also in realplayer format, meaning u can listen to the story as well. enjoy!
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Post by Galadriel on Jun 13, 2006 20:22:45 GMT
I hate to see such a nice thread dying out, so I will place a nice story of mine too.
Theseus and the Labyrint (greek mythology)
During the late Bronze Age, well over a millennium before the birth of Christ, the Minoan King on Crete held the Athenian king to ransom. Every nine years the Athenian king sent as tribute seven male youths and a like number female virgins, the cream of Athenian society, to Knossos on Crete. Once on Crete the Athenian youths were fed into the dark heart of the gigantic Labyrinth, there to die at the hands of the dreaded Minotaur Asterion, unnatural son of the Minoan King’s wife and a bull.
One year the Athenian king sent his own son Theseus as part of the sacrifice. Theseus was determined finally to stop the slaughter, and to this end he was aided by Ariadne, daughter of the Minoan king, half-sister to Asterion and Mistress (or High Priestess) of the Labyrinth. Ariadne shared with Theseus the secrets and mysteries of the Labyrinth, and taught him the means by which Asterion might be killed. This she did because she loved Theseus.
Theseus entered the Labyrinth, and, aided by Ariadne’s secret magic, bested the tricks of the Labyrinth and killed Asterion in combat. Then, accompanied by Ariadne and her younger sister Phaedre, Theseus departed Crete and its shattered Labyrinth for his home city of Athens.
However, on the voyage back to Athens Theseus had a dream in which the Gods told him Adriene was meant for other things than to be his wife, and so Theseus abandoned a distraught Adriene on an island. (In other version of the legend, Theseus threw Adriene over for her younger sister, Phaedra.)
It was a poor reward for aiding Theseus. Betrayal rewarded with betrayal.
Forgetting Adriene, Theseus sailed back to Greece and Athens, still carrying with him the secret of the Labyrinth which would later be called the Troy Game.
Many years later, when Theseus was an old man, he fell in love with a beautiful woman called Helen. He abducted her, and lived with her for some years, having with her a child. Theseus, smitten with an old man’s love for a much younger woman, told Helen the secret of the Labyrinth.
Further years passed. Theseus returned Helen to her father, and she married the King of Sparta, Menelaus. Then a prince of Troy, Paris, fell in love with Helen, and she with him, and they fled to Troy, thus initiating the Trojan War.
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Post by Shan on Jun 13, 2006 21:07:40 GMT
Jags, thanks for the stories. Those are really cute. (Kangaroo and Wombat one and the Elephant and Worn) The link you posted, the stories there are great. Lots of good reading. @ Ky Thanks for posting Ky. Good myth. If you have some more please feel free to post them. We love myths and legends.
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Post by Shan on Jun 13, 2006 21:10:34 GMT
This one comes from the California area - a Achomawi legend
Fish Hawk and His Daughter
Fish-Hawk lived down at Pit River. When Sun traveled in winter, he left his daughter at home, but he carried her about with him in summer. Sun did not want his daughter to marry any poor person, but a great man, like Pine-Marten, Wolf, or Coyote. Fish-Hawk got angry at Sun because he talked in this way of poor people, so he started and went down to the ocean, to Sun's place, and slipped into the sweat-house. It was winter now, and Sun's daughter was put away inside the house in a basket. Fish-Hawk stole her, carried her on his back to Coyote's house, and hid her away. He made the journey in one night. www Next morning Sun could not find his daughter, and did not know where she had gone. That morning Fish-Hawk took the basket with the woman in it, and put it away under the rocks in muddy water, to hide it so that Sun could not see and could not find his daughter. www Sun searched everywhere in the air and on the ground, but could not find her. Then he hired all men who were good divers or swimmers to hunt in the water, for he thought she was hidden in the water. All searched until they came to Pit River. One would search part of the way, then another. Kingfisher was the last man to go in search of her. He went along slowly to look where the water was muddy. At last he thought he saw just a bit of something under the water. Then he went over the place carefully again and again. www Many people were going along the river, watching these men looking for Sun's daughter. Kingfisher filled his pipe, smoked, and blew on the water to make it clear, for he was a great shaman. Then he went up in the air and came down over the place. The people were all excited, and thought surely he would find something. He came along slowly, and sat and smoked again, and blew the smoke over the water. Then he rose, rolled up his pipe and tobacco, and put them away. Then he took a long pole, stood over the water, pushed his pole down deep, and speared with it until he got hold of the basket and pulled it out. Old Sun came, untied the basket, took his daughter out, washed her, then put her back. He paid each of the men he had hired. Part of their pay was in shells. www Kingfisher said that it was Fish-Hawk who had hidden the basket. Sun put the basket on his back and started home. He was so happy to get his daughter back that he did no harm to Fish-Hawk for stealing her.
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Post by Shan on Jun 13, 2006 21:50:28 GMT
A Scandinavian myth
Deathof Baldar
The Death of Balder the Beautiful
The most beautiful of all the sons of Odin All-father was Balder the Beautiful. Although Balder knew he was loved by everyone, at night he tossed and turned, dreaming that he was about to be killed. Nothing could cure him of these nightmares.
The Seeress Speaks
Odin, concerned for his son, determined to find out why. He mounted his eight legged steed Sleipnir and rode out over the Bridge of Bifrost to Hel, in the Land of The Dead. Past the fearsome hound that is the Guardian of the Entrance, Odin the All-Father rode. Down into the chill darkness that is Hel, he searched for the grave of Volva the Seeress, and woke her from her cold dark sleep.
"For age upon age I have drifted dreamless in my deathly sleep. What is it that you would ask ?" croaked the Seeress. "Why are the Halls of Hel decked with silver and furs and laid out for a grand feast?" asked the All-father.
The answer chilled him to the bone. For the feast was set for none other than Balder the Beautiful. "Hoder, the blind god shall be the one to slay him." said the Seeress. "Ask no more of me." And with that, Volva the Seeress returned to her dreamless sleep of death.
Sadly, slowly, All-father mounted Sleipnir and returned to Asgard where he called a great council of the gods. They were greatly grieved, for Balder was well loved and many long speeches were made as to what could be done. Finally Frigg, wife to Odin and mother of Balder, thumped her white fist on the talk-table.
"I, the Mother of All, need only to extract a promise from all that exists not to harm Balder." she said. And so it was that Frigg set out on her quest to save her beautiful boy, personally pleading with all the living creatures on the earth.
Sun, fire, water, earth, iron, every sort of metal, tree, disease, beast, bird, fungus, poison, serpent and even the very stones swore never to harm Balder.
Loki plays his Tricks
So there was nothing that could harm Balder. Never did he cut himself with his knife, never did he stumble, nor did he trip. Never did he hit his head, nor prick his finger with a pin. When Balder's brothers discovered this they made it into a sport. At the feasts Balder would stand to one side as the others threw spears, stones and knifes, but whatever they threw at him was harmless. But there was one who stood aside - Loki, the Trickster.
One day Loki turned up in Asgard in the disguise of an old woman. He spoke to Frigg. "It seems to me that those youngsters are trying to kill Balder." Frigg smiled gently at the old woman, "Oh no, they would never harm him." she said. "All things have sworn not to harm him, except that sprig of mistletoe behind the oak, for it is still to young for such oaths."
Loki went straight away to the mistletoe and, plucking a sharp stem, fastened it to the end of a spear where the iron point would normally go. He sidled up to the blind god Hoder. "Why do you look so miserable? " he asked with a sneer Hoder could not see.
"I can hear the feasting and the laughter of those who throw things at my brother but I cannot join in, for I cannot see and the other gods do not allow me to carry a weapon for fear I may hurt myself."
"Come now Hoder," said Loki with a laugh, "If it truly means so much to you, I shall lend you this spear I found and shall even guide your hand." The unsuspecting Hoder accepted Loki's offer and let him guide his hand, Hoder threw the spear and the misletoe struck Balder in the heart.
And that was the death of Balder the Beautiful.
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Post by Shan on Jun 13, 2006 21:55:56 GMT
A story from China
Kuan Yin
Kuan Yin, Mother of Compassion
Everyone knows how to chant Amitabha Buddha, and every household worships Kuan Yin ~~~ Chinese saying
Women everywhere have prayed to her as the Tibetan Tara, the Christian Madonna or the African Yemaya and, as Kuan Yin, she is one of the most universally beloved of deities.
Kuan Yin is invoked for healing of a sick child, relief from pain and help in all times of trouble. Like Artemis, she is a virgin Goddess who protects women, offers them an alternative to marriage, and grants children to those who desire them.
Bodhisattva
She is said to be a bodhisattva, one qualified to enter Nirvana but who chooses to remain in the earthly realms and not enter the heavenly worlds until all other living things have completed their own enlightenment and liberated from the pain-filled cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. "I am cultivating this method of great compassion and hope to save all living beings," Kuan Yin said. "Any living being who calls my name or sees me will be free from all fear and danger."
Her presence calms those who suffer and brings peace to the heart. Her name means “She who hears the cries of the world” and she looks without judgement, reflecting back even the tiniest amount of love magnified a thousandfold. There are numerous legends that recount the miracles which Kuan Yin performs to help those who call on her.
Mercy and Compassion
For the Goddess of Mercy is unique among deities. She does not believe in vengeance, and is reluctant to punish even those who would benefit from a severe lesson. Those who could expect a dreadful penance in other belief systems can attain rebirth and renewal by simply calling for help with utter and absolute sincerity. It is said that, even for one kneeling beneath the sword of the executioner, a single heartfelt cry to Bodhisattva Kuan Yin will cause the blade to fall shattered.
Her Depiction & Attributes
Kuan Yin may be shown either in a standing or in a sitting position, but on top of her crown there is always an image of a buddha. In her hands she may hold a willow branch, a vase with water, or a lotus flower. The willow branch is used to either heal the ill or to grant requests and the water symbolises cleansing so that all living things are blessed with physical and spiritual peace. Her right hand often points downward, with the palm facing outward, the posture of granting a wish. In many images she also carries the pearls of illumination.
She holds a sheaf of ripe rice or a bowl of rice seed to denote fertility and the dragon, an ancient symbol for wisdom and strength is associated with her. Dressed in flowing white robes she is sometimes adorned with ornaments to denote her attainment as bodhisattva, or she is shown without them as a sign of great virtue.
A popular form depicts her with a thousand eyes and a thousand hands. The thousand eyes let her see the suffering creatures in this world, and the thousand hands allow her to reach out to help them.
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Post by Shan on Jun 13, 2006 22:04:51 GMT
This has been one of my favorites since I first heard it when I was litttle. I think it was the name that attracted me to it the most. When we read this one, the girls will go around the house for days afterwards saying Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sarimbo Hari Kari Bushkie Perry Pem Do Hai Kai Pom Pom Nikki No Meeno Dom Barako. Tikki Tikki Tembo, a Childrens' TaleA tale for children, explaining why the Chinese have short names. Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sarimbo Hari Kari Bushkie Perry Pem Do Hai Kai Pom Pom Nikki No Meeno Dom Barako. Once upon a time in faraway China there lived two brothers, one named Sam, and one named Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sarimbo Hari Kari Bushkie Perry Pem Do Hai Kai Pom Pom Nikki No Meeno Dom Barako. Now one day the two brothers were playing near the well in their garden when Sam fell into the well, and Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sarimbo Hari Kari Bushkie Perry Pem Do Hai Kai Pom Pom Nikki No Meeno Dom Barako ran to his mother, shouting, "Quick, Sam has fallen into the well. What shall we do?" "What?" cried the mother, "Sam has fallen into the well? Run and tell father!" Together they ran to the father and cried, "Quick, Sam has fallen into the well. What shall we do?" "Sam has fallen into the well?" cried the father. "Run and tell the gardner!" Then they all ran to the gardner and shouted, "Quick, Sam has fallen into the well. What shall we do?" "Sam has fallen into the well?" cried the gardner, and then he quickly fetched a ladder and pulled the poor boy from the well, who was wet and cold and frightened, and ever so happy to still be alive. Some time afterward the two brothers were again playing near the well, and this time Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sarimbo Hari Kari Bushkie Perry Pem Do Hai Kai Pom Pom Nikki No Meeno Dom Barako fell into the well, and Sam ran to his mother, shouting, "Quick, Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sarimbo Hari Kari Bushkie Perry Pem Do Hai Kai Pom Pom Nikki No Meeno Dom Barako has fallen into the well. What shall we do?" "What?" cried the mother, "Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sarimbo Hari Kari Bushkie Perry Pem Do Hai Kai Pom Pom Nikki No Meeno Dom Barako has fallen into the well? Run and tell father!" Together they ran to the father and cried, "Quick, Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sarimbo Hari Kari Bushkie Perry Pem Do Hai Kai Pom Pom Nikki No Meeno Dom Barako has fallen into the well. What shall we do?" "Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sarimbo Hari Kari Bushkie Perry Pem Do Hai Kai Pom Pom Nikki No Meeno Dom Barako has fallen into the well?" cried the father. "Run and tell the gardner!" Then they all ran to the gardner and shouted, "Quick, Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sarimbo Hari Kari Bushkie Perry Pem Do Hai Kai Pom Pom Nikki No Meeno Dom Barako has fallen into the well. What shall we do?" "Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sarimbo Hari Kari Bushkie Perry Pem Do Hai Kai Pom Pom Nikki No Meeno Dom Barako has fallen into the well?" cried the gardner, and then he quickly fetched a ladder and pulled Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sarimbo Hari Kari Bushkie Perry Pem Do Hai Kai Pom Pom Nikki No Meeno Dom Barako from the well, but the poor boy had been in the water so long that he had drowned. And that is why the Chinese children today have short names
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Post by Galadriel on Jun 17, 2006 13:18:52 GMT
Hey Jang, that story about the how the tiger got his stripes, i knew that one from one of my story books, i loved to read it again here, allthough it was in a more adult version this time
@ Shan, thx I'll try to find some more, but this one is also one of my favourites from my childhood. I hope i can tell it well enough."Who is stronger?" The wind was bragging to the sun that he was soo much stronger then her. He said; "I'm the strongest, I blow everything away!! The sun just smiled and said, I don't need power to win, i use kindness and warmth. "Ok," he said "Let's do a contest, you see that man down there? The one that is just leaving his house? the first one that can get his coat off wins!" The wind started to blow and blow and the man hurried back in the house to get his hat. He held on to his coat soo fermly but the wind didn't gave up yet. He blowed again and again, untill his cheeks were the size of airballoons! But the more the wind blowed, the more the poor scared man held on to his hat and coat. "I give up" spoke the wind, "but you wont win either Sun" The sun smiled down to the man and started to shine and shine, and it only took a few moments for the man, to take off his coat and hat, and he started to sweat, so he also took off his shirt. The man was happy again that the sun came out. "You see?" spoke the sun "all you need is kindness and warmth to make people happy again"
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Post by Galadriel on Jun 17, 2006 13:46:33 GMT
Pandoras box
The first mortals lived on earth in a state of perfect innocence and bliss. The air was pure and balmy; the sun shone brightly all the year; the earth brought forth delicious fruit in abundance; and beautiful, fragrant flowers bloomed everywhere. Man was content. Extreme cold, hunger, sickness, and death were unknown. Jupiter, who justly ascribed a good part of this beatific condition to the gift conferred by Prometheus, was greatly displeased, and tried to devise some means to punish mankind for the acceptance of the heavenly fire.
With this purpose in view, he assembled the gods on Mount Olympus, where, in solemn council, they decided to create woman; and as soon as she had been artfully fashioned, each one endowed her with some special charm, to make her more attractive,
" The crippled artist-god, Illustrious, moulded from the yielding clay A bashful virgin's image, as advis'd Saturnian Jove.
" But now when the fair mischief, seeming-good, His hand had perfected, he led her forth Exulting in her grac'd attire, the gift Of Pallas, in the midst of gods and men. On men and gods in that same moment seiz'd The ravishment of wonder, when they saw The deep deceit, th' inextricable snare." " Hesiod (Elton's tr.)
Their united efforts were crowned with the utmost success. Nothing was lacking, except a name for the peerless creature; and the gods, after due consideration, decreed she should be called Pandora. They then bade Mercury take her to Prometheus as a gift from heaven; but he, knowing only too well that nothing good would come to him from the gods, refused to accept her, and cautioned his brother Epimetheus to follow his example. Unfortunately Epimetheus was of a confiding disposition, and when he beheld the maiden he exclaimed, " Surely so beautiful and gentle a being can bring no evil !" and accepted her most joyfully.
The first days of their union were spent in blissful wanderings, hand in hand, under the cool forest shade; in weaving garlands of fragrant flowers; and in refreshing themselves with the luscious fruit, which hung so temptingly within reach.
One lovely evening, while dancing on the green, they saw Mercury, Jupiter's messenger, coming towards them. His step was slow and weary, his garments dusty and travel-stained, and he seemed almost to stagger beneath the weight of a huge box which rested upon his shoulders. Pandora immediately ceased dancing, to speculate with feminine curiosity upon the contents of the chest. In a whisper she begged Epimetheus to ask Mercury what brought him thither. Epimetheus complied with her' request; but Mercury evaded the question, asked permission to deposit his burden in their dwelling for safe-keeping, professing himself too weary to convey it to its destination that day, and promised to call for it shortly. The permission was promptly granted. Mercury, with a sigh of relief, placed the box in one corner, and then departed, refusing all hospitable offers of rest and refreshment.
He had scarcely crossed the threshold, when Pandora expressed a strong desire to have a peep at the contents of the mysterious box; but Epimetheus, surprised and shocked, told her that her curiosity was unseemly, and then, to dispel the frown and pout seen for the first time on the fair face of his beloved, he entreated her to come out into the fresh air and join in the merry games of their companions. For the first time, also, Pandora refused to comply with his request. Dismayed, and very much discouraged, Epimetheus sauntered out alone, thinking she would soon join him, and perhaps by some caress atone for her present wilfulness.
Left alone with the mysterious casket, Pandora became more and more inquisitive. Stealthily she drew near and examined it with great interest, for it was curiously wrought of dark wood, and surmounted by a delicately carved head, of such fine workmanship that it seemed to smile and encourage her. Around the box a glittering golden cord was wound, and fastened on top in an intricate knot. Pandora, who prided herself specially on her deft fingers, felt sure she could unfasten it, and reasoning that it would not be indiscreet to untie it if she did not raise the lid, she set to work. Long she strove, but all in vain. Ever and anon the laughing voices of Epimetheus and his companions, playing in the luxuriant shade, were wafted in on the summer breeze. Repeatedly she heard them call and beseech her to join them; yet she persisted in her attempt. She was just on the point of giving up in despair, when suddenly the refractory knot yielded to her fumbling fingers, and the cord, unrolling, dropped on the floor.
Pandora had repeatedly fancied that sounds like whispers issued from the box. The noise now seemed to increase, and she breathlessly applied her ear to the lid to ascertain whether it really proceeded from within. Imagine, therefore, her surprise when she distinctly heard these words, uttered in the most pitiful accents: " Pandora, dear Pandora, have pity upon us ! Free us from this gloomy prison! Open, open, we beseech you!"
Pandora's heart beat so fast and loud, that it seemed for a moment to drown all other sounds. Should she open the box ? Just then a familiar step outside made her start guiltily. Epimetheus was coming, and she knew he would urge her again to come out, and would prevent the gratification of her curiosity. Precipitately, therefore, she raised the lid to have one little peep before he came in.
Now, Jupiter had malignantly crammed into this box all the diseases, sorrows, vices, and crimes that afflict poor humanity; and the box was no sooner opened, than all these ills flew out, in the guise of horrid little brown-winged creatures, closely resembling moths. These little insects fluttered about, alighting, some upon Epimetheus, who had just entered, and some upon Pandora, pricking and stinging them most unmercifully. They then flew out through the open door and windows, and fastened upon the merrymakers without, whose shouts of joy were soon changed into wails of pain and anguish.
Epimetheus and Pandora had never before experienced the faintest sensation of pain or anger; but, as soon as these winged evil spirits had stung them, they began to weep, and, alas ! quarrelled for the first time in their lives. Epimetheus reproached his wife in bitterest terms for her thoughtless action; but in the very midst of his vituperation he suddenly heard a sweet little voice entreat for freedom. The sound proceeded from the unfortunate box, whose cover Pandora had dropped again, in the first moment of her surprise and pain. " Open, open, and I will heal your wounds! Please let me out! " it pleaded.
The tearful couple viewed each other inquiringly, and listened again. Once more they heard the same pitiful accents; and Epimetheus bade his wife open the box and set the speaker free, adding very amiably, that she had already done so much harm by her ill-fated curiosity, that it would be difficult to add materially to its evil consequences, and that, perchance, the box contained some good spirit, whose ministrations might prove beneficial.
It was well for Pandora that she opened the box a second time, for the gods, with a sudden impulse of compassion, had concealed among the evil spirits one kindly creature, Hope, whose mission was to heal the wounds inflicted by her fellow prisoners.
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Post by LaFille on Jun 20, 2006 2:22:13 GMT
OK, I caught up finally... Janggut, at least Mirram's descent could find a use for his tail; don't think Warreen's did for their flat forehead though. I love the way the scandinavian myths are told and the way they end; it's very dramatic. Gal, loved Pandora's box.
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Post by LaFille on Jun 20, 2006 2:34:15 GMT
Oochigeas And The Invisible Boy (Malecite)
There was once a Malicete Indian village on the edge of a lake in the land of the Wabanaki, and in this village lived three sisters. The two older girls, Oona and Abit, were handsome and proud, but the youngest, whom they called Oochigeas, was timid and plain. She suffered much from the selfishness of her sisters, but bore all their ill-treatment without complaint.
Because these girls had no parents, they were given meat by the tribe's hunters in return for making pottery. Through much practice, they had become the best makers of pots in the village. And this is how they made them. First Oona, the eldest, wove a basket from ash splints, then Abit lined it with wet clay. Finally, it was given to the youngest girl to harden in the fire. As the clay slowly baked, the wind blew the fire into Oochigeas' face, and in time her hair was singed close to her head and her face covered with burns. And that is why her sisters mocked her with the name of Oochigeas, which means "little scarred one."
Now Glooscap the Great Chief knew all his People. He saw the misery of Oochigeas and pitied her, and he scowled at the cruelty of her sisters, yet he did nothing. And this was something that Marten, his servant, could not understand.
"My elder brother," said Marten, "though she is plain, her heart is kind. Can you not help her?"
"We will see," said the Great Chief with a wise nod. "Oochigeas must help herself first. Kindness is a great virtue, but courage is the first rule of my People."
Now on the far side of the lake, remote from the village, there lived an Indian youth called Team, who had the wonderful power of making himself invisible. To all save his sister he was as the rustle of a leaf in the forest, a sigh of wind in the treetops, or a breath of air in the heavens. His name meant "moose" and the moose was his totem, or charm, that gave him his power. Having this magical power, Team needed no bow and arrow. He could walk straight up to game, without being seen or heard, and slay it with his bare hands. One day, Team's sister appeared in the village.
"My brother is tired of living alone," she said to the people. "Team will marry the first girl who is able to see him."
Now, though no person had seen Team, or knew if he was tall or short, fat or thin, plain or handsome, yet they knew of his magic power and his great success in hunting. To the Indians, who live by hunting, a brave who can keep meat in his lodge all the time is admired above all others. He is a kind of prince. It is no wonder that every maiden in the village yearned to become the bride of the Invisible Boy. All the unmarried maidens were eager to try their fortune and, one after another, each made a visit to the lodge across the lake. And, one after another, each came back disappointed. At last, all had made the attempt except the three Sisters.
"Now it is my turn," said Oona. "I'm sure I shall be able to see him."
"You indeed!" sniffed Abit. "I'm as likely to see him as you are. Why should you go first?" "I am the eldest!" "Team is sure to want a younger woman!"
The two sisters glared at each other.
"You needn't think I shall let you go alone," declared Oona angrily. "Then we'll go together," said Abit. And so they did. Dressing themselves in their finest robes, they set off for the lodge across the lake. Team's sister received them kindly and took them to the wigwam to rest after their journey. Then, when it was time for her brother's return, she led them to the shore.
"Do you see my brother?" she asked. The two girls gazed eagerly out over the lake. They saw a canoe approaching, but though it moved swiftly through the water, it appeared to be empty! No paddle could be seen, for whatever Team held or wore became also invisible.
Abit thought to herself that she would pretend to see him, and Team's sister would never know the difference. "I see him!" she cried. And Oona, not to be outdone, echoed, "Yes! I see him too!" Team's sister knew that at least one of the girls lied, for only one maiden would be allowed to see her brother and that would be his future bride.
"Of what is his shoulder strap made?" she asked. The two girls thought for a moment. They knew that, generally, Indians used rawhide or withe for their shoulder straps. "A strip of rawhide," guessed Abit. "No--withe!" cried Oona.
Then Team's sister knew that neither had seen her brother and she resolved to punish them for their dishonesty. "Very well," she said quietly. "Come to the wigwam and help me prepare my brother's supper."
The two girls were anxious to know which of them had given the correct answer, so they followed Team's sister and helped her prepare the meal. Each hoped that she alone would see Team when he came. When all was ready, the sister of Team warned the girls not to sit in her brother's place but to remain on her side of the fire. Then, looking up, she greeted her brother, but the girls could see no one.
"Take my brother's load of meat," she told Abit, who looked around her in dismay. As long as the meat was on Team's shoulder, it could not be seen. Suddenly, a great load of venison dropped from nowhere on Abit's toes. Abit screamed and ran from the lodge in pain and fright. Now Team's sister told Oona to remove her brother's wet moccasins and put them to dry. Of course Oona could not do so. A pair of wet moccasins came suddenly sailing through the air and slapped her across the face. Then Oona too ran away, crying with mortification.
"My bride is a long time coming," sighed Team. "And those were very fine looking girls." "Patience, my brother. You must have one who is brave and truthful, as well as lovely, and such a one has not come yet." Abit and Oona returned home to vent their rage and spite on poor Oochigeas. To escape their cruelty, she fled to the woods and there, in a secluded spot, relieved her heart with tears. But when there were no tears left, and her spirit had been calmed by the peace of the forest, Oochigeas began to think. Now that her sisters had failed, she was the only maid left in the village who had not tried to see the Invisible Boy. Yet, if her fine sisters had failed, what chance had she, poor and plain as she was? A great hunter like Team would not wish a scar-faced girl like Oochigeas for a bride. All the same, hope stirred in her breast. Her heart began to beat fast at the thought of going to Team's lodge. She had no fine clothes to wear. Her sisters might try to stop her. The people would laugh. It would take courage. Her mind was made up!
Oochigeas gathered sheets of birch bark and cut out a gown and cap and leggings, and sewed them together with grass. The clothing was stiff and awkward, and it crackled when she walked, but it covered her. Then she went home and found a pair of Oona's discarded moccasins. They were huge on her small feet and she had to tie them on by winding the strings around her ankles. She was truly an odd-looking sight, and her two sisters stared at her in amazement. "Where are you going in that ridiculous outfit?" Oona asked. "I am going to Team's lodge," answered Oochigeas. "What! You foolish girl! Come back!" "Oh, let her go," said Abit. "Let the people see her and she'll come back soon enough, in tears."
Oochigeas' way lay through the village, and the men and boys shouted and jeered at her. "Shame, shame!" "Ugly creature!" "See how her burned hair sticks out from her cap!" "Why does she wear birch bark instead of skins?" "Come back, Oochigeas. Where do you think you're going? To see Team?" And they laughed so hard they rolled on the ground. But, though her heart burned with shame, Oochigeas pretended not to hear, and walked on with her head high, until she was out of their sight. Then she hurried through the woods and around the edge of the lake, trying not to think of the ordeal ahead. Doubtless Team's sister would laugh at her too. Still she went on, and came at last to the lodge and saw Team's sister at the door.
"I have come," gasped Oochigeas before the other could speak, "I have come--to see Team--if I can." And she looked pleadingly at Team's sister. "Come in and rest," said the sister of Team gently, and Oochigeas nearly wept at the unexpected kindness, but she managed to retain her dignity as they waited in silence for the sun to go down. Then Team's sister led her to the lake.
"Do you see my brother?" she asked. Oochigeas looked and saw a canoe, empty. She heard the dip of a paddle and the swish of the water at the bow, but though she gazed with all her might, she saw no one. She whispered with a sinking heart, "No, I cannot see him."
"Look again," urged Team's sister, out of pity, and be cause the girl had so far been truthful. Oochigeas gazed once more at the canoe, and suddenly gave a gasp.
"Oh! Yes! Now I see him!" "If you see him," said Team's sister quickly, "of what is his shoulder strap made?" "Why it is made of a rainbow," marveled Oochigeas, and Team's sister knew her brother had found his bride. She led the girl back to the wigwam and stripped off her ugly clothes, bathed her, and dressed her in doeskin, then gave her a comb to tidy her hair.
"Alas," thought Oochigeas, "I have so little hair to comb," but as she drew the comb against her head, she found to her amazement that her hair had grown suddenly long and thick. Moreover, the scars had gone from her face. She was beautiful!
Then the handsome Team came, laughing, and crying out, "At last I've found you, my lovely bride." And he led her to the wife's place in the wigwam. And from that day on, Oochigeas and Team, and Team's sister, lived out their days in peace and happiness. Far away on Blomidon, Glooscap looked at Marten with a wise smile. He had known all along, you see, that Oochigeas had courage under her gentleness, and a brave spirit makes all things possible. And so it happened.
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Post by Shan on Jun 20, 2006 21:41:44 GMT
Ky, Pandora's Box has always been a favorite of mine. I'm glad you posted it.
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Post by Galadriel on Jun 21, 2006 18:39:14 GMT
Ky, Pandora's Box has always been a favorite of mine. I'm glad you posted it. You are soo welcome my sweet friend, it's ojne of my favo myths too.
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Post by Shan on Jun 26, 2006 1:29:27 GMT
From the Philippines
The First Monkey
Long ago, in a forest, lived a young girl who served as an apprentice of the goddess of weaving. She was cared for and well-provided for by her supernatural benefactor.
One day, the goddess instructed her to prepare a dress by cleaning some cotton, beating it, spinning it, weaving it into cloth, cutting it, and finally sewing it.
Unfortunately, the young girl was quite lazy and found the dress-making process too tedious. So she took the leather cloth (used to beat the cotton on), a wore it thinking it would make a much longer-lasting dress.
Enraged, the goddess punished the young girl by making the leather stick to her skin, and by attaching the beating stick to her body.
So when you see a monkey with leather skin and a long tail, remember that lazy girl who once didn't have to struggle in the forest to keep herself alive.
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