BARE BONES - BOOK #6 - HEALING STORIES |
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BARE BONES FOR STORYTELLERS - BOOK #6 – HEALING STORIES Stories devoted to healing, peace, courage, hope, freedom, acceptance of diversity, conflict resolution and recovery 100 Years of Story Skeletons from Around the World |
LIST OF HEALING STORIES (scroll down or click on your choice below)
1) The Brave Little Parrot as adapted by Rafe Martin (courage, bravery)
2) Aani and the Tree Huggers (courage, bravery, facing up to the "big guys")
3) Making Peace (difference between Heaven and Hell, Zen story)
4) The Moustache (competition, jealousy)
5) The Old Man and the Goat (anger, misunderstanding, tragedy)
6) The Healing Heart — Families (family healing through stories)
7) 17 Healing Stories followed by fascinating observations (from folklore)
8) The Wolf Within (folklore, harboring hatred, misunderstanding, death)
9) Kentucky Folklore about Healing (stories about healing)
10) Laura Simms' site for Crisis Stories (10 stories for healing after a crisis)
11) The Rainbow People (diversity; how to deal with prejudice)
12) How the Night Came into Being (grief support)
13) The Father, his Sons, and the Bundle of Sticks (unity in hard times)
14) The Seven Princes of Lara (Spanish tragedy, betrayal, death, revenge)
15) The Sandpipers and the Whales (prejudice, greed, war, conflict resolution)
16) The Wooden Bowl (lack of respect for elders, child restores family love)
17) The Bridge of San Martin (Spanish legend, courage)
18) The Woodcutter and the Bird (Korean, courage, bird sacrifices for man)
19) Shim Chung (Korean, courage, girl sacrifices herself for father's eyesight)
20) Strike It Rich (cultural differences; diversity; peaceful existence)
21) The Wise One (by Aaron Piper aka Aaron Shepard; wise old man makes friends with fearful giant)
22)
The Everyday Work of Art (by Eric Booth; anecdote about Frank O'Connor quoted by President Kennedy)
23) Learning to Write in the Sand (by Malba Tahan; a tale of understanding and forgiveness; peace)
24) The Fence (author unknown) (patience, perseverence, the power of words)
HEALING STORIES:
1) The Brave Little Parrot
["The Brave Little Parrot" is from an ancient Jataka tale from India. Found in More Best Loved Stories Told at the National Storytelling Festival
Synopsis:
When a forest fire breaks out and threatens forest animals, a little parrot tries to put it out alone by carrying drops of water on her back from the lake. A god changes itself into an eagle, urging the parrot to cease her useless task, but the parrot continues anyway. Moved to compassion, the god's tears fall as rain and this puts out the fire. Grass and trees are restored and the parrot's feathers are transformed into bright colors.
Full text by Rafe Martin and commentary by Cristy West found at:
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/little_parrot/brave_little_parrot.html
1a) Full text for "The Brave Little Parrot" found at:
http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/Clubs/buddhism/story/parrot.html
From The Hungry Tigress: Buddhist Myths, Legends, and Jataka Tales
Taken fron Inquiring Mind -- A Semi-annual Journal of the Vipassana Community Volume 10, Number 2, Spring 1994.
The Brave Little Parrot -- A Jataka Tale
Story:
Once, long ago, the Buddha was born as a little parrot. One day a storm fell upon his forest home. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed, and a dead tree, struck by lightning, burst into flames. Sparks leapt on the wind and soon the forest was ablaze. Terrified animals ran wildly in every direction, seeking safety from the flames and smoke.
"Fire! Fire!" cried the little parrot. "To the river!" Flapping his wings, he flung himself out into the fury of the storm and, rising higher, flew towards the safety of the river. But as he flew he could see that many animals were trapped, surrounded by the flames below, with no chance of escape. Suddenly a desperate idea, a way to save them, came to him. He darted to the river, dipped himself in the water, and flew back over the now raging fire. The heat rising up from the burning forest was like the heat of an oven. The thick smoke made breathing almost unbearable. A wall of flames shot up on one side, and then the other. Crackling flames leapt before him. Twisting and turning through the mad maze of fire, the little parrot flew bravely on. At last, when he was over the center of the forest, he shook his wings and released the few drops of water which still clung to his feathers. The tiny drops tumbled down like jewels into the heart of the blaze and vanished with a hissssssssss. Then the little parrot once more flew back through the flames and smoke to the river, dipped himself in the cool water, and flew back again over the burning forest. Back and forth he flew, time and time again, from the river to the forest, from the burning forest to the river. His feathers were charred. His feet were scorched. His lungs ached. His eyes, stung by smoke, turned red as coals. His mind spun dizzily as the spinning sparks. But still the little parrot flew on. At this time, some of the devas -- gods of a happy realm -- were floating overhead in their cloud palaces of ivory and gold. They happened to look down. And they saw the little parrot flying among the flames. They pointed at him with perfect hands. Between mouthfuls of honeyed foods they exclaimed, "Look at that foolish bird! He's trying to put out a raging forest fire with a few sprinkles of water! How absurd!" And they laughed. But one of those gods, strangely moved, changed himself into a golden eagle and flew down, down towards the little parrot's fiery path. The little parrot was just nearing the flames again when the great eagle with eyes like molten gold appeared at his side. "Go back, little bird!" said the eagle in a solemn and majestic voice. "Your task is hopeless! A few drops of water can't put out a forest fire! Cease now and save yourself -- before it is too late." But the little parrot only continued to fly on through the smoke and flames. He could hear the great eagle flying above him as the heat grew fiercer, calling out, "Stop, foolish little parrot! Save yourself! Save yourself!" "I don't need a great, shining eagle," coughed the little parrot, "to give me advice like that. My own mother, the dear bird, might have told me such things long ago. Advice! (cough, cough), I don't need advice. I just (cough), need someone to help." And the god, who was that great eagle, seeing the little parrot flying through the flames, thought suddenly of his own privileged kind. He could see them high up above. There they were, the carefree gods, laughing and talking, while many animals cried out in pain and fear from the flames below. And he grew ashamed. Then one single desire was kindled in his heart. God though he was, he just wanted to be like that brave little parrot, and to help. "I will help!" he exclaimed and, flushed with these new feelings, he began to weep. Stream after stream of sparkling tears poured from his eyes. Wave upon wave, they washed down like cooling rain upon the fire, upon the forest, upon the animals and upon the little parrot himself. The flames died down and the smoke began to clear. The little parrot, washed and bright, rocketed about the sky laughing for joy. "Now that's more like it!" he exclaimed. The eagle's tears dripped from burned branches. Smoke rose up from the scorched earth. Miraculously, where those tears glistened, new life pushed forth -- fresh shoots, stems, and leaves. Green grass pushed up from among the still glowing cinders.
Where the teardrops sparkled on the parrot's wings, new feathers now grew. Red feathers, green feathers, yellow feathers -- such bright colors! Such a handsome bird!
All the animals looked at one another in amazement. They were whole and well. Not one had been harmed. Up above in the clear blue sky they could see their brave friend, the little parrot, looping and soaring in delight. When all hope was gone, somehow he had saved them. "Hurray!" they cried. "Hurray for the brave little parrot and for the miraculous rain!"
Other sources:
http://www.seekermagazine.com/v0298/tongues.html
2) Aani and the Tree Huggers
Synopsis:
One day, Aani, a young girl in a large Indian family, is resting against her favorite tree when she hears the unfamiliar roar of trucks. She alerts the village women, who tell her that the sounds are made by men from the city who have come to cut down the trees. The women explain to the cutters that their trees provide the villagers with food and fuel; are home to animals; and prevent erosion. But the men are heedless. The cutters move closer, and as Aani makes a decisive move to save her special tree, the women around her are inspired and join in. Together, they help save their beloved forest.Based on a true event in northern India, this book presents an enduring message of bravery and environmental action.
Another review: Thomas L. Walley from Maryland, USA
This book is a plea for an ecological consciousness in regard to the forest. India has its share of tree rustlers, in spite of strict laws, and much irreparable damage is done by irresponsible felling. This story is well written for younger people with good illustrations. It is the story of a girl's fight to save the trees of her village from tree-cutters, and illustrates her and the village's feeling of reverence for the trees upon which they depended. It does represent one aspect of Indian culture (unfortunately, the tree cutters are another aspect) and can well be used as an introduction to village life; it is also interesting from the point of view of the exotic. My own love of the exotic has led me to many places around the world, and I feel that this sense of wonder about the world is a valuable characteristic and very much worth nourishing; this kind of book can encourage dreams.The incident described, although fictional, is very reminiscent of an actual event that took place in the State of Rajasthan. The Maharaja needed wood for a building project and sent his men to cut in a forest near a village. The people, who venerated their trees as the suppliers of many things necessary for their lives, literally hugged the trees. Several hundred villagers were killed before the Maharaja's men stopped. The trees, or their descendants, still stand as a testimony to the interdependence of the people and their environment. The villagers are also well-known for providing a refuge for both a kind of antelope and for birds, and for their reluctance to kill anything. Note: the paper and binding are excellent quality. My only complaint, and it is a minor one, is that the tale should have taken place in the desert, where trees are both more valued and more endangered.
3) "Making Peace"
A Zen tale told by Pema Chodron about a Samarai warrior obsessed with the question of the difference between heaven and hell. He demands an answer from a famous monk. The monk is preoccupied with making tea and does not answer him swiftly, instead focuses on what he is doing. In frustration the warrior lifts his sword threatening him, "If you do not answer me, I will kill you." The monk responded, "That is hell." Disarmed and startled, the warrior put down the sword. The monk: "That is heaven."
http://www.laurasimms.com
4) "The Moustache"
Another is an Afghan tale in my new book A Key to the Heart: A Collection of Afghan Folk Tales
http://www.laurasimms.com
5) "The Old Man and the Goat"
Synopsis:
There is a very powerful story by the S.Y. Agnon about a goat that takes the old man's son through a magic cavern to the holy land. The son sends the goat back to bring his father, putting a note in the goat's ear. But the father does not see the note and kills the goat in anger, at which time the note falls out. The father never sees his son again.
http://www.laurasimms.com
6) The Healing Heart for Families: Storytelling to Encourage Caring and Healthy Families
Storytelling to Encourage Caring and Healthy Families
By Allison M. Cox and David H. Albert
Foreword by Nancy Mellon
Synopsis:
This book provides powerful examples of the use of stories and storytelling in encouraging resiliency, empathy, respect, and healing. These engaging books contain stories, and narratives about the use of the stories in activities with different populations (children, teens, those with disabilities, seniors, inmates, etc.) or which address specific social or community problems (addictions, poverty, violence, racism, environmental degradation, homelessness, abuse).The books are a collective effort containing the expertise of over 60 storytellers and health professionals who illustrate the power of story in moving others to commitment and action, in building self-esteem and mutual respect. Included are folk tales, personal stories, articles, exercises, games, songs, and quotations, together with resource lists of stories, books and community agencies focused on similar themes. Essays include information on why storytelling works, approaches for sharing stories in various settings, how to encourage others to tell stories (involving the audience and creating a safe environment for others to storytell), and how to process the story through song, art, games, improvisational story plays, community projects, and discussion. Focuses on families, dealing specifically with healing through story, health promotion, disease prevention, early childhood intervention, children with medical problems, adopting families, schools, sexual identities, grief, and spiritual healing.
Allison Cox may be contacted at:
http://www.dancingleaves.com/allison/
7) 17 Healing Stories from folklore — The Treasure Chest
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/treasure_chest.html
The Treasure Chest is a special opportunity, akin to a reciprocal class given by one and all. The intention of this section is to present bite sized and provocative stories accompanied by notes or an introduction provided by the particular teller to stimulate conversation and give context to the tale presented. We love feedback and reactions. But, our hope is that each person who enters the Treasure Chest will try out the story in whatever way they are inspired and then let us know what happens; what you discovered; how the story was used and received. It would be great to hear about the particular context in which you chose to work with the story, and also what benefit it might have served. In this way, we have a touchstone for discussion that is based on stories that more than one of us may be using at a time. We can begin to engage in a fruitful and creative dialogue about storytelling.Also, we want to remind people that the use of these stories is without restriction when it is informal, or for a healing situation. We ask that the particular storyteller/writer be acknowledged, and if there is a cultural origin that it be honored by being mentioned. We only ask that the story not be recorded, or reused for any commercial purpose without specific permission from HSA and the author. In this way, we not only honor the timeless tradition of sharing stories, but also the timeless tradition of honoring the soulwork that brings each version to life.Below are links to the stories. You may submit comments about each of the stories through the links provided.
"The King's Wisdom"
A tale created by Susi Wolf
My experience of recovering addicts responding to this story has been positive. Even those I do not have direct quotes from have listened intently and shown engagement during the telling. Often times they will smile and nod or say "Right on" afterwards. I can hear them talking about the story and the crux of the conversations is about having another chance, about not being judged, about someone caring about them. They seem to grasp that the food and drink given by the King was not literal and that they have received gifts from counselors, mentors, etc. - Susi Wolf
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/kings_wisdom/kings_wisdom.html
"The Magic Ball"
Adapted by Joan Stockbridge from an Argentine tale.
"The Magic Ball" is adapted from a story from the Chubut Province in southern Argentina. It can be found in Tales from Silver Lands, collected by Charles Finger and published by Doubleday, 1924. I encourage interested tellers to read the full version . Charles Finger's rich language and beautiful imagery add immensely to the pleasure of the story. I adapted the story quite a bit, leaving out two bird helpers who try to bring fire but fail. I also invented the dialogue and nomenclature. This version is meant to focus on the addiction and recovery themes useful in recovery settings. - Joan Stockbridge
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/magic_ball/magic_ball.html
"Monkey Mind" prepared by Laura Simms
One evening I told my son a story that I had read from the Lemba tribe of Sierra Leone, West Africa. The story that I told him was a difficult and complicated story about a mother and a son, about revenge, and the rebalancing of energy after a disaster.
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/monkey_mind/monkey_mind.html
"Brave Little Parrot"
Adapted by Rafe Martin, Essay by Cristy West
Brave Little Parrot is from an ancient Jataka tale from India. When a forest fire breaks out and threaten forest animals, a little parrot tries to put it out alone by carrying drops of water on its back from the lake.
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/little_parrot/brave_little_parrot.html
"Outwitting Death"
A Hungarian folktale retold By Gail Rosen
I have told this story in many settings. Its humor is delightful and the story allows thinking and conversation about death, in a way that feels safer for people than direct questions about their personal feelings and experiences.
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/death/outwitting_death.html
"The Cracked Pot"
A tale from India retold by Mary Dessein
Story is a natural tool for use in addiction treatment and offers a safe way to examine some very difficult issues, ones that can be frightening or shameful to have to admit too soon in the recovery process.
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/cracked_pot/cracked_pot.html
"Dance with Both Hands Free"
A parable from Sri Ramakrishna
Retold by Liz Mangual
I loved this story when I first heard it told. I thought it would be a perfect story to share with incarcerated teens. It served a twofold purpose. I could use it to share a personal story, always a good way to start, and also to generate a discussion on a theme relevant for the students.
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/dance/dance_with_both_hands_free.html
"Bundles"
A German folktale adapted by Allison Cox
I have told this story to women's substance abuse recovery groups, parenting support classes, caregivers retreats, and for various women's issues.
http://www.dancingleaves.com/allison/stories/bundles/bundles.html
"The Snake and the Holy Man"
Adapted by Andre Heuer
There are multiple practical applications of The Snake and the Holy Man. I have primarily explored the issues of violence, dealing with difficult people and situations, and assertiveness. I can see this story being used with young people in an education setting or with groups that are concerned about the ethical issues of violence.
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/holyman/snake_and_holy_man.html
"How Old Woman Kytna Brought Her Daugher Home"
A Koryak Story from Kamchatka Peninsula Retold
By Kira Van Deusen
Kytna's story is one of the most moving tales I know. People of all ages (or from about 8 up) sit entranced, travelling with Kytna as she goes to rescue her daughter. I feel that one of the most inspiring things about the story is Kytna's tremendous energy — the lengths she will go to for her daughter
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/kytna/how_old_woman_kytna_brought_daughter_home.html
"Raven and the Whale"
An Inuit story retold by Laura Simms
At the end of the story, the old woman took my hand and wished me good luck. May made me tell the story at every dinner party we went to. "People have to hear about death if they want to live," she said.
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/raven/raven_and_the_whale.html
"Just Enough"
A folktale from Russia adapted by Elisa Pearmain
I share this tale in several venues. One is in my Family Storytelling workshops. I also share it in the inpatient psychiatric and addictions unit where I work. The tailor story also has value for people who are anticipating the anniversary of the loss of a loved one.
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/just_enough/just_enough.html
"Shingebiss and the North Wind"
Adapted and retold by Fran Stallings
From a 19th century literary tale attributed to Chippewa sources.
"Shingebiss and the North Wind" is a soothing story which seems to work with all ages. Shingebiss helps us distinguish precaution from paranoia. She makes practical preparations against real physical dangers but refuses to be intimidated.
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/shingebiss/shingebiss_and_the_north_wind.html
Another version by Nancy Van Laan
Shingebiss: An Ojibwe Legend
Shingebiss, a little merganser duck, can always find plenty to eat. In all seasons, the Great Lake is full of fish. But one cold year the lake freezes over, and Shingebiss has to find a way to fish through the thick ice. To do that, he must face the fierce Winter Maker. Gracefully told and illustrated with vigorous woodcuts, this ancient Ojibwe story captures all the power of winter and all the courage of a small being who refuses to see winter as his enemy. This sacred story shows that those who follow the ways of Shingebiss will always have plenty to eat, no matter how hard the great wind of Winter Maker blows.
"The Stolen Child"
Adapted by Joan Stockridge
This story has deep power and significance for me. I have told it maybe two dozen times, mostly in shelters for homeless and abused women. It is a powerful tale for those women, many of whom have had custody issues, and many of whom feel deeply conflicted and ashamed about their ability to protect and care for their children.
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/stolen_child/stolen_child.html
"Trojan War - Book 6"
Tale from the Iliad, Book 6
Ttranslated by Joan Sutton
Joan's translation from the Greek of Homer, and retelling for the Forum, offers us an example of how a storyteller used storytelling in the middle of a long epic to engage us in the power of story. Here in the middle of a battle two warriors meet.
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/trojan_war/trojan_war_story.html
"The Snake of Dreams"
Rewritten from a Georgian Tale by Hugh Lupton
Essay by Laura Simms
The kindness and the starkness of the story renders the listener the one who has undergone the entire journey of the heard story: becoming all the characters within their own inner conjuring; and uses humor to lead the listener incident by incident to a piercing realization.
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/snake_dream/snake_dreams.html
"The Three Companions"
Indonesian Legends and Folk Tales
Told by Adele de Leeuw, 1961
In these troubled times, fear is epidemic. The story "The Three Companions" illustrates that the true enemy is psychological fear in our lives.
http://www.healingstory.org/treasure/three_companions/three_companions.html
8) "The Wolf Within"
Story:
An old Grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a schoolmate who had done him an injustice, said, "Let me tell you a story. I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times." He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way. But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights every one, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit." The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?" The Grandfather solemnly said, "The one I feed."
Numerous Internet sources.
9) Kentucky Folklore about healing
The general public contributes their personal stories.
http://www.usgennet.org/family/baicon/kystories.html
10) Laura Simms' site for crisis stories:
http://www.laurasimms.com/CrisisStories.html
Includes these stories:
1) "In the Beginning"
A Cherokee Tale
Retold by storyteller Gayle Ross ©2001
2) "How Night Came Into Being"
A Hindu Tale told by D.M. Kartha ©2001
Sent by Cristy West from Washington, DC
3) "How God Chose the Site for the Temple of Jerusalem"
An Adaptation of a Talmudic Legend
Offered by Rinah and Leon Sheleff of Israel ©2001
4) "Two Friends and One Horse"
An Israeli Tale told by Crimean Jews
rewritten by Yoel Perez ©2001
Adapted by Laura Simms
"Among the Peul people of Africa it is said that there is a little peace and a big peace, but there is no little quarrel. Even a matchstick can burn down a village."
5) "The Red Fish"
A Tale from Turkey
Adapted by Laura Simms ©2001
6) "A Portrait of Peace"
Offered by Linda Spitzer ©2001
7) "The Golden Squash"
A Tale from Tibet Adapted by Laura Simms ©2001
8) "The Princess and the Crow"
A Tale from the Black Sea
Retold by Laura Simms ©2001
9) "The Mice and the Elephant"
A Tale from India
Adapted by Laura Simms ©2001
10) "How the Squirrel Got Its Stripes"
A Tale from the Ramayana of India
Retold by Laura Simms ©2001
"Each serves according to their strength"
The Gaindeh Project
Excerpts from Laura Simms' booklet which have been generously placed on the website was made to be handed out to families, volunteers and children effected by the World Trade Center Tragedy in NY as a gift. If you are a storyteller and downloading these tales for you use, we welcome you to use them as best you can for the beneft of your own healing and others. We suggest that you consider sending a donation to the benefit Fund so they can continue to print out and distribute the books. They are in need of funds to make as many as possible.
Please send a tax deductible donation to:
The Unity Project (check made out to this title)
c/o Laura Simms
814 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
There are dozens of links at this site dealing with crisis and healing:
http://www.laurasimms.com/CrisisStories.html
11) "The Rainbow People" (spirit of acceptance of diversity)
[Teaches how to deal with prejudice.]
Story: Greens live at bottom of hill. Live in green houses, drive green cars, wear
green clothes, believe everthing good is green.Teach children song: "Green is
good, blue is bad, green is happy, blue is sad."
Blues live at top of hill. Blues live in blue houses, wear blue clothes,
drive blue cars, think everything good is blue. Blues teach their children: "Blue
is good, green is bad, blue is happy, green is sad."Green boy walks with green father, sees blue boy fall and get hurt. Green boy
wants to help, father says "no," didn't your mother and I teach you "Green is
good and blue is bad. Never let a blue touch you." and they walked away.Green boy walking dog, falls, gets hurt, can't get home. Same blue boy finds
him, helps him home, makes a crutch, tears shirt and puts blue strips to hold
splint. Green father hears about it later, screams at green boy for letting a
blue touch him.When green boy heals he goes up mountain to find blue boy.Knocks on doors,
gets doors slammed, get spit on, gets called names, but he keeps knocking. Finds
the blue boy but he's wearing a blue and green shirt."Aren't you afraid of what people will say?"
"No, ever since I touched you, it touched me. "
They grow up and are friends, get their children together when they have
families of their own. Visit the purples, and yellows, and oranges. Teach their
kids the song, "Green is good and blue is, too, Yellow Purple Orange too. Now all
children can be glad, there's no color that is bad."What do they call themselves now? The Rainbow People.
•••••
Contributed by
Linda Spitzer
Storyteller in Lake Worth, Florida
Just for the Tell of it
http://www.storyqueen.com/
12) "How the Night Came into Being"
http://www.healingstory.org/crisis/night/how_night_came_into_being.html
Grief support. A Hindu Tale told by D.M. Kartha ©2001. Sent by Cristy West from Washington, DC.
13) "The Father, His Sons, and The Bundle of Sticks"
An Aesop fable. There is strength in union.
Story Version 1:
An old man on the point of death summoned his sons around him to give them some parting advice. He ordered them to bring in a bundle of sticks, and said to his eldest son: "Break it."The son strained and strained, but with all his efforts was unable to break the bundle. The other sons also tried, but none succeeded."Untie the bundle," said the father, "and each of you take a stick." When they had done so, he told them: "Now, break," and each stick was easily broken.Townsend version
Story Version 2:
A Father had a family of sons who were perpetually quarreling among themselves. When he failed to heal their disputes by his exhortations, he determined to give them a practical illustration of the evils of disunion; and for this purpose he one day told them to bring him a bundle of sticks. When they had done so, he placed the bundle into the hands of each of them in succession, and ordered them to break it in pieces. They tried with all their strength, and were not able to do it. He next opened the bundle, took the sticks separately, one by one, and again put them into his sons' hands, upon which they broke them easily. He then addressed them in these words: "My sons, if you are of one mind, and unite to assist each other, you will be as this faggot, uninjured by all the attempts of your enemies; but if you are divided among yourselves, you will be broken as easily as these sticks." The breach of unity puts the world, and all that's in it, into a state of war, and turns every man's hand against his brother; but so long as the band holds, it is the strength of all the several parts of it gatherd into one. L'Estrange version
Story Version 3:
It was the hap of a very honest man to be the father of a contentious brood of children. He call'd for a rod, and bad 'em take it, and try one after another with all their force, if they could break it. They try'd, and could not. Well (says he) unbind it now, and take every twig of it apart, and see what you can do that way. They did so, and with great ease, by one and one, they snapt it all to pieces. This (says he) is the true emblem of your condition. Keep together and y'are safe, divide, and y'are undone.
Moral:
The breach of unity puts the world, and all that's in't, into a state of war, and turns every man's hand against his brother; but so long as the band holds, 'tis the strength of all the several parts of it gathered into one.
•••••
Suggested by
Audrey Kopp
Storyteller, teacher
http://www.storyteller.net/tellers/akopp
14) "The Seven Princes of Lara"
[The historical legend of "The Seven Princes of Lara" is set in 10th-century Spain during the early years of the nearly 800-year Christian Reconquest following the Moorish invasion in 711. It's long and complicated, but central elements are the betrayal of Christians by a Christian and the mercy shown by a Moor to a Christian. I think it would be presumptuous to draw a moral. The story speaks for itself.]
For personal reasons Ruy sends Gonzalo to Almanzor, king of Moorish Spain, with a letter written in Arabic, asking Almanzor to behead Gonzalo. Almanzor asks Gonzalo if he knows what the letter says. No. Almanzor tells him, then takes him into protective custody in Córdoba so Ruy won't assassinate him back home in Castile, and sends his (Almanzor's) sister to "make him comfortable in every way."
Ruy finds that his plot has failed and betrays (the text says "sells", but I don't know if that is literal) Gonzalo's 7 sons to a Moorish army. They are beheaded and the heads sent to Almanzor, who knows whose they are. As gently as possible he breaks the news to Gonzalo and sends him home with the heads and an armed guard.
Almanzor's sister, Zaida, gives birth to a son by Gonzalo, Mudarra, who when he comes of age avenges his half-brothers by killing Ruy and burning Ruy's wife, the instigator of the whole tragedy.
It's curious that an epic poem of this story was composed shortly after the events took place, in which the enemy is somewhat redeemed by his kindness and the Christian is punished by a half-Christian half-Moor. It is especially ironic (probably deliberately so, since the Mudarra episode is fictional) as this was at the height of the Christians' desperate struggle to reconquer their land from the Moors, and probably shortly after the death in 1002 of Almanzor, who was from 980 until his death the most successful Moorish general fighting against the Christians.
•••••
Contributed by
Richard Marsh, Dublin
richardmarsh@legendarytours.com
http://www.legendarytours.com/storyteller.html
http://www.authorsden.com/richardmarsh
15) "The Sandpipers and the Whales"
Bones:
Sandpiper on beach, having a lovely day, eating the fish, basking in the
sun. When you're having a lovely day, somebody wants to mess it up. Big blue
whale comes out of the ocean.
"YO! BIRD! GETCHER LITTLE BIRD LEGS OUTTA DA OCEAN! OCEAN DON'T BELONG TO NO BIRDS! OCEAN BELONGS TO THE WHALES! SCRAM!"
Sandpiper: "whodoyouthinkyouareyoubigbluebully?
Idon'thavetodowhatyousayyou'renotmymother. Youscram!"
I SAID LEAVE
isaidno
etc.
So the whale calls out the whale army, the sandpiper looks at all the whales and says
oops. okayyouwannaplayroughtoughguy?
and calls out the sandpiper army.
So many whales, so many birds, you can't see the ocean or the land for the backs of them sitting there. Everyone was so angry, something had to happen. But no one knew what.
Whale gets idea: kill the birds by eating the land. Whales eat, birds fly into air, scared. Look down at those smug, smug whales waiting for them to die, decide to retaliate. Drink the ocean dry.Whales cough and sputter and lie on the ocean floor. Sandpipers smug in the sky, waiting, see the little fish that sandpipers eat, coughing and choking and dying. Realise if they kill the whales they kill themselves.
Spitspitspit
Now the whales, safe and snug back in their ocean, looked up in the sky, and saw the birds were getting tired. They were flying lower and lower and some of them were beginning to brush the ocean with their wings. The whales watched. They didn't have to do anything, and the birds would die.
Everyone waited to see what the whales would do.
SPIT IT OUT SPIT IT OUT!
SPIT SPIT SPIT
The sandpipers came down to land and rested their wings. The whales and the sandpipers never had another war, because they knew, if you try to hurt someone else, the person you hurt is yourself.
•••••
This version of South Pacific legend is from Wendy Welch.
Contributed by
Linda Spitzer
Storyteller in Lake Worth, Florida
Just for the Tell of it
http://www.storyqueen.com/
16) "The Wooden Bowl"
[Unknown Author: Communicated By Belaynesh)
Story:
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating and food on the floor." So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food from when I grow up." The four year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
[Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent realizes that every day the building blocks are being laid for the child's future. Let's be wise builders and role models.
Lord, we ask not that you move the mountains, but that You give us the strength to climb. "Life is about people connecting with people, and making a positive difference" Take care of yourself, and those you love, ...today, and everyday!"
On a positive note, I've learned that no matter what happens or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about. I just did. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.
People will forget what you said ... people will forget what you did ... but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Author unknown.]
•••••
Contributed by
Marilyn A. Kinsella, Taleypo the Storyteller
Storyteller, Writer, Puppeteer, and Workshop Presenter
http://www.marilynkinsella.org
http://www.dulcimerguy.com/taleypo_morning.htm
17) "The Bridge of San Martín" (Toledo)
[Here's an appropriate one from my book-in-progress of retellings of Spanish and Basque legends. It's one of the 2 most frequently recounted legends about Toledo, capital of Spain about 6-700 years ago, when it was also one of the major intellectual centres of Europe with a thriving and egalitarian Christian-Jewish-Muslim culture. As it's for a book, the story obviously sounds written in this form.]
Story:
The figure of a woman can be seen carved in stone in a niche on the central arch of the Bridge of San Martín at Toledo. This story tells why she is so honoured.
A bridge at this spot was destroyed by flood in 1203 and immediately replaced. That bridge in turn was destroyed deliberately for strategic reasons during a battle between the half-brothers Pedro I the Cruel and Don Enrique de Trastamara. The present bridge was built in 1390 at the order of the Archbishop of Toledo, Don Pedro Tenorio.
The archbishop hired one of the most renowned architects of that time, whose name is not given in the source I am using. The work commenced, and the people of Toledo and the archbishop watched the progress of the bridge with satisfaction. Soon, the central arch was completed, and it was obvious that it would be only a matter of days before the scaffolding that supported the stonework could be removed.
One night, however, the architect seemed unusually quiet and preoccupied when he came home from the day's work. He refused to answer his wife's questions, and after his supper he left the house without telling her where he was going. He went to the bridge, where he descended a ladder and inspected the foundations of the central arch. He arrived back home pale and disturbed. His wife pressed him again for an explanation, and after a few moments while he gathered his thoughts into words, he told her what the problem was.
He had unaccountably made a serious error in his calculations. He could see now that as soon as the scaffolding was taken down, the central arch would collapse, killing any workmen in the vicinity. He would be responsible for the deaths of the workers if he said nothing. If he admitted his error, his reputation would be destroyed, and no one would ever employ him as an architect again.
What was he to do? Of course, he couldn't let the men die, but what would he say to the archbishop? How could he explain why the bridge had to be torn down and rebuilt from scratch, when the archbishop had been impatiently urging him to complete the work as soon as possible? He covered his face with his hands and wept bitterly.
His wife was a brave and clever woman, and she immediately saw that there was only one solution. She also knew that she had little time to do what had to be done. She waited only a moment until she could see that her husband had fallen into a troubled sleep, exhausted by his worries. Then she took a torch and went out.
The night was dark and stormy, and she passed through the deserted streets unnoticed. As the rain began to fall more heavily, she was afraid that her torch might be extinguished, and that would be fatal to her plans. She arrived at the bridge and walked trembling to the central arch, then she threw the burning torch into the complex arrangement of posts and poles and ropes that made up the scaffolding. The torch sputtered briefly in the rain, but soon the flames took hold and, fanned by the wind, rose quickly. Her task accomplished, the architect's wife ran home.
As the architect had rightly calculated, as soon as the scaffolding burned away there was a tremendous crash of what the Toledanos naturally took to be thunder. But it was the falling of the central arch of the bridge. The following morning, the archbishop and the people of Toledo surveyed the damage. Seeing the burnt scaffolding, they quite understandably attributed the disaster to a bolt of lightning during the storm. The archbishop ordered the architect to recommence the construction of the bridge, which he did with a contented mind and a heart full of gratitude to his wife.
However, the woman was troubled with feelings of guilt. On the day the bridge was dedicated and officially opened, she requested an audience with the archbishop. Fully expecting to be punished or at least scolded, she admitted that she had destroyed the bridge. But the archbishop, instead of castigating her, praised her cleverness and courage in saving countless lives and the reputation of her husband. And he ordered a stone carved with the figure of a woman to be placed on the bridge to commemorate her deed.
Note:
You can't see the carving from the bridge itself, and from a distance it appears very worn and indistinct. Some sceptics say it is not of a woman at all, but of the archbishop who commissioned the bridge.
Copyright Richard Marsh 2001
•••••
For permission to tell, contact:
Richard Marsh, Dublin
richardmarsh@legendarytours.com
http://www.legendarytours.com/storyteller.html
http://www.authorsden.com/richardmarsh
18) "The Woodcutter and the Bird" (from Korea)
[From Cathy Spagnoli's Asian Tales and Tellers
Story:
A woodcutter saves a pheasant's babies by killing a snake.Years later woodcutter spends night in forest hut after being invied in by beautiful woman. Woman transforms into spirit of snake he killed and prepares to kill him in revenge. The woodcutter begs for his life. Snake agrees to spare his life if bell in temple rings before dawn. No chance for woodcutter to do it, as snake is wrapped around him binding him tight. Woodcutter gives up hope, prepares to die, but just before dawn hears temple bell ringing. Snake forced to release him. Woodcutter goes to see who rang bell finds body of mother pheasant who sacrificed herself to save him, the man who had saved her chicks years before.
This is a Korean story.
•••••
Contributed by
Sheila Wee
Asian Storytelling Network, Singapore
http://professionalstoryteller.ning.com/profile/SheilaWee
19) "Shim Chung" (from Korea)
Story:
Shim volunteers to be sacrified to the sea dragon in order that her father can regain his sight. This story can be found in Korean Folk-tales (Oxford Myths & Legends)
•••••
Contributed by
Sheila Wee
Asian Storytelling Network, Singapore
http://professionalstoryteller.ning.com/profile/SheilaWee
20) "Strike It Rich"
[The source for this story is unknown]
Story:
The American businessman was at the pier of a Mexican coastal village when a small fishing boat, piloted by just one man, docked. Inside the boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied, "Only a little while."
The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish. The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.
The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life, senor."
The American said, "I could help you. I have an MBA from Harvard. You should spend more time fishing and buy a bigger boat with what you make from your catch. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. You would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor and eventually open your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution.
"You would need to leave this small fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles and eventually New York, where you will run your expanding enterprise."
The Mexican fisherman asked, "But senor, how long will this all take?"
To which the American replied, "15-20 years."
"But what then, senor?"
The American laughed and said, "That's the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions."
"Millions, senor? Then what?"
The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, then, in the evenings, stroll to the village, where you would sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."
"But, senor, that's what I'm doing now."
21) "The Wise One" by Aaron Piper (pen name for Aaron Shepard)
[There is a wonderful story on Ed Stivender's tape "Stories 4 Kids" called "The Wise One" by Aaron Piper. A lyrical full-text story may be found at Aaron Shepard's site: http://www.aaronshep.com/stories/001.html]
Bones:
Old man, wise, moves into the forest. Known for his wisdom. There is a trade route between two cities. One day a giant blocks the road. Mayor meets with council. They send the club bearer, but the giant suddenly has a club in his hand twice the size and man runs. Then the council sends a sword bearer champion. Suddenly as he faces the giant to destroy him, the giant has a sword bigger and sharper in his hand and the sword bearer runs away. Then the council sends the firebearer champion and when he faces the giant, the giant now has a fist full of fireballs and scares the man away.Council doesn't know what to do. Mayor's wife is sitting and listening suggests they contact this old wise man in the forest. Maybe he'll know. They get him, he says, "Leave it to me." Borrows a wagon, a jug of milk, some nuts and berries that he likes to eat and heads off to see the giant. He just looks at the giant and begins to talk to him, asks his name, sits down on road, pours himself a cup of milk, offers giant a cup and eats nuts and berries, offers giant some nuts and berries. Giant says, "Wait a minute," runs off and brings back a feast of food for them both to eat. Old wise man and giant eat together and talk together.Wise man has to leave, giant asks to where and then lifts him and his wagon and takes them to the mayor's village. After that, any time a wagon in trade comes by the giant, they talk and the giant carries them or lets them through. Giant fought kindness with kindness and all ended up just right.
•••••
Tom and Sandy Farley , Los Altos, offer this story on their CD, available at:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tomsandy
22) "The Everyday Work of Art" by Eric Booth.
[While reading this book, I was struck by an anecdote he shared. I used this selection as part of my United Way keynote last month when I talked about our collective journey, and the commitment that is necessary from all of us.]
"President John F. Kennedy often told a story about Frank O'Connor, the Irish writer. O'Connor and his boyhood friends would be making their way across the countryside; and they would come to an orchard wall that seemed too high, and too doubtful to try, and too difficult to permit their journey to continue. So they took off their hats and tossed them over the wall - and then they had no choice but to follow them."
•••••
Suggested by
Karen Chace, East Freetown, MA
Storyteller/Arts Web Researcher
storybug@aol.com
http://www.storybug.net
23) "Learning to Write in the Sand"
[Adapted from a story attributed to Malba Tahan. Malba Tahan was a pseudonym of Júlio César de Mello e Souza, 1895 - 1974, a widely traveled Brazilian mathematics professor who also wrote a delightful collection of stories, The Man Who Counted: A Collection of Mathematical Adventures
Bones:
Long ago in Ancient Persia there lived two merchant traders, Mussa and Nagib, who set out together in a caravan with camels, horses and servants. They headed into the mountains of Northern Persia and soon came to a river that was swift flowing, muddy and dangerous to cross.
Mussa being the younger offered to go first. He started across the river holding a rope to guide the rest of the caravan. Partway across he stumbled, lost his footing fell into the swirling waters and dropped the rope. Nagib did not hesitate. Immediately he jumped into the river and was able to reach his friend and pull him to the shore.
What do you think Mussa did then? He called his servants to him and said, "I want you to carve my words into the rock of these cliffs here beside the river. That afternoon and evening his servants chiseled while others made camp. They wrote, "Wanderer, in this place, Nagib heroically saved the life of his friend, Mussa."
The merchants traveled for many months and eventually returned to this same river crossing with loads of tea and silk. This time the water level was lower so the crossing was easy. Mussa and Nagib sat and talked by the stone cliff where Nagib's heroism had been recorded.
Allah only knows what caused them to disagree, but they soon got into an argument. They quarreled; and in a fit of anger, Nagib struck Mussa.
What do you think Mussa did then? He picked up a stick. With it he wrote in the sand by the river. "Wanderer, in this place, in a
trivial argument, Nagib broke the heart of his friend Mussa."
His servants came up to him asking, "Master Mussa, do you not want us to carve your words in the rock?"
To this Mussa replied, "I hope to forget this argument before the wind and water erase my words from the sand."
If you would be a happy person, you will learn what things to carve in stone and what to write in the sand.
24) "The Fence" (author unknown)
There was a boy that had a hard temperament. His father gave him a sack with nails and said him that, every time, that he lose the patience, he should fix one nail in the fence that was in the back house. In the first day the boy fixed 37 nails in the fence. Then, he began to diminish gradually. He discovered that was more easy to control his temperament than to pound nails in the fence. Finally, it came the day in which the boy didn't lose more his patience. He told that to his father that said him that now, the boy takes off one nail from the fence each day that he gets to control his temperament. The days were passing away and the boy could, finally, to tell to his father that there were not more nails in the fence. The father caught his son by his hand and led him until the fence and he said: "You did well, my son. But, see the holes in the fence. The fence never more will be the same. When you speak things with hate, they do a scar like these. You may to knife a man and take off the knife. No matter, how many times you say: "I'm sorry". The wound will stay there. One verbal wound is so many bad as a physical one. Friends are like rare jewels. They do us to smile and they encourage us to continue walking. They listen to us, bring us consolation and always they are ready to open their hearts to us.
Created 2005; last update 8/8/09
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