The Fire of Life
  • Dec 8, 2020 7:00 am
  • 56:50 mins
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Fire is an integral part of humanity. It is studied in history, chemistry, physics, nature, and much more. It plays a role in folktales, cooking and all walks of life- providing warmth and light as well as danger. In these stories we will see how fire can play a part in all walks of life- whether it be through the sun and folklore of light, or the tiniest firefly, fire is part of all of humanity and all of nature. As an element it demands respect as it can be destructive and terrifying. But, it can also bring much warmth and wonder to one’s life if you learn how to control it and respect it. It takes bravery to face a fire, but sometimes it comes just when you need it. So, as we listen through these stories, think about fire and the wonder of life that it can bring. On today’s episode, enjoy the following: "The Boy and the Firefly" by Antonio Rocha from Cross Roads: Stories from Brazil & the World (7:08) Antonio Rocha is a native of Brazil and includes imagery from Brazil’s vast landscape in a lot of his stories. In this story he details the adventure a little boy takes into the jungle when he follows a beautiful bird. A little like Mogli from The Jungle Book, this little boy encounters many different animals, simply asking them if they could lead him home. All refuse until a small firefly comes and lights his way home. This story plays the line between nature and humanity wonderfully. "The Rabbit In The Moon" by Antonio Sacre from Water Torture, the Barking Mouse, and Other Tales of Wonder (6:50) Antonio Sacre blends beautiful language of English and Spanish together in his fantastic tales and this tale is no different. This folk tale of why in Mexico you see a rabbit in the moon, describes the difference between bravery and beauty. When two characters go head to head- one beautiful and one brave- only one will come out triumphant and bring up the sun. "The Goblin and the Grocer" by Diane Wolkstein from Hans Christian Andersen Classic Stories (8:20) In this wonderful story Diane Wolkstein descr