the Lost Valley diary...
the Lost Valley diary...
Fire in mythology...
Made the mistake of trying to have
a fire in the rain today. Should have
paid more attention to the thunder &
lightning!
Tried to create an umbrella for the fire,
using a few planks, with little effect.
Wet wood made for a unproductive day.
It’s very noticeable on different days
how the wind in the valley affects the fire.
On a still day the fire can be quite slow,
different wind directions create strange
swilling gusts that can be rather unhelpful.
Learnt to adapt how I lay the wood on
the fire in different ways depending on
the wind and weather...
Found a toad nestled in one of the
split logs, will remember to move him on
before burning...
A few more charcoal drawings created
today, see below.
Searching for simplicity...
Fire in mythology...
How humans became able to use fire has a strong
presence in the mythology of cultures around the
world. Various characters play the role of being the
source of how fire came to humans. These characters
tend to be quite cheeky or mischievous, like Coyote
and Crow in Native American traditions.
Fire coming to humans is often described
as the ‘theft of fire’, from for example, a god...
The stories paint a beautiful picture...
In Greek mythology Prometheus a Titan and brother
to Atlas, was a champion of mankind, known for his
wily intelligence. Prometheus stole fire from Zues
and gave it to mortals. Prometheus is credited with,
or blamed for, playing a pivotal role in the early
history of mankind.
According to the Hindu text, the Rig Veda,
the hero Mātariśvan recovered fire, which
had been hidden from mankind.
In Cherokee myth, after Possum and Buzzard
had failed to steal fire, Grandmother Spider
used her web to sneak into the land of light.
She stole fire, hiding it in a clay pot.
Among various Native American tribes of the
Pacific Northwest and First Nations, fire was
stolen and given to humans by Coyote, Beaver
or Dog.
For some Yukon people, Crow stole fire from
a volcano in the middle of the water.
To the Creek Indians, Rabbit stole fire from
the Weasels.
In Algonquin myth, Rabbit stole fire from an
old man and his two daughters.
In Ojibwa myth, Nanabozho the hare stole fire
and gave it to humans.
In Polynesian myth, Maui stole fire from the
Mudhens.
And in the Book of Enoch, the fallen angels
and Azazel teach early mankind to use tools
and fire.
source: adapted from wikipedia articles...
Friday, 9 September 2011