Our regular twice monthly session in the cosy environs of the Woolpack, Tillicoultry, featured stories with an international theme.
Firstly, we listened to a tale from Russia, “Baba Yaga and the Very Good Girl”, in which the titular very good girl outwits her stepmother and her stepmother’s sister, the fearsome Baba Yaga, with the help of a little mouse.
Our second offering of the evening was a legend from the African Endebele tribe, “Why the Painted Dog Hunts”.
Next, we listened to a Japanese tale, “Taro the Fisherman” in which Taro helps a turtle who in turn invites him to her underwater realm. Taro has a wonderful time, but after awhile, he wants to return to his home… but what will await him there?
The forth tale was from South Africa, “Abiyoyo”. A young, mischievous and curious boy causes great distress to his neighbour when he uses something he is not supposed to, but later saves the day by his wit and cunning… using the self-same thing he is not supposed to use!
The last story we listened to was from Ancient Egyptian times, “The Girl With the Rose Red Sandals”. This is the oldest surviving written example of the Cinderella story, attributed to a Greek, Strabo, from around 1BCE.
Once again, an enjoyable and informative evening was had by all on a wet and windy Wednesday.