The Listener

After some time the Fool leaned over the edge of the boat.  Looking through the sea of birches, he spotted a creature with its ears pricked, listening intently.

“Good day Sir,” called out the Fool, “What are you doing there, so still and quiet.”

The hare (for such it was) whispered to the Fool,

“I am listening to a spider spin a web in the Tzar’s palace.”

Foolish boys, wise old men and good companions are what makes for a good fortune

The last post was about that classic Russian story: The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship.  In which a simple man, much maligned for his simplicity, goes out to prove he is more capable than his brothers.

Archetypes fill stories.  This one is no less full of them, a greedy Tsar, a beautiful daughter and unlikely companions.  And like many tales this one also has the ancient one.  Sometimes an old woman, sometimes a man.  Scorn them at your peril for they usually hold the key to wisdom.

Eater, Long-sight, Swift and the Fool

I love this story

It is a story I have read, re-read, watched and shared with my children.  I am looking for a new way to tell an old,old story.

This version by Robin Williams is superb.

Then there is this wonderful version from the BBC

http://mp3days.com/download/NLpKRx0J/21-12-10-old-peters-russian-ta.html

It formed part of Gilliam’s wonderfully flawed tale of Baron Munchausen;  It was in the Yellow Fairy Book.  Good stories live.

Post Script: with background.

Wide-eyed and hoping for the summer of the Hedgespoken

I have given up trying to be clever, descriptive or what ever else I could think of… sometimes there just aren’t the right words.

Walk in and see what they are doing.

I think they speak their story far better than I.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hedgespoken

If you are a lover of tales, magical masque and the joy of the puppeteer & poet then please give them your support.

The world needs more of this moving magic to brighten it.