Tag Archives: animal folktales

Animal Folktales: Drakestail

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This is a special story for me — when I was in sixth grade, I took part in a storytelling workshop at my local library. Of the kids at my library who participated, I was chosen to go and tell my story again at the main branch of the county library system. Of those storytellers, three were asked to go on local cable and tell their stories a third time. It was my first exposure to the magic of being a storyteller — and I have loved sharing stories ever since. This is the story I learned. Drakestail was a … Continue reading →

Animal Folktales: The Greedy Monkey

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There are many variations of this folktale out there… but this is the version I remember. Stories tend to grow and change and evolve as they are told — that’s part of the wonder of the oral tradition. A hunter set out a simple trap: a glass bottle filled halfway with berries. Along came a slender, graceful crane and a shaggy, playful monkey. They saw the bottle of berries and both wanted some. “Let me use my long beak to get the berries,” Crane said. She reached into the bottle and carefully pinched a berry in the tip of her … Continue reading →

The Old Woman at the End of Time

Some Native American legends speak of a very old woman who lives at the End of the World. Because she is so very old, she moves very slowly. She spends day and night working at a gigantic loom, weaving an enormous blanket. On her campfire, she keeps a great pot of sweet berry soup bubbling away. Her only companion is a very old, very faithful dog. The dog lays with his chin on his paws and watches. Legends say that if the very old woman ever finishes her enormous blanket, the world will come to an end. The blanket the … Continue reading →

Animal Folktales: Why Cats Chase Rats

This is a story of how the animals came to be part of the Chinese Zodiac. You may want to tell it the next time you order Chinese food! ~~~ A long time ago, the animals of China were invited to compete for a place in the Zodiac calendar. Twelve spots were open to the first twelve animals to finish a long and difficult race. All the animals were very excited about this opportunity! The one who finished first would be the first sign in the Zodiac; the one who finished second would be the second sign, and so on. … Continue reading →