Reading notes: Santal Folktales, Part B

I didn't find much for inspiration in this part either, which is a little frustrating but I think I'll have fun writing my hallucinogenic berries story. I liked certain aspects of some of these stories but I just don't really understand most of them as far as any real message behind them. If I have time this week, I might go back and research the history behind some of them, to get a better grasp of the meaning. 

I liked that the babies were so smart in "The Jackal and the Chickens"and it made me happy that they all got away from the jackal. I like stories that have me emotionally involved like that (I was rooting for the little babies to outsmart the jackal).

I also really like the use of poetic rhyme in "The Jackal Punished" although I again failed to really see the purpose of this story. I wish that I could write this way but I can't ever think of anything clever to use for rhythmic writing. I did try a little however, in my last story, "Amelia's Wisdom". I didn't do as well as I wanted but I think I did okay and I'll try again sometime to fine tune this aspect of my writing and I think I could use this story for inspiration there, maybe. 

I also find the banter in some the stories pretty interesting. It seems that someone is always able to trick someone else into losing their meal or losing a bet or something of the sort. The elephant in "The Elephant and the Ants", for example, was tricked into believing that two ants were able to run as fast as he. I find that ironic and fun and I think it's a fun aspect to use in one's story. 

Also, jackals are used an awful lot in these stories and while I kind of knew what they were, I looked it up to get a better visual as I was reading. So, here is a picture of a jackal. :) 

(Jackal, online source, dreamicus)

Source

Santal Folklore, recalled and translated to English by C. H. Bompas, online source.