Welcome back M-pals to the biweekly addition of Writer's Ambrosia! Or should I say, welcome back M.?
Sorry about the gap, pals. I know this is a biweekly blog, and I don't have a good excuse for missing the last few updates. Sometimes life gets me right between the ribs, and I fall under. I've been a bit prone to depression my whole life; don't worry, I'm not about to get into a backstory. I'm just spreading the knowledge, so you know exactly what to expect from your writer/crazy friends over here.
Anyhow, let's get this show on the road! Feel free to stay awhile, take a deep bubble bath in our fragrant inspiration, and maybe even eat a snickers. Sorry, snickers aren't provided. And remember, no flash photography. Unless you're just a really great M-pal and want to spread the word. In that case, go on and do your thing!
First things first, M-pals. A new website to get all kinds of excited about.
The official writer's website of the day is...
Bookjobs http://www.bookjobs.com/
Bookjobs is probably the number one website for future editors, authors, or literary agents. Although there are no advice articles, forums, etc., there are events, internships, and a very nifty Commonly Used Terms tab. This really is a great website for anyone wanting to dabble or make a career in the publishing industry. I recommend not only taking a look, but if you're truly hardcore, monitoring the comings and goings of this site's listings. I've had on my on it for years, trying to learn what I'd need to know before I was old enough to actually take on one of these internships/jobs.
Try it out for yourself! Who knows, maybe one of these listings will make it on your future goals list. Or maybe even make you create a future goals list. Now, wouldn't that be exciting?
Moving on guys and gals, ladies and gentlemen, M-pals of all ages, races, and mental stability stages! It's time for the real reason you guys come here, because I know it's not for my person blurbs. Or is it?
Nah, I know what you want, you inspiration addicts. It's time for a visual feast and a fascinating backstory. Please welcome today's piece of visual and mythological inspiration:
The Were-Lioness
Background:
African mythology, much like Inuit and Hawaiian mythology, is vastly overlooked. Admittedly, Hawaiian and Egyptian mythology are more well-known, but the majority of Africa's legends and fascinating classic mythology has been unappreciated. I plan to take several of my favorite myths and write about them here; however, if you're too excited about this new branch of stories to wait for my version, feel free to scroll on over to the link I've provided above. Just click the African mythology in funny purple letter and view this tumblr filled with interesting, obscure, and unappreciated mythological tales.
Anyway, I thought I'd start out with a personal favorite--the Were-Lioness.
I'm going to admit it. I'm a huge werewolf nerd. So when I herd about a were-lioness legend in African mythology I was all kinds of giddy. Is it the were- that I love so much, or the shape-shifting aspect? Who knows, maybe I'm just insane, but the Africans sure have the coolest story about both aspect.
The legend goes that one Nyarvirazi (if anyone can pronounce this, kudos--I may pride myself on my diversity, but I'm Hispanic, my tongue doesn't bend this way, it rolls), a daughter of a chieftain, went venturing out into the wilderness and got lost. As day turned to night she became tired, hungry, thirsty, and began desperately searching for a way back. She found cup of water sitting atop of a tree stump and drank from it. (Because there's nothing more delicious than strange-water on top of tree-stumps).
The water turned out to be urine from a lion left there by a witch or jujuman for a ritual that was to be performed under the full moon. (I know I'm using a lot of parenthesis, but who doesn't notice the water they're drinking is actually urine?) Afterwards, Nyarvirazi realized her senses were enhanced and, as she made her way back home, she spotted some goats and had a sudden ravenous desire to consume them. The craving too strong to resist, Nyarvirazi suddenly transformed into a lioness and ate the goats; after devouring them, she turned back into a human and ran home. This became a habit on every full moon, and, as one would expect, it wasn’t long until her brother became suspicious and, like a regular Nancy Drew, spied on her until he witnessed her transformation. Then like the outstanding sibling he'd already proven to be, he ran home and blabbered her secret to the whole family. After all, who doesn't like the sheer panic that secret might unleash?
With the lioness out of the bag, Nyarvirazi warned her family to keep her transformation a secret from anyone else, especially from her husband. (Big surprise Brother of The Year didn't blab to him too, really.) Eventually she had a baby, and when the midwives joked about the baby having no claws, her husband grew suspicious. Months passed until he threatened everyone with a spear to "tell or die," but when this elicited no results, he turned his spear on Nyarvirazi, the midwives, and the baby. (Presenting Dad of the Year: goes crazy because no one lets him in on an inside-joke. Relax, Bill. You had to be there.) Nyarvirazi, in a show of absolute awesome female power, transformed into a lioness and bit off his arm.
While he was bleeding to death, and probably making a mess of the hut, she called for other lions to come and eat him. They did so, she took her baby, and the two left with the lions. She became their Queen and Goddess, thus keeping her family’s home safe from lions. It is said she occasionally returns to her father's village.
Literary Significance:
Originating from Rwanda, I believe South-East African culture, this myth has a powerful underlying message about the power of women. This legend gives a strength to the nature of women sometimes forgotten in white culture (no offense my white brethren; I'm Hispanic, but my skin is as white as crab meat. Ugh, that was a pasty simile.) Here there is a parallel between the female's place of power in a lion pack and the power of a woman in humanity.
Though the lion is the head of the pack, most of the real power is in the lioness' in nature, as they are the hunters. The lion is more of a figure head and will, most often, intimidate a lion rather than lie down and obey. It is obvious that this myth is bringing the same parallel between female humans and their lion counterparts; remember ladies, girl-power isn't just for sixth grade notebook covers or chants to annoy boys. It's real, and the African women seemed set on making that clear.
Dare You to Try...
- Surprise me ;)
The Challenge Try to come up with a pitch for this picture's story, and share it with your fellow M-pals! You may never end up writing the novel, but if you can create the plot or pitch for one after looking at a single photograph, you'll never run out of ideas.
And remember, M-pals, I'm always looking for fresh ideas! Have some really cool, obscure piece of knowledge? Are you keeping a legend under wraps for personal enjoyment? Do you have a mythology, legend, or folklore addiction you just have to share? Send me an e-mail, post it in the comments, and I'll be sure to put it out there.
Stay spiffy!