Subject: baidarka A hole in the paddle
From: vdoucett@uism.bu.edu
Date: Wed Mar 08 2000 - 09:37:27 EST
Dana,
I read the mythic 'hole in the paddle' stories you had posted. What struck
me as the common element (exotic paddle aside) was the socially marginal
character makes good aspect in them. In all three stories Aulaussaq the inept
husband, Uktowyouakjew the man of small stature and Alasuq the dwarf overcome
their shortcomings [pardon the pun] and achieve status and respect in their
communities. I don't know that there is any evidence that these paddles existed
but the notion that a clever technical innovation would give someone an edge in
life must have. There is also the Jack in the Beanstalk element, small people
cleverly overcoming large ones. To children all adults are omnipotent giants,
and the small kid with the glasses dreams of the magic machine that will allow
him to do in the taunting bully. The marginal person is present in all cultures
and I would imagine these kind of myths as well.
Yours, Vernon
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