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Garuda : Vahana of God Vishnu
Lord Vishnu sitting on “Shesh Nag”
People have lived in close proximity to animals since the very beginning of human history, mostly as farmers and hunters, and as a result, larger part of both oral and written traditions have been created on animals. In folklore, a wide variety of animals, from ants to elephants, leopards, bears and even certain birds have significant roles. Even common animals like fish and dogs can assume extraordinary abilities or symbolic meanings within folk stories. Themes such as verbal interaction, marriage, war, and transformation are prevalent in folklore involving animals and humans. For instance, in the epic Ramayana written by Valmiki, the protagonist Rama receives aid from various animals and demi-humans like Hanuman and Sugreeva, who are part monkey. Additionally, revered scriptures such as the Vishnu and Shiva Puranas assign symbolic animals to gods, such as Shesh Nag (Serpent) and Nandi (Bull) respectively.
Moreover, some scriptures centre their narratives around animals and birds, as seen in the Garuda Purana, one of the eighteen Puranas of Hindu texts known as smriti. This text features a dialogue between Lord Vishnu and a bird named Garuda, an eagle character of significant importance throughout the narrative. Apart from written folklore, animal motifs are also prominent in oral traditions such as proverbs. For example, the proverb "hold your horses" is commonly used in everyday language to signify waiting. There are some others like “as stubborn as a mule” meaning a very stubborn person who’s determined at not changing.
Additionally many cultures involve superstition revolving animals, like the Bengalis believe that the claws of a tiger are believed to bring good luck, Indian star tortoise too are believed to bring good luck. Some north Indian cultures belive that snakes in the grass indicate approaching tragedy, while owls hooting are messengers of death. You've surely heard stories about black cats in different places.
Oral folk narratives specific to any region are rich in animal tales. Animals hold a cultural significance in most communities and their inclusion in folktales result in the passing on of cultural beliefs.
In the context of south India (particularly Kerala), the common types and motifs in animal folktales are plenty, which were passed on orally, mostly from elders to children. There are many tales revolving around fox, his slyness as well as his stupidity. Other common characters are hens, mongooses, monkeys, elephants, and bears, who becomes representatives of certain human values and adds to the moral of the story. The fox who fell in blue dye, Mallan and Mathevan who were confronted by a bear, the elephant and the tailor are some of the most common folktales of Kerala.
Credits: Bhagyashree
Credit: Alamy Stock Photo
Here is the transcription of a heart wrenching folktale of Kuttathi Praavu (pigeon):
Once there were two sister pigeons who loved each other dearly. One day the elder pigeon bought some lentils and asked the younger one: “Kuttathi, fry these lentils before I come back again.” When she returned, she was furious to find that the lentils have decreased in amount. In her fury, the elder pigeon pecked on the younger one to death. Some months later, one day the elder pigeon found some lentils again and started frying them. She was amazed to find that after some time the lentils have decreased in amount! She realised that it happened naturally and that it was not the fault of Kuttathi pigeon. She was heartbroken and, in her lamentation, beat her head and put herself to death.
When a folktale is told, there is a rhythm to it, the variations in tone, the language specific attributes, which make it rich and engaging. There is no doubt that the experiences of folktales play an integral part in any person’s childhood, which also reflect throughout their life.
One of the legend of Kerala's origin involves Parasurama, who raised the land from the sea with his axe, giving it to the Brahmins. Due to high salt concentration, they left, prompting Parasurama to seek Lord Shiva's guidance. Shiva directed him to Nagaraja, the Serpent King, who, pleased with Parasurama's penance, blessed the land. A childless Brahmin couple, Vasudeva and Sreedevi, worshipped for a child and tended to injured serpents during a forest fire. Grateful, Nagaraja incarnated as their son, residing in Mannarasala temple in Alappuzha as a serpent.
Sreedevi bore two sons, one human and one naga. As they grew, Nagaraja advised the naga to marry, fulfilling his duty. Later, Nagaraja left for meditation in a cellar, causing Sreedevi deep sorrow. Once a year, she conducted pujas for him in the nilavara, where he never returned. Since then, the eldest woman in Mannarasala Illam's family performs important ceremonies and pujas in the Mannarasala temple in Haripad.
Credits: Tripadvisor
Indian folklore teems with forest spirits and supernatural entities portrayed as charmingly simplistic magical beings, yet their significance transcends mere enchantment. Within tight-knit communities, directives from these supernatural entities hold greater sway than those from familiar individuals, fostering obedience and adherence to societal norms. Whether fierce forest spirits or protective water creatures, they play a pivotal role in safeguarding individuals, ensuring children steer clear of perilous forests and treacherous waterways.
These entities manifest as simplistic yet magical creatures, deeply ingrained in oral narratives. Tales of 'Yakshas' and 'Yakshinis,' nature spirits dwelling in forests and rivers, evoke wonder with their benevolent or mischievous deeds shaping the fates of those who encounter them. Mythical beings like 'Gandharvas' and 'Kinnaras,' blending human and animal traits, populate folklore, adding layers of magical realism to the narrative tapestry.
Nagas, serpent deities in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and Pishachas, often portrayed as malevolent spirits, contribute to the folk's sensitivity towards animals and the environment through their interactions with the natural world. Pishachas disrupt the balance of nature in tales, wreaking havoc on ecosystems and endangering humans and animals alike.
Through these cautionary tales, folk narratives cultivate empathy and compassion towards animals while highlighting the interconnectedness of all living beings within the ecosystem. The portrayal of supernatural entities in folklore thus serves not only to entertain but also to impart essential lessons about the consequences of neglecting or abusing the environment and the virtues of harmony and stewardship. Moreover, their depiction in folk narratives serves to accentuate the supernatural aspects of the tales and to impart moral teachings regarding the repercussions of malevolent actions, emphasizing the significance of moral integrity and righteousness in surmounting challenges.
Gandharva wooden sculpture
Credits: Purathanam vintage store
Credits: Shita Thukral
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