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A Reflection on the folktale 'The Hurricane' in K.P. Bahadur's Folk Tales of Uttar Pradesh
Who/What is ‘The Hurricane’?
As I delved into the pages of K.P. Bhadur's collection, "Folktales of Uttar Pradesh," I stumbled upon a captivating narrative titled 'The Hurricane.' This tale, steeped in the rich tapestry of folklore, intrigued me deeply. It masterfully intertwines the realms of myth and nature, offering insights into the human psyche's struggle to comprehend the untamed forces of the world.
Within 'The Hurricane,' symbolism reigns supreme. The narrative is rife with instances where objects and creatures are mistaken for something else—a recurring motif that adds layers of complexity to the story. In the cover of darkness, a leopard is misidentified as a calf, only to be set free upon discovery. Similarly, thieves, unaware of their quarry's true nature, seek refuge within a hollow tree trunk—a sanctuary they believe will shield them from harm. Little do they know that the very essence of fear they seek to evade resides within the depths of that same trunk.
The animals depicted in the tale are not merely characters but embodiments of primal instincts and elemental fears. Upon their second encounter with the thieves, the bear is overcome by a mysterious "dragging force," prompting it to whisk away the leopard in haste. Yet, their flight is interrupted by the arrival of a determined tiger, prepared to confront the enigmatic Hurricane head-on. Despite the tiger's initial claim of ignorance regarding the Hurricane, upon reaching the tree, its thunderous roar instills such terror in one of the thieves that he clutches onto the tiger's back in fear, mistaking it for a demonic entity. Startled by this unexpected turn, the trio of beasts swiftly flees the scene, leaving behind a sense of chaos and confusion. Their actions and reactions reflect a deep-seated apprehension of impending catastrophe—a fear they cannot fully comprehend but can only sense lurking in the shadows.
As the narrative unfolds, a subtle yet profound allegory emerges—one that speaks to the fraught relationship between humanity and the natural world. While the beasts of the forest harbor a degree of trepidation towards one another, it pales in comparison to the terror inspired by the human intruders. These thieves, driven by their own desires and heedless of the consequences, unwittingly unleash the wrath of nature—a consequence of their relentless exploitation of the land inhabited by the beasts in which they seek refuge.
Though the impending disaster is never explicitly named, its presence looms large, casting a shadow over every interaction and decision within the tale. In this way, the hurricane becomes more than just a force of nature; it becomes a metaphor for the imbalance wrought by human greed and ignorance—a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the consequences of disrupting the delicate harmony of the natural world.
-Shita Thukral
Beyond the face value:
the tail value of a strange proverb.
In my keen exploration of popular proverbs, I've discerned something very peculiar: dogs, my favourite animals, often get the short end of the stick. Consider the classic gem of a proverb I have often heard, "Kutte ki dum tedhi ki tedhi hi rahti hai" (The dog's tail remains crooked no matter what), which suggests that some things, much like a dog's tail, are just set in their ways. It is like saying you can't teach an old dog new tricks, or in this case, you can't straighten out that tail no matter how hard you try.
But hold your horses!
Let's take a peek at Yudhisthira's faithful pooch in the epic- Mahabharata. Suddenly, the tables turn, and that crooked tail becomes a symbol of unwavering loyalty and devotion. Despite the chaos and drama of their journey, the dog stays by Yudhisthira's side till the end, wagging its crooked tail like a badge of honor. In a surprising twist within the epic narrative, it is revealed that the dog accompanying Yudhisthira is none other than his father, serving as a pivotal test of his character as he faces rejection from other gods in his quest to enter the gates of heaven. Indeed, the tale reminds us that certain virtues, such as loyalty, are as unwavering as a dog's wagging tail, even amidst adversity. It prompts us to reconsider the simplistic interpretations often associated with animals in folklore, suggesting that imperfections discerned at face value can reveal deeper layers of character and meaning.
-Shita Thukral
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