Is there anything so sweet as honey? This smooth, syrupy gold is more than just a sweet treat, though. From anti-aging to antimicrobial properties, from suppressing coughs to healing scars, honey is one of the most profound health products found in nature. Its presence as one of the few, if not the only, available sugar sources in many areas of the world has propelled honey to its renowned glory. Coupled with its usage as a sometimes religious or spiritual symbol, in healing, and even in embalming, this sticky sweet treat has earned its place among the folklore legends. It has been revered in many cultures around the world, including being featured in a collection of stories from every continent except for Antarctica; penguins apparently don’t care much for honey. It is commonly a favorite among gods, too!
Despite the plethora of benefits from one of our most global foods, honey would be nowhere without the bees that work their magic to turn flower nectar into the wonderful sticky substance we call honey. The buzzing might get annoying, and some might find the tiny stinging creatures fearsome – especially people allergic to their stings – but the bee has also been revered as a noble creature for its gift of honey to mankind. Society has shown its own appreciation for these winged beasts by making sure the bees are found in the folk stories as often, if not more, than the honey that they produce.
Honey without bees, or bees without honey, would mean so much less for their combined place as a legend among legends, and the stories in this book will take a peek at the lives beyond the hive; these stories will delve into the problems and the dangers that the majestic colony face on a day-to-day basis. There will be enemies and there will be friends. There are many assailants who are constantly seeking to steal the precious golden nectar, and it’s up to the whole of the colony to protect its treasure.
In the beginning, the bees will be the victims, with no way to protect themselves or their honey. However, a single brave bee will rise up to fight for a power – a much more ferocious power. This challenge will test that lonely bee’s bravery and heart. The legend of Hymetta is one of courage and dedication with an outcome that will forever change the daily lives of bees. Their gift will only deter their adversaries, though, not destroy them, as disputes arise. In a foggy bog past the meadow, the bees will be forced to protect their homes and their honey using the very power previously bestowed upon them against behemoths. Enemies their own size will lurk in the shadows, though, and wait for the opportune moment to strike. The bees will need to find a way not only to fight their giants with their bodies, but to beat their sworn rivals using their brains. Each new selection will become another part of the history that leads up to the modern reputation of bees. But what about before modern? What about before their first fights with giants? Or even before Hymetta? Where did bees come from? And why did they start making honey? The final chapter will fill in the answers with a single bite so important that it forever changed the way we thrive – and use EpiPens. This won’t be your granny’s recipe book for all things honey, nor will this be a biology lesson about bees. Honey might be sweet, but things will only end sour for those who mess with these honey bees.
Worker bees working their magic in the honeycomb.
Todd Huffman (2007). Source: Wikimedia Commons