Foreword, Elisa Davy Pearmain
Introduction
Tips for Telling


PART ONE: Living with the Natural World
Children of Darkness
The Voice of the Great Spirit
The Priest in Paradise
The Noble Deer
The Man from Aluk
Baldy
To Whom Does the Land Belong

PART TWO: Living with Ourselves
The Hole Boy
Vasilisa the Brave
Crow and Partridge
The Happy Man's Shirt
Granny’s Ride
Trustworthy Traveler

PART THREE: Living with One Another
Ivarr’s Tale
The Meat of the Tongue
The Elephant and the Dog
Birds Learn about Friendship
Polite Peculiarities
The Sign of the Tassel
Kassa, the Strong One

PART FOUR: Practicing Generosity
The Magic Spring
A Gift for Grandfather
Ukko’s Bread
Primroses for Gold
Generosity Bends the Road
The Drum

PART FIVE: Seeking Justice
The Gentleman and the Thief
The Jug on the Rock
Strength in Unity
Sister Goose and the Foxes
Brother Fox and the Geese
Two Pebbles
The Bell of Justice
The Fifty Dollar Bill

PART SIX: Developing Perspective
The Magnificent Red Bud Tree
Crow and Pitcher
One Thousand Ideas, One Idea
The Monkey Who Asked for Misery

PART SEVEN: Accepting Change
The Shining Jewel
Grandfather and Grandson
Donald of the Burdens
Capturing Spring
A Pig's Life

PART EIGHT: Seeking Peace and Finding Hope
The Almond Tree
Cooking Together, Trinidad Style
Hannah and the Wind
The Night Bird
Milk and Sugar
The Blind Man and the Hunter
Pandora’s Gift


Sources
Thematic Index
Principle Index

Sister Goose and the Foxes

Sister Goose swam in the pond, happy as could be. Now and then, she ducked her head down to nibble a little bit here, and nibble a little bit there. She took no more than her fill of those succulent underwater plants, for she knew that the pond belonged to everyone.

Meanwhile, Brother Fox was hiding in the willows at the far end of the pond. He didn’t like to see anyone happy, least of all a goose.

Sister Goose swam along, enjoying the clear blue sky and the bright sunshine. She swam along to the willows growing at the far end of the pond. All of a sudden Brother Fox sprang right out of those willows shouting, “Trespasser! You get off my lake!”

Sister Goose shrugged up her wings and looked at Brother Fox, mystified. “Trespasser? How so? This lake does not belong to you, it belongs to us all!”

Brother Fox didn’t seem to hear her. He carried on, “You’ve been eating some of the plants in this pond. They don’t belong to you! If you don’t get out of this lake, I’m going to take you to court!” . . .


For Reflection
When, in your experience, has justice seemed impossible?
Who are today’s foxes? Who are today’s geese?
What examples do you know of the “geese” winning?

Themes
anti-oppression, authority, class, courage, culture, equality, ethics, evil, freedom, history, human rights, governance, identity, justice, oppression, power, privilege, race/ethnicity, rights, strength, suffering, violence, vulnerability, weakness

Principles
Inherent worth and dignity of every person
Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations
Right of conscience and use of the democratic process
World community with peace, liberty, and justice for all

Story Map
Sister Goose is swimming and dining in the lake.
Brother Fox demands that she leave because the public lake is his property.
Sister Goose refuses to leave.
An argument ensues between Sister Goose and Brother Fox.
They agree to settle in court.
On the day of the trial, the clerk, the lawyers, the jury, and the judge are all foxes
Sister Goose is found guilty and eaten.

I often get just a few minutes' warning: "The guest minister didn't prepare a Message for the Children. Have you got one?" Faye Mogensen's collection of short wisdom tales, indexed for fast finding and "mapped" for speedy review, is just what I need! She has retold these traditional tales in her own fresh words. The smooth confidence of the telling suggests that these retellings are field-tested. Her experience with kids shows in the suggestions for listener participation. But the questions also include many that would challenge an adult RE group. I can heartily recommend this book to UU congregations and UU storytellers.
—Fran Stallings, professional storyteller

Designed for the novice storyteller as well as the seasoned professional, Ancient Stories for Modern Times reminds us that stories are both medicine and nourishment. They are gifts we give each other. Skillfully retold, these wisdom tales address an array of critical issues, from “Living with One Another” to “Seeking Justice” and “Accepting Change.” With Mogensen’s guidance, you’ll soon find yourself telling your own versions, trusting the story to come alive in your imagination. All you have to do is let one of the stories choose you and then begin. . . .
—Margo McLoughlin, author of Seeds of Generosity: Storytelling in the Classroom

As someone who loves to tell stories, I already envision myself sharing these with audiences young and old. Those looking for stories for worship or workshops will be pleased by the wide selection, categorized by themes and including story maps to make the telling easier. The majority of these tales are new to me. I imagine Mogensen traveling down many paths—in forest and field, desert and plains of ice—gathering stories like precious jewels in a small sack close to her heart.
—Jessica York, UUA Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Faye Mogensen has carefully selected stories with good bones, ready to be adapted and fleshed out by tellers of any experience level. She has gathered tales from all over the globe that cover a broad range of themes and offer deep but simple wisdom. This collection is sure to have something for everyone. I’ve picked out several new favorites already.
—Kristin Maier, author of A Good Telling: Bringing Worship to Life with Story
Faye Mogensen has lovingly stitched together a wonderful collection of tales—and so much of this work sparkles! These stories are drawn from more than 30 countries and cultures, from first people creation myths to modern times and across a wide spectrum of religious beliefs. . . . Either buy this book as a gift for yourself or for a storyteller that you want to treat—they will thank you for it!
—Allison Cox, Coordinator, Healing Story Alliance