Episode 15: The Story of Fox and Dog
In episode 15 of the Nature Therapy Online podcast, I share a nature story/tale with you. Fox and Dog is a story that was originally told by Duncan Williamson of the Scottish travelling community. Click on the black player above to listen.
Just a few days ago, I told my first ever public story at an event for the wonderful Scottish Storytelling Centre. I told this story which I am sharing with you today; the story of Fox and Dog. This simple and gorgeous tale captures the struggle between the need for wildness/freedom, and the comforts of domesticity. Although this is captured in the tale with two different animals; the wild fox and the tame dog, I think this is a battle many of us feel internally, even if we are not always conscious of it.
As listeners of the podcast will know, I am really interested in the ways in which locals myths and legends mingle with our connection to nature and place. For me, nature stories and nature-based myths are a therapy in themselves. They take our imaginations back to nature and her stories, instead of ourselves and the (sometimes damaging) stories that we tell ourselves about life.
As part of my personal development in the area of storytelling, I am part of a wonderful online group called Myth Singers. Myth Singers is run by Daniel Allison, an inspiring author who brings his passion and extensive knowledge of Scottish Mythology into all of his work. Through the power of traditional storytelling, this story found its way to Daniel through the legacy of the Scottish travelling community (without whom we would have lost a massive chunk of Scotland’s myths and legends), which then was passed to me by Daniel. Now I am offering it to you, and I hope that one day you will pluck up the courage to pass it on to others yourself.
As always, thank you so much for listening to this week’s ecotherapy podcast.
Green hugs,
Stephen x
