The 154 stories come from 29 countries. Most are myths or folk tales; some are factual.
A trick is an action taken for the real (and ideally legitimate, though perhaps illegal) benefit of the trickster or another person against the unjust behaviour of those with the advantage of class, wealth, authority or physical superiority. That benefit can be material – the saving of life, avoiding injury or capture, economic survival – or the preservation of dignity and a positive self-image through mockery or humiliation as a form of psychological revenge: taking the high and mighty down a peg or two.
Stories about tricks are entertaining, but they carry a serious message for the young, weak, vulnerable, and socially disadvantaged: it is possible to overcome bullying, whether institutional or personal, or at least counter its effects.
Excerpt
Shirdon and the Giants
Ossetia, Caucasus
Nart Shirdon was walking through the forest one day when he came upon three giants fighting. He asked them what the problem was.
“We have these three things here,” one of them said, “and we can’t agree how to share them.
“There’s this skin. All you have to do is sit on it and make a wish, and it will take you wherever you want to go. There’s this three-legged table. If you hit it with a felt whip, it will be covered with all kinds of food and drink. There’s this rope. Tie up any treasures you have and they will be lighter.”
“I have a solution,” said Shirdon. “Each of you give me an arrow, and I’ll shoot them in different directions. Whoever comes back first with the arrow gets first choice of these things. The second gets second choice, and the third gets what’s left.”
They agreed. Shirdon shot the arrows far far in different directions, and the giants ran after them. While they were gone, Shirdon put the table on the skin and tied it with the rope, sat on the skin, and wished he was on the roof of his house many miles away.
When he landed, he struck the table with a felt whip, and there appeared a feast that he shared with his friends and neighbours.
Professional Reviews
Everyone loves a tale of a trickster
Richard Marsh's wide knowledge of world folklore gives us a wonderful collection of tales of trickery. Every lover of storytelling should have this book.
Richard Martin, British storyteller, Germany, Amazon review
Good Bedtime Reading
Richard Marsh’s A World of Tricksters is a good romp through all the facets of the trickster motif, from mythology to urban legend.
With occasional reference to Stith-Thompson’s index, Richard’s sources range from Petronius’ first century AD work, Satyricon, to his own personal recollections. Characters such as the mythical Native American Coyote to the twentieth century gambler Barney Curley fill the pages.
Think of this book as good bedtime reading. The stories are short and the laughs come quickly. Richard’s observations and dry humor add to the book’s enjoyment.
Charles Kiernan, American storyteller
A Storyteller's Delight
This book is a Storyteller’s delight. Trickster tales from around the world supplemented with rich notes, discussion of sources and informative introductions make this an exhaustive encyclopaedia to include in the Storyteller’s repertoire.
Professor Vinita Dhondiyal Bhatnagar
Rajiv Gandhi Technological University, Bhopal
Madhya Pradesh. India.
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