{"id":5541,"date":"2017-11-25T17:56:45","date_gmt":"2017-11-25T16:56:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/?p=5541"},"modified":"2017-11-25T17:56:45","modified_gmt":"2017-11-25T16:56:45","slug":"the-feast-of-thanks-and-peace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/martinroe.com\/blog\/the-feast-of-thanks-and-peace\/","title":{"rendered":"The feast of thanks and peace"},"content":{"rendered":"
Here is a troll’s Thanksgiving story by my friend Martin Calderwood<\/p>\n
The Feast of Thanks and Peace<\/strong><\/p>\n
As reported by<\/p>\n
Grandpa Martin<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Once upon a time there lived an old troll lady named Hilda.\u00a0 She had long scarlet hair, the color of the brightest leaves of Autumn and so Fall was her favorite time of year, that is until Winter, Spring and Summer came along.<\/p>\n
Hilda lived high in the mountains, her cave overlooking a large meadow filled with trees and beautiful flowers that seemed to last longer than any area around them.\u00a0 A small stream ran through the middle passing by the remains of an extremely old tree, a tall stump that was as big as some of the nearby pines entire circumference.\u00a0 Near this tree was a young pine tree that stood as if it had chosen that spot to be near and watch over the remains of its neighbor.\u00a0 The contrast between the two trees was one of the reasons Hilda had chosen to live here.<\/p>\n
Every night, just after the sun set, Hilda would walk through ‘her meadow’ tending the plants, talking with the trees and whenever she could doing what she loved most, caring for the creatures of the region.\u00a0 The animals would come from miles and miles around, they liked the touch of her healing hands or to partake of the many wondrous potions and salves she had prepared for almost every occasion.\u00a0 Even the trolls who lived in the region would come to be healed or cared for if needed.<\/p>\n
Because of this Hilda had many friends and enjoyed a very happy life.\u00a0 Even Mother Nature, herself, would come and visit the old troll with the long tail, whenever she could.\u00a0 On some occasions the two would travel to other regions and areas where Hilda’s special skills could be used of taught.<\/p>\n
One day Hilda and her best animal friend Orsee the honey brown bear, were sitting next to the stream.\u00a0 Orsee was leaning up against the old tree while Hilda lay in the night shade of the young pine.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have so much to be grateful for.\u201d said Hilda looking up at the cloudy sky that hid the moon and foretold of the storms that would come to the area soon.<\/p>\n
Orsee grunted and growled his answer baring his teeth in a broad grin.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe should do something before the big snows hit the area.\u201d<\/p>\n
The bear’s stomach rumbled and he rumbled a soft hungry sound.<\/p>\n
\u201cA feast! What a wonderful idea!\u00a0 We could invite all our\u00a0 friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
Orsee again rumbled something that sounded like a question.<\/p>\n
Hilda paused.\u00a0 \u201cYes I know my trolls friends like lots of meat but I believe that no creature should be in danger because of this feast.\u00a0 We can gather fruits, nuts, roots and vegetables and\u00a0 I am sure the bees will give of their honey.\u00a0 I can bake breads and sweets of all kinds.<\/p>\n
The bear rumbled something then snorted loudly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I know it is a lot of work but I am an excellent cook and I have my magical pot that holds everything I put into it and cooks it perfectly.\u00a0 I will make the most wonderful stew.\u00a0 Maybe we will not even need meat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Orsee snorted.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I know trolls love\u00a0 meat but I truly believe it is wrong to take any life for this feast.\u00a0 We will have to trust Earth Mother and do all we can to be ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
She looked at the bear who remained quiet but nodded in agreement,<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to hold this as soon as possible before the cold and long nights come but our friends will need time to get here.\u00a0\u00a0 We can have the birds and the trees deliver the invitations and we will tell them it will be on the night of the new moon which will be in ten more nights.\u00a0 That will put it almost exactly between Solstice and Harvest’s End.\u00a0 I think that will be perfect.\u00a0 We can celebrate\u00a0 with our friends and express to Mother Nature our gratitude for all her bounty.\u00a0 I do think we need to invite her too.\u201d<\/p>\n
This time the bear nodded enthusiastically.<\/p>\n
Hilda grinned.\u00a0 \u201cThen it is settled. Oh and we must remember to tell them to bring their own items to eat in or on if they want.\u00a0 We do not have enough food holders for such a large number of guest.<\/p>\n
The bear snorted in appreciation that she had thought of something he never would have considered.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen let’s get going, we have lots of work to do!\u201d<\/p>\n
Orsee growled and groaned loudly.<\/p>\n
‘Meat?\u00a0 Yes, we still do not have any meat but I am sure it will not matter.\u00a0 Let’s get to work, we have a lot to do\u201d<\/p>\n
And with those words she was off like a shot preparing the plans that had filled her mind as she had talked.<\/p>\n
A day passed, then two.\u00a0 The birds and trees reported that twenty trolls had accepted the invitation and they could not count the number of animals.\u00a0 Some of the animals were afraid because there were going to be trolls there.\u00a0 Hilda replied that there would be no animals, even the old and infirm, would be harmed for the feast.\u00a0 She then waited for an answer.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, she began to cook.\u00a0 She dug a large fire pit and built a hot coal fire into which she placed her magical pot.\u00a0 She poured in over fifty buckets of water from the stream.\u00a0 As the onions, beans, carrots and tomatoes came in they went into the pot along with many special spices Hilda had in her cave.\u00a0 She added a barrel full of dried meat to the stock and then threw in several barrels of potatoes.<\/p>\n
She, along with Orsee, also started baking pies and cakes and breads in the stone oven inside her cave.\u00a0 Pumpkins, apples, peaches and other fruits were turned into dozens of pies while dried fruit and nuts went into breads laced with honey and thick syrup from maple trees miles and miles away.\u00a0 Other vegetables and fruits were packed into barrels and laid out for random snacks and treats.\u00a0 Orsee helped because like Hilda he was an excellent cook especially in making the breads and cakes.<\/p>\n
Soon the entire area smelled of fresh cooked or cooking food but there was no smell of meat, as Orsee kept reminding Hilda who continued to say nothing except that the feast would be wonderful.<\/p>\n
It was late into the next night that Old Woggle, a huge Tom Turkey, came to see his friend.\u00a0 He had heard of the dinner and came to see if he could help his friend.\u00a0 The two had talked, joined occasionally by Orsee who was tending his oven, until almost dawn.\u00a0 They discussed the fact that there was no fresh meat and Woggle assured her that things would be as they should and that if no fresh meat was provided by Mother Nature then that was how it should be and that the the gratitude would be real and genuine no matter what food was provided.<\/p>\n
Hilda was not so sure and worried, aloud, for the first time that without the meat for the feast it would not be perfect.\u00a0 She knew of animals who would give of themselves to fill the need and that by so doing their suffering and pain would end but they were few and she knew she could help them while alive and make any transitions smooth but not now.\u00a0 Not during the Celebration of Gratitude, as she now thought of it.<\/p>\n
Old Woggle had agreed and said he honored her kind heart. He said he remembered hearing of times when Trolls were nasty, cruel creatures who hated the light and all things good.\u00a0 Trolls that destroyed rather than create.\u00a0 His ancestors had passed down tales of the gradual change and now here she was doing good.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Great Creator and His Earth know what you are doing so be patient and what is supposed to be will come to pass.\u00a0 Now you best get in and get some rest, you have a busy time coming before the rest of your guests arrive.<\/p>\n
Animals began to arrive after two more days and were fed breads and small meals but for the most part they looked after themselves.\u00a0 The first troll arrived two days before the feast and from then on, they began to trickle in slowly.<\/p>\n
Hilda greeted each new arrival warmly and reminded them that this was a feast of gratitude and peace, so the guests were invited to try to remember things they were glad they had or were grateful for.<\/p>\n
The morning of the feast arrived warm and comfortable, a blessing from Mother Earth and, as Orsee again reminded her, still no meat.\u00a0 Orsee had then gone up to the cave to get the last of the pies and sweetbreads.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat shall I do old friend.\u201d she asked leaning against the old stump after he had left.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrust the magic.\u201d\u00a0 the tree stump said softly.<\/p>\n
A pair of eyes opened in the old tree and a large knot became a mouth.\u00a0 \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy?\u00a0 You have never spoke before.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYet you have always treated me as a friend.\u00a0 My roots are still deep and Mother is coming.<\/p>\n
\u201cWill she have the answers I need?\u00a0 Trolls love meat.\u00a0 I know it is not really necessary to make a great feast, but I want everyone to be happy.\u00a0 I do not want anything to ruin the feeling of gratitude.\u00a0 I have tried not to think of it and to be trusting but the answer has not come.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have not done anything but hope.\u00a0 Actions are frequently needed to get answers.\u201d\u00a0 said the ancient tree stump.<\/p>\n
Hilda looked confused.\u00a0 \u201cI was going to ask Mother Nature if she could help when she arrived.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, but she, like her creator, does not have to be here to answer questions.\u00a0 You are a troll and trolls are made of the rock of the Earth.\u00a0 You, above others, should know what can be done.\u201d\u00a0 replied the tree softly.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I should ask for meat now and expect it to just appear?\u201d asked Hilda.<\/p>\n
The smell that filled Hilda’s nostrils in the next second caused her eyes to shoot open as wide as all of outdoors.\u00a0 The savory aroma of Roast Turkey mixed with spicy bread filling filled the air.<\/p>\n
Hilda turned around rapidly and to her great surprise and delight ‘her pine tree’ was covered with plump, steaming turkeys, hanging like great pine cones from the branches of the tree.\u00a0 The old cook ran two steps and carefully grabbed one pulling it carefully off the tree.\u00a0 Before she could bite into it another appeared in its place.<\/p>\n
Hilda took a big bite (she’s a troll after all, what did you expect?).\u00a0 The buttery, spicy taste melted in her mouth as did the next bite and the next.<\/p>\n
\u201cOrsee.\u201d she called out, \u201ccome quickly!\u201d \nThe bear lumbered out of the cave and was immediately hit by the smells coming from the tree that had been masked by the wonderful bread smells that filled the cave.\u00a0 Hilda was certain he made it to the tree faster than ever before.<\/p>\n
\u201cTaste one.\u00a0 They are not too hot.\u00a0 They are perfect!\u201d exclaimed Hilda taking another bite which this time got into the core of the turkey which was filled with spicy bread and rice.<\/p>\n
Suddenly she stopped eating.\u00a0 Looking up she saw a large number of trolls approaching from both directions of the valley.\u00a0 She recognized the two largest families of the region.\u00a0 She quickly put down the remaining turkey ‘fruit’ and ran forward hearing Orsee crunching the bones as he finished the lasts bites of his treat.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cWelcome friends!\u201d she cried out in joy and excitement.\u00a0 \u201cWelcome to OUR Feast of Gratitude and Peace!\u00a0 Everyone gather quickly around before we eat to express our gratitude for all that we have!\u201d<\/p>\n
Tears of happiness filled Hilda’s eyes as she surveyed the crowd.\u00a0 In her mind she counted over three score trolls.\u00a0 (It was the largest gathering of trolls she had ever witnessed.)\u00a0 There were hundreds of animals, small and large, from a few hardy insects to a dozen large bears who had not yet hibernated.<\/p>\n
As she stood open mouthed, unable to speak because of the joy she felt, Old Woggle came up and stood beside her as did Orsee.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis may sound strange coming from me but my kind have been the food of all for years, it is part of our circle of life.\u00a0 We are honored that the Creator and Mother Earth chose such a universal taste to celebrate this day.\u00a0 Now I think it is time for you to say something and let these hungry critters eat!\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hilda blinked as she focused on the crowd.\u00a0 For a moment she turned and looked at Orsee who grinned so wide all his teeth showed white and gleaming in the evening air.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease listen everybody!\u201d<\/p>\n
The crowd grew silent as one by one they seemed to sense the importance of this occasion.\u00a0 Soon only the breeze rustling the trees could be heard through the entire meadow.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere is Mother Nature?\u201d asked Orsee in a soft growl.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll around us and in our hearts.\u201d replied Hilda smiling.\u00a0 \u201cBut she is standing next to our new friend the old tree.<\/p>\n
The bear said nothing but gave her a small nod.\u00a0 Mother Nature nodded back and smiled as she winked at the old tree stump who smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo on deary.\u201d said the old stump.\u00a0 \u201cAnd thank you for giving the land the life that brought me back from my deep slumber.<\/p>\n
Hilda smiled and then turned to face her guests.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to recite something I created while I was cooking.\u00a0 When I am done I want all of us to pause in silence for a few moments and think, individually about what you are grateful for.\u00a0 I will then need a few volunteers to bring down the rest of the food from the cave and the casks of milk, cheese, water and fruit juices we made.\u00a0 There is even several barrels of honey juice for those who like that.\u00a0 Orsee and Old Woggle know what to do so if you cannot get to me or hear me check with them.\u201d<\/p>\n
A rumbling murmur rolled through the gathering.\u00a0 The smells and their hunger made it hard to wait but they were wise and they were indeed grateful so they assented in anticipation of both the words and the feast.<\/p>\n
Woggle and the others all stepped back leaving her some room so they could all hear her.<\/p>\n
For a few moments more Hilda held her peace and then in a gentle, full voice began to speak and though not everyone there would understand the words they could sense the importance of their meaning and the greatness of the heart that spoke them.<\/p>\n
Great Creator and Gentle Mother Earth! \nAs thy children we gather to express our gratitude for all your bounty. \nFor the elements that make us one \nFire that gives heat and prepares food. \nWater to feed and cool all things. \nAir that gives all things life. \nEarth, the Mother of us all. \nFor the seasons and the cycle of life \nSpring where the cycle starts \nSummer where it grows and matures. \nFall where the cycle fulfills its path and gives its most. \nWinter where it rests and awaits new birth. \nWe freely share all these and promise not to waste but to use all your gifts as ordained. \nFor the life giving food and this wonderful feast, \nwe say give our thanks and pledge to use the strength it gives to benefit all that lives. \nMay one of these benefits be peace to all the Earth and all that live within \nand may we be vessels of that peace now and forever. \nAgain we express our gratitude for all your gifts. \nLet us enjoy these moments of peace and silence.<\/p>\n
For a hundred troll heartbeats there was silence in all the meadow.\u00a0 The auras of those present seemed to merge and the Earth drew on that power.\u00a0 Around the globe, for those few minutes, trolls and others close to the Earth sensed a change that would in the years to come alter the care and keeping of the world, all because of one Troll, a large feast and a bond that was created in those few moments of silence as the Creator and Mother Earth received the thanks and honor they would use to help their greatest love: the Planet Earth.<\/p>\n
As for the feast, according to all who attended it was by far the most wonderful experience they had ever had and those turkeys, well let it be said they will always be remembered for their magical taste and appearance.\u00a0 Ever since that first feast, oh so long ago, the trolls and their friends have gathered every year since in the high meadow with Hilda, Orsee and repeated the Feast of Gratitude and Peace and though Hilda no longer cooks and it is Orsee’s great great great grandson that does the cooking the troll world continues to enjoy the once a year magic of the ‘thanks-giving’ tree.\u00a0 It is no surprise that the word spread and the feast became a standard throughout all trolldom and even though they did not all have the magical turkey ‘fruit’ of the first one great care was always taken to keep Hilda’s intentions and purpose completely fulfilled.\u00a0 That humans have a similar feast held on the third Thursday of their month of November, is also no surprise, for we are all children of the same Creator and as such are charged to care for the Earth which gives us all sustenance.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
And Snip, Snap Snout, this tales told out.<\/p>\nMother Earth visits the feast<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/p>\n
Grandpa Martin aka Martin Calderwood is the Master Trollogist of the USA. He lives in West Jordan, Utah and has loved trolls all his life. Martin’s grandpa came from Norway in the early 1900’s and loved to tell the grandkids trollstories. Some traditional Norwegian tales, but also some that he made up himself, often linking the trolltradition with their lives in the US. Martin has carried on this tradition and writes trollstories where he combine the traditional trollmythology with today’s life in Norway and the US.<\/em><\/p>\n
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