Samuel, a character in Rudolfo Anayas' novel, Bless Me Ultima, starts his story of the golden carp as if it is a thing of legend (and it totally is): "'A long time ago, when the earth was young and only wandering tribes touched the virgin grasslands and drank from the pure streams, a strange people came to this land'" He goes on to tell Antonio, the young protagonist, how the people angered their gods, and as punishment the gods turned the people into carp. But, Samuel explains, one god loved the people so much that he asked to be turned into a carp, too, so that he could protect them. Samuel says, "'But because he was a god they made him very big and colored him the color of gold. And they made him the lord of all the waters of the valley.'"
Samuel's description shakes old Antonio up: "'The golden carp,' I said to myself, 'a new god?'" Yes, Antonio: a new god.
June 1 Theme Day is Zest
June 1 Theme Day is Zest
just beautiful. loved the lore, too. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo and story.
ReplyDeleteInteresting story. Will look it up now.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of this carp.
Wonderful image Kate!
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Carp are hard to photograph (I think). Your shot of this one is lovely, love his color.
ReplyDeleteDon't think we need another god, but it's a cute story and great photo!
ReplyDeleteYou got a good picture of a difficult subject to photograph.
ReplyDeleteThis one's quite colourful.
ReplyDeleteThat top shot is really lovely...the water makes it very ethereal...I have visions of a Japanese water color!!!
ReplyDeleteA beautifully written passage, Kate, with two beautiful photos to accompany it.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite books and movie.
ReplyDeleteI especially like the top shot - reflections on the water and the flow of the fish. The story provides a lovely lyricism.
ReplyDeleteHe looks like gold indeed, nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteCreatures of legend Kate.. beautifully shown swimming through the reflections.
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