The Promise of Dragons by Chipka
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Description
In medieval Agaran folklore the appearance of an earwig in winter foretells the arrival of dragons in the spring. Connections between various insects and mythical beings figures prominently in the Agaran cosmology. Indeed, the ancient Agaran zodiac (based on the lunar calendar) boasts a host of insects and other “bugs.” In each case, these diminutive (and often humble) creatures bear mythical counterparts. The earwig is linked to the dragon. The woodlouse (common European sowbug) is linked to the fabulous basilisk. The bee (known in Agara as the “honey wasp”) is a summer-born creature, and is thus bears intimate connections to the Sphinx, commonly depicted not as a lioness with a human head, but as a winged lion with a serpent in place of its tale.
Because of the interconnected nature of earwigs and dragons, sight of the common earwig (Forsicula auricularis) is cause for quiet celebration. Dragons, in old Agaran mythology, and current folklore, are bringers of good fortune and bountiful crops. They are preceded in their journeys into the earthly plane, by the yearly arrival of earwigs. Female earwigs are known among Agaran peasants as “little seamstresses” while the males, with their more overtly curved caliper-like appendages, are recognized as “shoemakers.”
According to folklore sources, earwigs possess such “frightful” appendages, as westerners might perceive them, because of necessity. When dragons make their yearly arrival to the earthly plane, they damage the sky, tearing rips into it. Female earwigs, “little seamstresses” then climb into the sky, pinching the ripped edges together with their “clamps” while using their two forelegs to industriously sew the ripped edges of the sky together, using silken thread made from stardust and needles made of the finest moonlight. Males, more earthly in their concerns, are apparently unconcerned with rips in the sky, and thus focus their efforts on sewing soles to shoes, or repairing holes worn into socks. Because of such usefulness, the earwig, like the honey bee, enjoys a place of honor on the Agaran national seal, accompanied—as is proper, according to Agaran cosmology—by the winged lion and the woodlouse.
***
I had no idea that an earwig in winter foretells dragons in the summer, but oh well. Stories like that always seem to ooze out of my mind whenever I look through files in search of something for my gallery.
In truth, this little earwig (a rather fast-moving female) was seen last summer. I was in the process of emptying garbage when I found her. Needless to say, I had my camera with me, and so I endeavored to take as many shots of her as I could. I knew, immediately, that this was a little lady of exceptional breeding because of the shape of her rear appendages. Females possess straighter posterior pincers, while male pincers curve in the manner of something a bit more formidable. Civilized earwigs, I am told, keep their exoskeletons nicely polished, and well…this little lady was highly reflective. I probably saw her as she emerged from some exclusive insect beauty salon.
I was happy to see her, and somewhat annoyed at her unwillingness to pose for a photograph. Oh well…at least I got this shot of her, and as we’re on the verge of a new year, I thought it appropriate that I post her. In Agara, after all, the sight of an earwig in winter is a sign of good fortune, a promise that dragons will arrive, and ask any Agaran…good things happen when dragons come around, unless—of course—they have toothaches…but that’s a story for another day.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope that this little earwig is, indeed, a harbinger of good things to come in the New Year.
Comments (22)
myrrhluz
I'll admit, I'm not extraordinarily fond of earwigs. It is something in the name and a totally unreasonable prejudice on my part. Your story and information has moved me to resolve to better myself. I looked them up and saw the formidable appendages on the male (slight backsliding of my resolve, there.) Excellent story and pretty little lady (well I'm working on the second bit, but she is excellently captured). I love the image of the little seamstresses stitching up the ripped fabric of the sky. That would make an excellent image in a children's book. I imagine there are many such books in Agara. Wonderfully inventive and well written story of earwigs and dragons, and also of your adventures with this camera shy specimen. A total delight to read.
lwperkins
I have visions of tiny containers of turtle wax and chamois cloths waiting the polish the earwigs. I'm not fond of earwigs, but if they predict dragons, I can adjust my attitude;)
CoreyBlack
WOW! I want some of what you're on. The image and writing are delightful. The detailing and texture here is very nice. You photograph bugs and insects better than anyone I know. As for the writing, I love the idea of the sky being ripped and then sewed back together. As to clean earwigs, I'm getting an image of liitle earwig washing stations where the hot wax costs extra. Great work.
RodS Online Now!
Excellent photo, Chip! And I love the story to go along with it. Happy New Year, my friend, and may you have dragons aplenty in 2011!
MagikUnicorn
Great closeup I use to catch this for fishing...It's really work ;-) ☼ HAPPY NEW YEAR ☼
beachzz
Earwigs give me the creeps after seeing a Twilight Zone episode about them. I won't go into detail, but don't let em lay eggs in your ear!!
kgb224
Outstanding capture my friend.
lick.a.witch
Earwigs (males) were used often to 'sew' wounds. They were held against the wound until their pincers 'bit' then, poor souls, their heads were cut off. Their pincers remained intact until the wound healed. Sucks to be a male earwig! I, on the other hand, have the greatest respect for this much maligned creatures even when they invade my dahlias! Fabulous narrative and wonderful image. ^=^
KateBlack10
Really interesting read and image Chip :) I had no idea that earwigs have such a vibrant history and life. The vision of the males ripping apart the sky while the females sew the ripped edges of the sky together, using silken thread made from stardust and needles made of the finest moonlight is AWESOME! What a beautiful and visual tale. It makes me appreciate them so much more- great work!
flavia49
wonderful image and narrative!! Happy New Year 2011!!
RobyHermida
Excellent !!!!!! Hugs:)
helanker
I must say, you constantly amaze me with your brain spinns, Chip. What you can get out of watching a earwig is just amazing and deep fascinating. You are like a cat with nine lives, because of all you experience from tiny things. You dont just see an earwig. (one thing) No, you see alot of things, every time you look at something new. That is what I mean by you living nine lives. Where we only see the finger, your brain sees a whole arm or more. LOL ! The best part is, that you share some of your thoughts with us. Yeah I know, a bad explanation, but I dont have your skill and with your brain, I am sure you understood what I meant.
MrsRatbag
She looks to be made of bronze...nicely seen and captured. And I guess I'd best put up my dragon shield before spring!
durleybeachbum
Corey stole my line! I was just thinking the same..that maybe I could ooze like you with the help of something a little extra, shall we say.
Orinoor
It is good to know that someone out in the world appreciates earwigs. I confess, I am an earwig hater, both as an overly imaginative child and as a grown-up gardener. Dragons do seem right for them, they are both fierce and well-armed, attributes which don't garner much enthusiasm when they are ensconced in my grapes and corn. Lovely shot!
auntietk
I must admit that you're moving me from loathing the things to tolerating them somewhat better. The last earwig I found in my house still got flushed, but I did it calmly, with no creeping out. Maybe the next one I find I'll put outside. LOL! Yeah ... maybe not. We'll see! But you're on your way to saving at least a few earwigs. Great story!
Rhanagaz
Great information an a great capture of this "little dragon" ;o)
sandra46
WOWO A NEW MONSTER! GREAT CAPTURE
MrsLubner
Boy, oh, boy... I can tell you've never seen or had an earwig in your ear. :-) In the south where I came from, earwig infestation was almost as bad as roach or fire ant infestation. They would crawl on the bed at night and every once in a while, one got into the cool, damp ear canal and refused to come out. That meant a trip to the doctor for flushing and extraction. These guys do real damage to my garden. Doesn't mean I don't like looking at them, but they aren't my friend. This is a super shot with excellent detail and I don't have to actually see one on my floor to enjoy it. :-)
0rest4wicked
My daughter would run from the room if seeing this...lol. Sensational narrative!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
danapommet
Fantastic capture Chip! We called these "pincher bugs" when we were little kids. I loved Corey's comment!!!! It is wonderful narrative. Dana
moochagoo
I agree with Corey :))