Fire in Art and Storytelling

CAMPFIRE

My life has been told to me through camprfire tales — stories that spill over when the fire has burned low and silence must be filled. They’re like old coats hauled from the back of the cupboard. Dusted off, aired out, good as new. My mother, Vivienne, doled them out as reward or consolation, depending on her mood. And so I came to know myself — through the telling and retelling.

Friday Brown by Vikki Wakefield, Australian author

Tall tales are a storytelling tradition that extends far back into human history. In our imaginations, tall tales happen around the camp fire.

HEARTH

For more on the significance and symbolism of the home hearth, see this post.

BURN OFFS

CONFLAGRATION

BONFIRE

A bonfire is a big campfire, right? Except it’s not just for warmth but for fun and celebration and to raise the emotional charge of a celebration.

HELL FIRE

WHAT EVEN IS THIS

Fire can be a powerful and sometimes all consuming force. Helpful and dangerous in equal measure, the ability to use fire sets man apart from the animals. It should not be too surprising then that fire features heavily in our folklore and traditions.

The Folklore Podcast