Symbolism In Terrimoirine Folk Stories

Symbolism in Terrimoirine folk stories is taken for granted by the tellers and the intended audience. When the sound of a bell, for example, crops up, their shared culture means there is no doubt as to what it means, even if the symbol is not overtly (some might say heavy-handedly) acknowledged - which this article must do if it is to explain them to an entirely foreign audience.

For the significance of animals in particular, see Animals In Terrimoirine Folk Stories.

1. Sex of the teller

2. Queen (or Lord) of Horses

3. Senior Tree

4. Sound of bells

5. Dragon

1. Sex of the teller

In traditional storytelling, it is normal practice for characters whose sex is indeterminate (or unimportant) to be changed to the same gender as the teller. (This is also true in normal speech: "If someone saw this, what would she/he think?" etc.)

This convention applies equally to the animal/animate characters noted in this entry.

2. Queen (or Lord) of Horses

This character is variously (depending on the story) an actual (east) horse, or a person who is in some way a ruler of horses. The Queen or Lord of Horses can be seen as an embodiment of chivalry, keeper of the warrior's code of conduct.

Note that 'lord' in this sense is a male rank; it is from Pais Meizurs culture, not Woking nobility. A queen being a higher rank than a lord, tales involving the horse figure are in a sense more powerful if told by a woman.

3. Senior Tree

The Senior Tree is a tree, and not a talking one. Its significance is comical. For example, its influence is seen in the miniature tree-shaped sceptres traditionally carried by jesters.

4. Sound of bells

This signifies, quite simply, life - rescue, dawning, birth, etc.

5. Dragon

See [Dragon's entry under Animals in Terrimoirine Folk Stories.]