Approaches tomediating and mediated agencywere first developed in responseto Actor-Network-Theory (ANT), which has been booming since the 1990s (La-tour 2005; Blok et al. 2020), leading to subsequent drafts of an emerging“actormedia theory”(Schüttpelz 2013; Krieger and Belliger 2014; Spöhrer and Ochsner2017). Most existing approaches to mediating and mediated agency, despite allinternal d…
The fictional storyteller’s account of the spontaneous generation of authentic myths naturally suitable for children is set alongside the real author’s account of a process of deliberate revision, formulated through rhetorical questions and characterized through metaphors. The myths have to be “purified” through the suppression – which Bright describes …
s this story of the Golden Age develops – with Eustace’s charming descrip-tions of meals growing on trees, carefree fun, and the bright aura – it in fact reveals the sinister myth of Pandora, here a “playfellow” sent by the gods to the boy Epimetheus, in whose household “a great box” menacingly awaits. Even though in Hawthorne’s version the girl is not responsible for…
As the first study of manuscript collections, this book asks what changes when sayings, stories, songs, and spells are brought together on the same carrier. Covering a plethora of manuscripts from the Warring States and early empires, and spanning sources from philosophy, historiography, poetry, and technical literature, this study describes the whole life-cycle of multiple texts collected on a…
Mary Pat Brady traces the figure of the captive and cast-off child over 150 years of Latinx/Chicanx literature as a critique of colonial modernity and the forms of confinement that underpin racialized citizenship.
The biographic series presents and entirely new way of looking at the lives of the world's greatest thinkers and creatives. It takes the 50 defining facts, dates, thoughts, habits, and achievements of each subject, and uses infographics to convey all of them in vivid snapshots.
You have been given a tremendous gift, rooted in God's desire to know you personally. It is called prayer. Prayer is God's invitation for you to enter into his presence with confidence, to hand Him all your hurts, needs, and worries. Pray is God's antidote to the toxins of fear, cynicism, skepticism, and self-centeredness that swirl around us.
This book is about storytellers and their oral performances of folktales in Mayotte, an island lying in the Indian Ocean about 1,000 miles east of the African coast. The book is built on a constraint: I have not witnessed the performances I discuss; in fact I have never been to Mayotte. Within that constraint, I indulge a whim. I use books by three French ethnographers …
eveloping the analogy between the laws of nature and stage machinery—also known as the merveilleux—Pluche elects to remain in the audience, subject to the illusion, rather than venture backstage in order to determine how the special effects are achieved.3 This acknowledgment of the implicit limitations of reason and the senses, subsequently dubbed epistemological modesty, left open the ques…
What is it like to write poetry right now at this moment in world history? What is it unlike? Or, to avoid comparisons at all, what is poetry now? Fascists and an “alt-right” search for platforms, opposed but not often enough; global warming renders laugh-able our comfortable and anachronistic sense of cyclical change; secular stagnation mocks the entire program of austerity; a fra…
Renaissance Fun is about the technology of Renaissance entertainments in stage machinery and theatrical special effects; in gardens and fountains; and in the automata and self-playing musical instruments that were installed in garden grottoes. How did the machines behind these shows work? How exactly were chariots filled with singers let down onto the stage? How were flaming dragons made to fly…
The founder of Hera the Light of Women, Mrs. Marianela Mirpuri told me about her idea to have a Poetry Anthology and challenged me to write and coordinate the first anthology for Hera the Light of Women. My first feelings where if I should be able to do it and thank her for trusting me. Then doubts came into my spirit, as I was not used, since long time to write in English (besides Hera’s hym…
Since the stories told by poets and other early writers represented the major evidence for the events for which the Greeks had no written records, historians could not escape considering the role of myth in history. One approach—represented here by Herodotus’ and Thucydides’ analyses of the Trojan, Persian, and Peloponnesian Wars—was to seek to distinguish where myth left off and histor…
Before entering upon the many strange beliefs of the ancient Greeks, and the extraordinary number of gods they worshipped, we must first consider what kind of beings these divinities were. In appearance, the gods were supposed to resemble mortals, whom, however, they far surpassed in beauty, grandeur, and strength; they were also more commanding in statue, height being considered by the Greeks …
Coconut leaves on towering trees lining the shore were swaying in a gentle sea breeze, as if waving at a flock of birds that flew over the ocean back to their nests on the cliff. Slowly but surely, the afternoon sun went down the horizon. The light scattered and tinged the sky orange on that late afternoon. The beautiful sunset only added to the joy of a little girl who was busy chasing after…
How wonderful is the creation of God. A small island, which is like a little piece of heaven on earth with the soaring mountains and clear, blue expanse of the sea, such was the nature’s landscape of the exceptionally beautiful Banda Island, a small island which lies in the southeastern side of Ambon Islands, Molucca. Once upon a time, there lived a married couple on the Island of Banda. Th…
Once upon a time, there was a great kingdom surrounded by hills and jungles. It was Azamnawi Kingdom. Its royal palace was adorned with glittering apparatus and the rooms were splendid. The King’s name was Azam. He was a famous king. King Azam was a strong and fearsome adversary. He was benevolent and revered. King Azam had a son named King Keinderaan. He was well-built, tall, valiant and h…
In a village called Wanua Uner, lived a pair of husband and wife, Pontohroring and Mamalauan, respectively. They had been married for a long time, but they had not got any children. Despite their old age, they still had a hope that one day they would get children. “What are you doing, dear?” Pontohroring asked his wife, Mamalauan, one afternoon. “Oh.... Look at this! I’m making a shir…
It was a fine day. The sun shone brightly and the sea water was blue and clear. The white sands on the beach were greeted by the rolling waves, whose sound mixed with the cries of the seagulls. It was such a beautiful scene. However, the group of men could not enjoy such beauty. They were busy felling coconut trees and cutting mangroves. They did not fell randomly; instead, they selected onl…
On a fine morning, as the winds blew softly touching the leaves and the colourful flowers in the garden at Kadipaten (a region ruled by an adipati) Surabaya, some flowers were red, some yellow, and some others white, increasing the beauty and coolness of the garden, the cheerful voices of the princess and her maids could be heard from a distance. That fine morning, they were busy making crow…
This is the graceful land they speak of, the land surrounded by a vast and clear, turquoise ocean. The sands are yellowish white like shiny pearls under the sun light, with the sea waves gently breaking on the shore. On one side of the island is a stretching ridge of towering rocks, while the other side is a lush mangrove forest, home to spawning crabs and fish. Along the coast, windswept co…
The amber glow of twilight dimmed as it bade farewell to the dusk, ushering the coming of night. Leaves were bowed and limp, as if exhausted from having spent the day in the company of the sun. The birds had stopped chirping, retiring one after the other to their nests. Once in a while the flapping of bat wings could be heard as they flew over the house where Sasandewini and Suntre lived. The…
It was almost dusk, and the sun had just greeted the western horizon. Buffaloes and cows over the dried rice paddies were approaching a hamlet in the Priangan realm. Shepherds played merrily in the vast rice paddies. The squeal and the moos of the buffaloes and cows described the serenity and peace of the village. Smoke puffed from the roofs of the houses that looked like a giant’s cigaret…
Jaka Prabangkara was the son of the King of Majapahit, Prabu Brawijaya V, born to a commoner. The king had met Prabangkara’s mother when he was in disguise as a commoner in order to know the lives of his subjects beyond the palace’s walls. When he was disguised in commoner outfit, he was accompanied by his two most loyal aides, Semut and Gatel. After some tour to inspect the real situation …
There was once a kingdom in the depth of a forest named the Jungle Kingdom. It was inhabited by all creatures but the human beings. Despite the fact that it had been inhabited by beasts and plants, the inhabitants acted as though they were human. Though each kind of animals had its own king, the highest power of the kingdom was invested in their Supreme Ruler, King Mouse-deer.
Once upon a time, long, long ago, there was a kingdom in Babolo ruled by King Babolo. The King lived with his wife and they had a pair of boy and girl. The elder, the boy, was named Madianggalang, and the younger, was named Vulangnembua. King Babolo was very much revered by his people for his just leadership. King Babolo cared about his people so much. If he found out his people were sick or…
Once upon a time, in Kampung Timbulon, there was an old woman who lived in a small shack. The shack was made of wooden boards and roofed with palm leaves. There were only guest room, bed room and a very cramped space one might call kitchen. The lawn of the shack was adorned by various kinds of colourful flowers. Tall trees grew next to the shack. Between those trees grew feral grass. From th…
There was once a boy named Ijo who lived with his grandmother, Nana Tupu, in Kampung Tanjung Babia, Mandar Pattae. When he was five, his parents set off for the Island of Borneo, leaving him behind. Ijo was much too young to remember any of it and he had never once asked Nana Tupu about his parents’ whereabouts. Though it was usually just the two of them, Ijo was never lonely. And neither was…
The wounded swordsman collapsed and stared up at the sky. His eyes always accidently met with the white clouds that looked like sitting cross-legged, with a wide blue background that stretched out. No breeze dared to move the position of the cotton white objects. The nature was silent. Between the blurred vision and the unfailing consciousness, Serunting's eyes saw the clouds resembling the h…
On the west coast of Biak Island there was a village called Sopen. The people lived in harmony and peace. To maintain their survival, every day they worked in the garden. Behind Kampung Sopen there were three towering mountains called Mount Yamnaibori, Sunbiyabo, and Manswarbori by the local people. In Yamnaibori Mountain lived a young man named Yawi Nusyado. He was very handsome and his bod…
King Arya Seta looked uneasy. He had just walked back and forth in his room since in the morning. He did not want to be disturbed. He had ordered everyone in the palace not to disturb him all day. No one questioned King Arya Seta's order because they understood his feeling. He was thinking about the fate of a young man who was fighting in a cave of the foot of Mount Arga Dumadi. Whatever the o…
Kampung Seberang was located on a clear, watery seafront. White sand spread along the beach. The palm trees waved in the wind. The fishing boats leaned before and after catching fish in the sea. The residents of Kampung Seberang lived a simple life. Their houses had poles that were high enough so that tidal water did not enter their homes. The pillars of the house were made of solid wood. Th…
There was once a kind-hearted bird called Bayan in this story. Bayan was the name of a bird that could speak, very kind, and possessed such commendable qualities as human beings. He was also good at telling about all things that contained wisdom for anyone who heard it. The content of the story was usually useful advice, especially for humans, such as stories about children who must respect …
Once upon a very prosperous time, there lived a grandmother with her granddaughter, Kirana. They lived on the border of a village with some neighbours around the house. Every day, after school, Kirana always helped her grandmother keep the rice in the rice fields. Kirana's grandmother would soon harvest so that the paddy had to be guarded from the birds. Makeshift food supplies were always bro…
Andini jumped over two steps with a sobbing breath. In her heart, she blamed herself. In fact her mother had awakened her so many times to quickly prepare herself. Andini had just opened her eyes, peering at the clock in her room. "Ah. It’s 04.00 o’clock, still too early," she muttered as she hugged her pillow and faced the wall. It was her fault. Andini was forced to rush when her mother w…
The rice expanse is yellow like a giant rug. It stretched over the valley of Bukit Resam. The rustling of the wind and the waving of the tree branches made the morning more and more cheerful. A cool mountain breeze and dew drops in the leaves were still very clear dangling the morning light. There was a golden glow rising from the east of Bukit Resam indicating an owl's chirp had been replaced…
The morning sunshine swept Kampung Separi in Tenggarong, Kutai. The shady village with all kinds of trees made its own elegance for every eye looking at each corner of the village. Rows of hills like sleeping giant ranks slipped into their own power for everyone who saw. Especially for anyone who woke up during the morning greeted after a full day of activity from the clatter of life, slashi…
The land of Mandar was endowed with tremendous gift from The Most Benevolent. There were rice fields with yellowing ripe rice and dense forest on the hill and mountain. The sea on the coast of Mandar was also rich in fish. Nature has sufficed the needs of human inhabiting the land of Mandar. The people of Mandar showed their gratitude by working on the gifts. The farmers worked hard on the ri…
Dauppare was a pretty girl. She was fair-skinned, tall, and slim. She carried herself with a humble personality. Dauppare was the only child of a wealthy couple. Her parents owned vast fields, where they planted fruits and paddy, in several places. Dauppare and her parents were known to be generous people, particularly to the poor people around them. Even though she was born with a silver spo…
In a village in Batubara Regency, North Sumatera Province, there once lived a married couple. They led a normal life, like everyone else in the village. They earned their living by farming, cultivating their fields every day with the man’s parents. Their happiness was complete when the wife gave birth to a boy. They became parents. They named the boy Tador. He was a cute, healthy baby. As h…
Bungbulang Village is located on the south part of Garut Regency, close to the Indian Ocean. Bungbulang village has beautiful scenery. In fact, Garut Regency is famous for its beautiful nature. When creating Garut, God must have been smiling. Garut Regency is comprised of flatlands and mountains, as well as a stretch of beach on its southern part. Natural resources are plenty in Garut, from its…
King Bidarba sat on his throne and coughed, one hand over his mouth. For the last few months, a putrid smell wafted and lingered in the air around the palace. The smell became worse and worse every day. As the air smelled worse, the palace of Madura Kingdom became more restless. A lot of people who lived or worked in the palace began to feel uncomfortable. The King himself spent more time hun…
Centuries ago, on the banks of Musi River, there was a prosperous kingdom called Palembang. It was a lush, prosper, and peaceful land with quite dense population. Palembang was a sultanate, led by Prince Riyo. Prince Riyo was known to be handsome and strong. He was a master of martial arts. Prince Riyo was the firstborn of the Sultan of Palembang. Unfortunately, Prince Riyo had not had a wife. …
Sungai Tolang is a jorong, a village, in Minangkabau. Beyond jorong is nagari, the district. Jorong Sungai Tolang is a part of Nagari Tareh in Limopuluah Kuto Regency, West Sumatera Province. The native people of Limopuluah Kuto Regency belong to a cultural group called Minangkabau. Minangkabau people are proud that they are ‘people with culture’ and that their land is ‘a land of culture…
Haruku Village was a peaceful and happy village. The people lived in harmony with each other. When a villager had a misfortune, the others would immediately help him. Haruku Village also had an abundance of natural resources. The forest and the sea provided everything that the people needed. Most of Haruku people earned a living by farming. They usually cleared a little piece of land in the for…
The birds chirped happily, welcoming the sun. The breeze swayed the yellowing paddy stalks on the field. Water flowed from the spring in the mountains, following every bend of the rivers. That was how it was in the beautiful land of Sunda, a land surrounded by mountains. In the land of Sunda, with its cool air and beautiful mountainous scenery, there was a kingdom called Galuh Kingdom. It was …
Thousands of years ago, Bangka Island was mesmerizingly beautiful. On its fertile land, myriad kinds of trees and plants thrived, creating a lush green scenery as far as one could see. Fair white sand adorned its beaches, clear blue water filled its seas. Looking at the calm sea, one would always find tranquility. The sound of crashing waves was a beautiful song in the quiet island. Its beaut…
Once upon a time, there lived a boy in Sangkan Gunung Village. He was called I Tundung. When he was six, his father passed away. Since then, he lived only with his mother who loved him very much. Wherever she went, I Tundung was always there. They were inseparable. After he lost his father, I Tundung grew up under his mother’s compassionate care. One day, his mother took I Tundung to the mar…
Arung Paria Kingdom was led by a very wise king. He was just and strict in ruling his subjects. Anyone who broke the law would receive punishment proportionate to their crime. Thus, all his subjects were afraid to break any rules. They became lawful citizens because they knew how strict their king was. Arung Paria King had two children, a boy and a girl. Everyone called them the Prince and the…
The sun had just risen on the east. A column of smoke rose to the air at the top of a mountain. That smoke meant that people lived there. On the mountain, the Blackwood trees thrived. Blackwood trees, sometimes were also called Ebony, were unique to Sulawesi. Some of the trees were tall and big, some were shorter with dense foliage. These trees formed a dense forest on the mountain. On the tr…