Getting closer to the sources
Getting closer to the sources
Dinosaur literature studies, ongoing research series
A word to the wise: the folktale we are re-expressing translated in poem format would fit into the ATU (Aarne-Thompson-Uther) classification system as type 710, "The Concerned Mother". This tale type is characterized by a mother or father figure who accidentally injures or kills one of their own children and then experiences profound grief and guilt over their actions. Unfortunately the original version is nowhere to be found, and we keep on improving the versed version of what has come to be know as "The Broken Egg" or "The Tragedy of the Mother Dinosaur". A reminder is in order that the same situation, excluding the feelings of grief and guilt, could fit into the Aarne-Thompson classification system as type 1362: The Hen That Laid Golden Eggs. In this type of story, a character comes across an object (in this case, the dinosaur egg) that produces something of great value (in this case, a baby dinosaur), but the object is destroyed or lost due to greed or carelessness. The moral of the story is often about appreciating what one has and not taking things for granted.
Added for further consideration (co-author contribution): this story could fit into several other categories in the Aarne-Thompson Classification System, depending on how the story is presented and interpreted. Considering how the post-incident scenario unfolds, one possible categorization could be "The Dispute over a Trivial Incident" (ATU 1350), which typically involves a minor incident that becomes the focus of a dispute or controversy. Another possible category could be "The Unjust Judge" (ATU 1301), which involves a situation where a judge or authority figure makes an unfair ruling or decision. Alternatively, the story could fit into the category of "The Wisdom of the Simpleton" (ATU 922), which involves a situation where a simple or naive person is able to outsmart a more experienced or sophisticated one. Overall, the story could be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the importance of fairness and honesty, and the dangers of making assumptions and jumping to conclusions.
Here's a translation into English:
The Brontosaurus' lovefor her eggs newly hatched,pure and powerful,full of maternal joy.She admires them tenderly,protects them fiercely,but in a moment of unawareness,one egg meets its fate.The tail that once caressedbecomes the tool of destruction,cracking the shell and breaking her heart.Oh, how bitter the taste of tragedy,when the love that once nurturednow brings only sorrow and pain.
And, here's a translation into standard Italian:
L'amore del Brontosauroper le sue uova appena schiuse,puro e potente,pieno di gioia materna.Le ammira con tenerezza,le protegge con fermezza, ma in un momento di disattenzione,una delle uova incontra il suo destino.La coda che un tempo le accarezzavadiventa strumento di distruzione,frantumando il guscio e spezzando il suo cuore.Oh, quanto amaro il sapore della tragedia,quando l'amore che un tempo nutrivaora porta solo tristezza e dolore.
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