Click on the picture to jump to the Winter 2025 (Volume 4, Issue 4) or HERE for PDF or HERE for Magazine Style (through Calaméo).
Looking back, it has been a heck of year with many unpredictable changes, soaring joys, and crushing sorrows. As we approach the Holidays, what can we do for those around us, who may be experiencing a time of tears, fear, and despair?
There is the old Norse legend of Baldur. Baldur was the first-born and most beloved son of Odin and Frigg. He was the personification of light itself, well-liked by the gods, and who brought joy and well-being to all he encountered. One day, he began dreaming of his own death. Unlike other gods, Norse gods could die. His mother, Frigg, got all the fish, trees, animals, metals, and stones to swear not to harm Baldur. They all agreed, and the gods took great sport in hurling objects at Baldur with none being able to harm him. Loki, the trickster, grew jealous of Baldur and discovered from Frigg that she had not asked Mistletoe to swear not to harm Baldur, as it was so young and inoffensive. Loki then used his magic to fashion an arrow from Mistletoe and got Hodur, Baldur’s blind twin brother, to shoot the Mistletoe arrow at Baldur. The arrow struck Baldur and killed him.
The gods were dismayed and horrified. In some versions, Frigg wept over Baldur and her tears turned into the white berries of Mistletoe. She vowed that Mistletoe would never be neglected again and would henceforth become a symbol of love and peace. Moreover, whoever stood beneath this plant would be offered a kiss.
In this way, a poisonous plant. an instrument of death, became a symbol of goodness, love, and affection. Throughout the year, in times of despair, may we all become beacons of light and joy, love and affection to those around us.
The Story Beast is your quarterly e-Publication forum and is your place of community. Please share your creative works — poems, stories, artwork, or articles — with us and let your friends know about The Story Beast. Let us know what you think and send your contributed works to storybeasteditor@gmail.com .
The deadline for contributions for the next issue of The Story Beast is February 15 for the Spring 2025 issue. The Spring issue’s theme is Boisterous Blooms. Thanks for reading. May you all have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
Remember that you can subscribe and/or follow the blog. See the green button below.
Tell us…what did you sink your teeth into for this issue? Past issues?
Share your hunger for stories. Feel fee to email us at StoryBeastEditor@gmail.com.
The Story Beast is produced with the support of Artists Standing Strong Together (ASST).
The Story Beast Lair 