| Some called him a silversmith;being the only metal he used,but they were wrong. Silver he worked,and made into many things,all of which were beautiful to behold;and full of magic! Indeed;for he was first among his kind,and all they touch is embued with power. The legends say that they could touch no other metal,especially iron,but that is myth.They simply chose the moon metal because they loved it's sheen. In this story we shall call him the smith.It would please him.... Ages ago when many things remained nameless,the smith set up his shop,and forge on an island of green so lush that it would take your breath away.His people loved this land,and decided to make it their home. This presented a problem;for the isle was already occupied. Not being a warlike people,they decided to make friends,but this didn't work.You see;giants know nothing of peace nor sharing,and their pride is as great as their size.All things being smaller,they felt that they must be lords of the earth. A gift was sent to the giants in the hopes of reaching an accomadation. It was a wondrous horn full of delicious fruits,breads,and cheeses that no matter how much was removed;it never became empty.The Cornucopia. When it was offered to the giants,they merely laughed,took the horn,and chased the group away,swinging clubs the size of large trees at them,calling them rude names. That very night the people gathered to discuss what might be done;for the land had welcomed them,and they already loved it. Many things were said.To many to name,but finally it was decided to send the smith to speak with the giants.He had a way with words unlike any other.In fact,the expression'silver tongued',might have originated with him. So;on the next day,he set out alone for the giants camp.He took with him a silver harp,a silver cup,and a silver mirror. When he arrived he called out a greeting,"Hello my friends.I bring gifts that can do marvelous things.Will you not hear me?" Now they would have chased him off,or even killed him right then,but for the sight of the gifts he had brought.Never had they seen the like,so they held back. "What is it you have brought us little thing,and why should we listen to you?"the leader asked. Upon this the smith answered,"I bring gifts of magic,and power from my people to yours.The harp plays the music to soothe the heart.The cup when filled with water gives drink that you most desire,and the mirror shows the way to live in harmony,and goodwill. Now have I been sent to ask how we may live together in peace,for we love this land,and surely it is large enough for us all?" When he had said this,the giants roared with laughter until tears streamed down their cheeks. Finally they stopped,and the leader said in a mocking voice"So you love our land,and wish to live here do you?"Now he became angry."You are not welcome here!This is our land.All of it.We took it from those before us because we desired it!We slew everyone of them,and only because I was amused at you,and your trinkets,are you even alive now!"Then he kicked dirt at the smith;covering him from head to toe,and said"We will keep these gifts you brought us,and if you stay a minute longer I will surely smash you into the ground!Moreover;we will visit you tommorow,and when we do,we shall destroy you all!"He reached for his club,but such was the power of the smith's voice that he hesitated. "Hold back your hand for a moment"the smith said,as he dusted himself off,"and listen then to these last few words."An aspect of light came over him;while in a voice soft,yet easily heard he said"We have come twice to you,and both times have you scorned us.Our intent was honorable,yet you shamed us.Hear then these words!You may keep the gifts I brought,but no pleasure will you have from them.Even now the harp plays against you,"and it was true,for a noise as of thunder in the distance,was vibrating the strings,"And the cup of cheer?It will taste of the bitteress pain,and sadness.As for the mirror;look into it if you dare!Your fate is shining from it as we speak."At this he turned his back,and headed for home,leaving behind the gifts;with the mirror reflecting the Sun's light,looking,for all the world,like a huge,destroying fire! |
