In ancient folklore and myths, stories of curses and enchanted objects often loom large. One such tale is that of the ancient tree curse. In various cultures and traditions around the world, it is believed that certain trees, due to their age, mysterious aura, or association with supernatural beings, possess a curse that can bring misfortune or even death to those who disrespect or harm them. The concept of the ancient tree curse is deeply rooted in the belief that certain trees hold magical or spiritual powers. These trees are often found in remote or sacred locations, surrounded by an aura of mystique and reverence. They are seen as guardians of the land, protectors of ancient knowledge, or gateways to other realms.
They are seen as guardians of the land, protectors of ancient knowledge, or gateways to other realms. According to legend, the curse is triggered when someone cuts down or damages an ancient tree without proper ritual, permission, or respect. The curse can manifest in various ways, ranging from immediate and severe consequences to more subtle and long-term effects.
Ancient tree curse
Once you had garden of Eden,
Now you have this. Vegas.
A playpen in the desert. Bliss.
Here, 5,000 years of Civilization
Can be experienced in an instant.
Have a nice day. Enjoy.
For in a flash it could all be over.
Kings, emperors, deities
Craven images cast in plaster, neon lit.
Look on my works,
Ye mighty, and despair.
The smell of money in the air
A tawdry son-et-lumière
(A one-way street going nowhere.)
Your immortals are mortal, they were once flesh and blood.
Escape the delusion, the noise and pollution,
The true immortals are made out of wood.
They call us Bristlecone Pines.
They call me Methuselah.
Methuselah, Methuselah, this human
christens me, for he has counted
The candles on my cake. 4,600.
Am celebrity now and no mistake.
Am named. Am given voice.
The years, like necklaces bestow
a wisdom, humankind can never know.
Millennia, they come and go.
Have no eyes, but have seen it all
Ancient civilizations that you can
Only read about, Methuselah has sensed.
Am not part of history. No,
History is parts of me.
Unlike words, tree-rings never lie.
One year was freezing cold and dark
The sun was hidden in the sky
I tasted brimstone and it left its mark
Like a noose tightening, like a charred wreath.
What is this thing, I thought, called death?
You can read me like a book
Open me up and take a look:
History laid bare, a garland here
a crown there. Plain as a pikestaff
for all to see. Each year jotted down by me.
The state of the nation, an annual report
in ever decreasing circles. The wheels
of fortune, the cycles of despair.
If I had lungs I would be coughing
A throat, I would be parched
If I had eyes they would be stinging
Flesh, it would be scorched.
Sulfur, smoke and cinders
enfold me like a shroud
There is no silver lining
only poison in this cloud.
Water, water everywhere and not a drop.
To think that down there, battery trees
Like plumped up turkeys stand proud and vain.
Bloated and unaware that they are but a switch's
throw away from death.
Water, water not forever.
For twenty-four hours a day, fountains play,
Spraying graffiti that mocks a desert kept at bay.
But nature has a way of saying "Enough."
After the pride there comes the fall
After the boom, the bust.
Remember man that thou art dust,
And unto dust.
Men drop to the earth like leaves
Lives as brief as footprints in snow.
Bristlecones enthroned on top of the world
Watch civilizations come and go.
They seek our secret, immortality,
But search in vain, for it is vanity.
If truth be known I would rather
be a flower, or a leaf that lives
and breathes with brief intensity.
My life is as thin as the wind
And I am done with counting stars.
On the side of this mountain
I might live forever,
Could you imagine anything worse?
My name is Methuselah and this is my curse.
| Roger McGough is one of Britain's most celebrated poets. The author of more than 50 books of poetry, McGough is a regular contributor on BBC Radio's "Poetry Please" and the World Service. McGough won a Tony award for his lyrics in the Broadway production of The Wind in the Willows and was nominated for an Emmy for his lyrics in the film version of The Wind in the Willows. He co-authored the script for the 1968 movie Yellow Submarine. McGough received the Order of the British Empire in 1997. He lives in London. |
These may include sudden illnesses, accidents, financial ruin, conflicts, or strange occurrences that disrupt the lives of those involved. In some tales, the ancient tree curse is associated with vengeful spirits or deities whose anger is aroused by the destruction of these sacred trees. The curse is seen as a form of punishment for humanity's disregard for nature and its failure to recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings. To avoid the curse, individuals are advised to approach ancient trees with reverence and care. Rituals and ceremonies may be performed to seek permission from the spirits or deities associated with the tree. Offerings of food, drink, or other symbolic items may be made as a sign of respect. It is also believed that those who harm an ancient tree can only reverse the curse by making amends, such as replanting or nurturing young saplings. While skeptics dismiss the ancient tree curse as mere superstition, the stories and beliefs surrounding it continue to endure in many cultures. They serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and respecting nature, and of the enduring power of myth and folklore in shaping human beliefs and actions..
Reviews for "Ancient Tree Curse: Legends and Lore"
1. Jessica - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "Ancient Tree Curse" to be quite disappointing. The story was poorly fleshed out and lacked any depth. The characters were two-dimensional and lacked any development throughout the book. The writing style was also lackluster and failed to engage me as a reader. Overall, I was left unimpressed and would not recommend this book to others.
2. Ryan - ★★☆☆☆
"Ancient Tree Curse" had an interesting premise, but it failed to live up to its potential. The pacing was incredibly slow, with very little action or suspense to keep me engaged. The plot felt predictable and lacked any surprises. Additionally, the dialogue was mediocre and often felt forced. While the descriptive language was decent, it wasn't enough to compensate for the overall lackluster execution of the story.
3. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I was excited to read "Ancient Tree Curse," but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The characters felt bland and lacked any real depth or personality. The plot was promising, but it became overly convoluted and confusing as the story progressed. The writing style was also quite repetitive and could have used some variety. Overall, I was left underwhelmed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Michael - ★☆☆☆☆
"Ancient Tree Curse" was a complete letdown. The story was riddled with plot holes and inconsistencies, making it difficult to follow or stay interested. The characters were shallow and lacked any real development or relatability. The pacing was also off, with sections that dragged on unnecessarily while others were rushed. Overall, the book seemed poorly edited and in need of further refinement. I would not recommend wasting your time with this one.