The Dancing Juniper Tree

Zulikha

Research Data

The Dancing Juniper Tree

Description

In our early childhood, we often heard from our elders about a juniper tree in our village pasture. Whenever there was a wedding or a celebratory event in the village, this tree would supposedly come dancing towards the village. On one such occasion, as the tree was dancing its way towards the village, some people were crying while others were laughing. A man from another village, who happened to be there, asked why they were crying and laughing. One of the villagers explained. "We have a juniper tree that comes to the village and calls out 'Is there anyone who can cut me down?' Everyone gets scared and shuts up. The tree then devours the bride and groom on the first day and other people on the following days. Hearing this, the outsider asked: What will you give me if I cut down this tree? The villagers replied: We will make you the ruler of our village. The man agreed. Sometime later, during another wedding celebration, the same scenario occurred with people crying and laughing. When asked why, they gave the same response about the tree coming and called for someone to cut it down. This time, the outsider, who had been promised rulership, boldly declared: Yes, there is someone to cut you down." He then hid behind a door with an axe. As the juniper tree reached the spot and made its call, the man emerged and struck the tree with his axe, splitting it into two and bringing it down. Since then, peace has prevailed in the village. Fulfilling their promise, the villagers made the man the ruler of their land.

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