Extrait du livre The jackal and the sun
The jackal and the sun Pascale Vignali Illustrated by Justine Cunha Le Regard Sonore Editions
This ancient story is told in Moroccan villages that lie on the edge of the great Sahara desert, in Africa. When the day's heat ceases to overwhelm men and beasts, and when gentle evening calls young and old to gather outside beneath the stars, the words begin to flow...
A long, long time ago, things were not as they are today. Our planet was very young and the sun was not up in the sky. He lived on earth, streched out on the ground. His gigantic figure gave off so much heat and light that no one dared approach him. Flowers started to wither, rivers dried up, people and animals suffered from thirst, and eventually, they all ran away. The sun, surrounded by wilderness and solitude, was miserable. The poor fellow felt that his place was not on earth, but what could he do ?
At night, he looked longingly at the stars, thinking that if he was there, he could finally shine with all his heart without burning anyone ... But how could he get up there? The jackal felt pity for the sun and came to talk to him from time to time. A tireless walker, light as a shadow on sand, he roamed the dunes and oases and then returned to tell the sun what he had seen. Sometimes the wise and shy hedgehog would join them... THE SUN : Little jackal, you are very brave to come see me. If you knew how sad and alone I am sometimes ! Look up, see all the beautiful stars above... They are shining, just like me, but they do not burn anyone !
THE JACKAL : Well, this is where you should go ! THE SUN : I would love to, but how ? Must I remind you that I am no flamingo, I have no wings to fly up there !
THE JACKAL : Why don’t you climb to the top of the highest palmtree at the oasis over there ? Once you get there, you can easily swing up and jump ! THE SUN : With what ? I have no arms, legs or feet to hang from... Even the smallest ants can travel further than me !
The hedgehog, who was listening silently, unfolded his prickles and pointed his little shiny nose : THE HEDGEHOG : You must be carried to the edge of the earth. From there you will be able to jump into the sky ... The sun and the jackal pondered in silence ... It was a good idea. They still had to find someone who would carry the sun. Who would be that strong, fast and brave ?
