Humans, The Story People.
HOW THE BEAVER GOT HIS ASSHOLE
The anthropologist sat with his notebook and pen, enthusiastically writing down everything the tribal storyteller told him about the Trickster God.
The storyteller explained about the origins of gods and heroes, monsters and men.
The anthropologist was writing it all down, scritchy scratchy, pen on pad, dreaming of the wonderful book he would publish of all these amazing tribal stories.
The storyteller cleared his throat, took a drink from the jar, and launched into his favourite story.
"How the beaver got his asshole" declared the storyteller, and smiled.
"One day the Trickster decided to play a trick on the eager beaver," said the storyteller, "he made a sharp pointy stick and went to the riverbank and called to the beaver".
The beaver swam to the bank and asked the Trickster what he wanted.
"I just want to be helpful," said the Trickster, "I noticed that beavers don't have assholes and I can help with that".
The beaver looked puzzled. "What's an asshole?" he asked.
"Oh," said the Trickster, "Assholes are a very important thing. All the best people have an asshole. You should have an asshole too".
"Well, how do I get one?" asked the beaver.
"I can help," said the Trickster, "Now I need you turn around and face the other way".
The beaver did as he was bidden.
"Now bend forward and put your tail up," instructed the Trickster.
The beaver did so.
The Trickster jammed the pointy stick up the beaver's backside as hard as he could.
"And now you've got your asshole!" exclaimed the Trickster, and ran away, laughing.
Peter D. Smith (Exeter, 2023)