Animal Magnetism

The Animal Magnetism of Saint Blaise

Donkey Cart

In the small Armenian town of Sebaste, something quite fascinating was occurring. Visitors from other lands, known there as Odar, have documented on numerous occasions a very interesting phenomenon known by many scholars, most aptly, as "Animal Magnetism." This phenomenon is where animals are strangely drawn to someone of great virtue. This case was so unusual because of the sheer number and impact that the saint had on the Animal's lives. 

As it appears in this case, the Animal Magnetism is surrounding one man. A man named Saint Blaise. This man was not only a saint for all the good deeds that he performed, but rather for the pure intentions for which he performed them. Many researchers speculate that this infatuation with a virtuous man has to do with the release of good endorphins and an aura that he gives off. Animals are known to be in tune with humans souls on a level that other humans are not.

Saint Blaise would ride around the quaint town of Sebaste in his little cart pulled by his good friend Esek, pronounced "E-sh-eck." It is important to note that Esek is a most reputable and kind-hearted donkey. The two made a fine pair, plodding and rolling about the town performing their acts of kindness with a clear heart and smiles on their faces. 

Boy with Frog

One day, a young boy came to them complaining of a troublesome humanoid creature, known in that area as "Mets votnat'ar'," which loosely translates as Big Foot. The boy claimed that the creature had recently stolen his pet frog and refused to return it without payment. However, the boy had nothing to pay Mets votnart'ar and hoped that Saint Blaise could help return his beloved frog. The animal magnetism of Saint Blaise extended to animals of all species, such as toads, antelope, wolves, and even Big Foots. Saint Blaise apologized to the boy for the misbehavior of one of his admirers and promised to return the frog in good health. 

Bigfoot

The next day Saint Blaise traveled with Esek on his cart to the home of Mets Votnar'ar. The creature lived on the outskirts of town, in an old forest of sinister oak trees. Their branches extended into the sky like the tentacles of a monstrous sea creature. The forest was inexplicably dark for the mid-afternoon and served as a warning for any who wander near Mets Votnar'ar's lair. But the dark didn't scare Saint Blaise, for he was the one who brought the light to Sebaste. Saint Blaise and Esek trundled up to the large, sandstone rock that Mets Votnar'ar lived under and politely rapped upon and waited for a response from within. Then, suddenly, Big Foot was behind them, the look of defiance easily discernible on his huge brutish face. Saint Blaise and Esek drew back with shock, taking stock of the nine-foot, giant creature with his matted coat of bristling brown hair, giant, amber eyes  and a blunt, powerful face. His appearance could be compared to a cross between a human and a grizzly bear on his hind legs, with grotesque, human-like features. The creature's eyes betrayed his physical appearance; they revealed his conflicted, injured soul. "What do you want here, Saint! I have nothing to say to you," cried the distressed creature. Saint Blaise was taken aback. He had never experienced such animosity from an animal friend and was at a loss for words. 

"Why do you speak to me as if you hate me?" inquired the Saint. "Please, tell me so we may rectify our friendship." 

"You don't love me like the rest of your beasts because you think I am ugly," sobbed the creature. 

"Stop this crying. I never said that. Now give me the frog at once."

"You were thinking it though."

"Stop this. You are being a child. Give me the frog so I can return it to the boy."

"Yes, I suppose you're right. Sometimes I just want to see you. Of course, of course, here is the boy's frog."

"Thank you, friend. Be on your way."

Saint Blaise returned the frog to the boy, and trundled off into the sunset with Esek, smiling at the confirmation that his animal magnetism truly knows no bounds.

Author's note:

The story of Saint Blaise and his beasts began with talking about how all the animals in the land loved him for his kind heart and generosity. The story talked about how would go into the woods and teach wild animals to be his friends. In the story, the Saint solved problems for the villagers, such as rescuing a pig from a wolf. A woman came to him and asked for the Saint to return the pig to her. Saint Blaise went to the wolf and told him off, and then brought the pig back to the woman, who was very grateful. 

I chose to change things up and provide a more modern twist and a different ending to the story. But I kept the main focus of the story in mine. This story really interested me as I have never read anything about Armenia, which is where my mother's family is from. The name of the donkey, Esek, I first learned from my grandfather. According to him, it translates to "jackass" so I thought it would be a fitting name for the character. This story was not intended to be informational as far as telling the reader about the actual phenomenon of animal magnetism, but rather a play on words with the definition of animal magnetism as it pertains to the urban dictionary definition. Many of the facts are fictional as there have not yet been confirmed sightings of big foot in the wild... Yet. 

While this story may seem quite ridiculous and fanciful, it was probably the story I have spent the most time on. This story was also the one I have enjoyed writing the most. This is why I would like to add it to my portfolio. 

The second part of this story continues into detail on the life of Saint Blaise. It tells stories about how he cures illnesses by a touch of his hand. However, the governor Agricola, the antagonist in the story, imprisoned the saint because he feared the influence he had. While in prison, he was tortured as they tried to turn him against Christianity. The governor's men tried to execute the saint, but were unable to. Then he returned to the heathen, and allowed them to behead him. This provided a truly shocking twist to the story. This event was commemorated in ancient times by the lighting of fires to honor his memory in the hills England. 

Bibliography

Classical Topic, Saints: Saint Blaise and His Beasts. Source: The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts by Abbie Farwell Brown (1900).

Image Source:
Etsy, Frog Art. October 2017. Boy with Frog.
Satiago Uceda - How to Carry Bigfoot Home, by Jennifer Vaughn Artistry agency.
December 2013. Bigfoot.
.mage Source: Pinterest, Donkey Art. October 2017. Donkey Cart.