Fagogo - An Extra-ordinary Story, Aue! | Jody Jackson-Becerra | TEDxTauranga

Summary

This engaging story, rooted in traditional storytelling known as Fango, revolves around an old couple and their magical encounter with a mysterious tribe. The tale blends mythology, adventure, and life lessons, with the old man granted wishes that lead to both wealth and downfall. The storyteller emphasizes the value of storytelling, using Fango to connect with young people and break down barriers. The moral is clear: avoid selfishness, be mindful of your wishes, and understand the importance of hard work. The storyteller encourages others to share stories, fostering creativity and imagination in a world dominated by technology.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Fango is a magical combination of myths, legends, poetry, song, and chants, passed down through storytelling.
• 😀 The speaker reminisces about growing up in a large family, spending time outdoors, and enjoying simple pleasures like climbing trees and swimming.
• 😀 Audience engagement is a key element of Fango storytelling, with participation encouraged through specific phrases like 'AE' or 'Oh'.
• 😀 The story begins with a poor old couple who live on a volcanic island with a beloved dog, and their humble but hard-working life.
• 😀 The old man discovers his dog repeatedly returns from a mysterious cave, covered in white sand and soaking wet, despite no nearby water sources.
• 😀 When the old man follows the dog, he finds himself in a dark cave and is tied to a platform. A voice warns him not to move or he will die.
• 😀 A magical woman appears in the cave, revealing a hidden tribe and offering the old man a choice: keep their secret and be blessed, or reveal it and be cursed.
• 😀 The old man is released and returns home, where the couple receives an unexpected feast, fulfilling their needs and desires.
• 😀 As the old man becomes increasingly selfish, wishing for more and more wealth, the village becomes resentful, forcing him to reveal the secret of the magical tribe.
• 😀 When the old man leads the village to the cave, he finds a warning etched into the wall: 'You got too selfish, and now you have nothing.' The story teaches the importance of humility and being careful with desires.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on how Fango storytelling, learned from childhood, continues to be a valuable tool for communication and creative expression, especially in working with young people today.
• 😀 In a modern world dominated by technology and screens, the speaker encourages people to create and share stories in person, emphasizing the value of communication and imagination in breaking down barriers.

Q & A

What is a 'Fango' as described in the script?

A 'Fango' is a magical combination of myths, legends, poetry, song, and chants, which is a storytelling tradition passed down to the speaker during childhood.

Why did the storyteller emphasize participation in the story?

The storyteller wanted the audience's participation to encourage engagement and keep the story alive. The audience was instructed to respond with 'AE' or 'oh' at key points to show their involvement.

What was the main character's situation at the beginning of the story?

The main character, an old man, was very poor and lived in a village where his family had little, working hard every day on their small plantation.

What mysterious event happened to the old man's dog?

The old man's dog began returning home covered in white sand and soaked in water, even though there were no rivers or water sources in the area.

What did the old man discover after following the dog into the cave?

He discovered a large dark cave with a freshwater pool covered in white sand, and he found himself tied down to a rocky platform, where a mysterious woman warned him to keep their identity secret.

What was the warning given to the old man by the mysterious woman?

The woman warned the old man that if he revealed their identity, he would be cursed, but if he kept it a secret, he would be blessed.

How did the old man’s life change after he kept the secret?

The old man’s life changed dramatically as he began receiving blessings, such as abundant food and wealth, fulfilling his every wish.

What happened when the old man became too selfish?

When the old man became too selfish and wished for more and more, the villagers became suspicious, and he eventually revealed the secret, which led to his downfall and the loss of his wealth.

What was the moral of the story shared at the end?

The moral of the story is not to be selfish and to be careful what you wish for. It also emphasizes the importance of working hard and being prepared for tough times.

How does the storyteller relate the Fango tradition to their current life in New Zealand?

The storyteller uses the Fango tradition in their work with young people in New Zealand, helping them communicate and share their own stories, regardless of their backgrounds.