Storytellers of Canada-Conteurs du Canada
The 2009 Story Save Quilt
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Karen Gummo, Calgary, AB

Cormorant and Eider Duck A tale from the Faroe Islands north of Scotland and south of Iceland Adapted for the Storysave quilt By Karen Gummo

Cormorant was once a noisy chatterbox. Now he is silent and those in the Faroe Islands are the only ones who know the reason why. When Cormorant came late to choose his feathers, the only ones left were shabby, dusty and dull. He being a proud fisherman was most upset and searched for a bird who would exchange their plumage for his. None were willing, but when he met kindly Eider Duck, she agreed to enter into a contest with him to see who most deserved her feathers.

Cormorant was amazed at her challenge. She said that whoever was first to see the sunrise would be the winner. He decided that if he stayed up all night he could succeed. (If this contest were held in winter, it would be a very long time before the sun came up!!)

When she dozed, he worried he could not keep awake all by himself. He suggested they tell each other stories to pass the time. She was willing though she warned him that she knew only a few. Cormorant launched into a gripping tale that he had heard from the great fishermen of the North. Eider Duck took up the torch with one of hers. They took turns until Eider Duck fell asleep.
Cormorant was so caught up in his performances he continued on and on until he too fell victim to the rhythm of his voice. He leaned back and began to snore.

Moments later Eider Duck rustled in her nest, stretched her wings and opened her eyes. There was a brilliant red glow on the water and then the golden sun emerged. Astonished, she realized that she had won the wager! When Cormorant emerged from his short slumber he saw that he had lost the contest by only a hair. He was full of shame.

Kindly Eider Duck offered to give him shelter when he grew cold fishing in the North Sea. He declined saying that they might never meet again. Cormorant flew off in sadness and has been silent ever since. We know he is a deep listener now as he detects the sea life from afar.
The tales that he gave to Eider Duck were not lost. Eider Duck has shared them with any traveler who came her way and they in their turn have hurried on with them throughout the world. Now they have been gathered up again on this quilt to be given to you!