16/06/2026
Could you beat an angry squirrel in a fight?
Be honest - an actual furious squirrel with claws, teeth, and a complete disregard for your dignity, rather than a cute cartoon version.
Most of us like to imagine ourselves as capable, independent and reasonably high up the food chain. Folk tales don't help - they're full of lone heroes slaying monsters, defeating tyrants and saving kingdoms.
But when you look at how humans actually survived, the picture is rather different.
We're not the fastest, strongest, sharpest-toothed or best-armoured creatures around. What made us successful wasn't individual strength, it was co-operation.
The real story of humanity isn't one hero standing alone. It's ordinary people helping one another, sharing knowledge, looking after the vulnerable, and facing dangers together.
In this month's Folk Tales Corner article, I explore why the stories we tell ourselves about heroes may have distracted us from the thing that truly kept us alive.
And why, if confronted by an angry squirrel, your best strategy is probably to bring along some friends.
https://www.patreon.com/Talesman/posts/little-things-161233837
