avatarPriyanka Srivastava

Summary

The website content discusses the concepts of Andoumboulou and Vorfreude, their significance in literature, and invites writers to contribute to the Hiraeth Anthology by Literary Impulse.

Abstract

The article delves into the mythical concept of Andoumboulou, which represents an unfinished state of human beings, and how it relates to our continuous self-expression through storytelling. It also introduces the German term Vorfreude, which encapsulates the joy one feels in anticipation of future events. These concepts are presented as enriching elements of the English language and as inspirations for writers to craft their own narratives. The piece concludes with a call for submissions to the Hiraeth Anthology, encouraging writers to share their stories and poems, and acknowledges the contributions of writers who have already participated.

Opinions

  • The author views Andoumboulou as a metaphor for the human condition, emphasizing our perpetual state of becoming through the stories we tell.
  • Nathaniel Mackey's perspective on Andoumboulou is cited to underscore its significance as a symbol of humanity's evolutionary journey.
  • Vorfreude is celebrated as a positive emotional experience, highlighting the pleasure derived from looking forward to meaningful events or achievements.
  • The article expresses a belief in the power of words to stir and enlighten the soul, suggesting that writing is a vital activity for personal growth and fulfillment.
  • There is an evident enthusiasm for the Hiraeth Anthology, with the author expressing hope that the featured words and concepts will resonate with readers and inspire them to write.
  • The piece conveys gratitude towards the writers who have contributed to the anthology and extends a warm invitation to potential contributors, fostering a sense of community among writers.

Andoumboulou and Vorfreude

stories hidden in words and new pages waiting to be inked

image by Catrin Weltz — Stein

Andoumboulou, from a Dogon myth, means “a rough draft of human being, the work-in-progress we continue to be.” And don’t we shape ourselves with words when we scribble stories. We write and write and satiate our souls. We know the river within us cannot be paused. What we can do is only- make the river richer, with time, with each passing word. And we know we need it in us- to stir us and enlighten us.

Nathaniel Mackey says about Andoumboulou: “I didn’t find out about that aspect until I read The Pale Fox, Marcel Griaule and Germaine Dieterlen’s study of the Dogon, which talks about the Andoumboulou as an earlier form of human being, kind of a trial form that didn’t work out.” Andoumboulou is a metaphor for us — a rough draft of humanity.

Now Vorfreude. It comes from vor (“before”) and Freude (“joy”). And means something along the lines of “joyful anticipation.” Vorfreude is the joy you experience while you are looking forward to something.

Both are connected with each other. Both can be thought of separately. Both breathe life into English Language.

We hope these words strike a chord within you, and make you write. Really write. And sometimes that’s all we can do.

Do check the Hiraeth Anthology which is live on the website of Literary Impulse. Special thanks to the writers who contributed stories and poems for it.

  • Submissions open from 1st Nov 2020 to 31st Jan 2021
  • Goes live on 1st April 2021.
  • Poems (max 50 lines), Flash Fiction (upto 1000 words), Fiction (Upto 3000 words) and CNF (upto 2000 words) invited.
  • Check Submissions Guidelines for more details

We would love to invite few writers, all are welcome to submit their stories and poems

Pierre Trudel Dennett Aspen Blue Amy Marley uneditedstories Srinath Manasi Diwakar Suryatapa Siva Raj Desiree Driesenaar Paroma Sen Suntonu Bhadra Shalini C Vinitha Dileep Jessica Lee McMillan RH Melinda Smith Radha Kapadia Agnes Louis James G Brennan Sylvia Wohlfarth

That’s all for now from my side of the world. Keep writing and sharing because stories make us believe in the joys of life. Waiting for your stories. A reader always, Priyanka

Rahul( EIC Literary Impulse), Somsubhra Banerjee, Priyanka Srivastava

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