07   Lover boy and a white swan
Channel: Mother Bear
Date: 07/12/2021

Sin and redemption arc through the life story of a coracle man. During Jac’s young teenage life he makes the error of not speaking up for his sibling. He feels responsible for the tragic accident leading to his younger brother’s death. The guilt stays with him throughout his life as he makes mistake time and time again in his relationships with close family and friends.

The story incorporates the myths, tradition and stories of the river. One of the myths is the role of the Curlew. The bird in the coracle world is seen as a bird of wisdom and the judge of the river. It decides whether the fisherman is worthy. If found guilty for bad behaviour the curlew would banish the coracle man from the river never to catch a fish again.

When Jac finally satisfies his fishing appetite and catches the big fish he has sought all his life, he realises that it’s not his heart’s desire and returns it to the river to spawn again. His treatment of the fish is his atonement. He sees his brother again and although Jac is close to death himself he is at rest in his mind as he has resolved his issues of guilt. 

The story ends with Jac showing an understanding of nature. He is then visited by a vision of his younger brother and other close family. They show forgiveness which allows Jac to go to his own death in peace.