In response to ’s latest contest, “Godlike,” I submit a rather unexpected candidate – Horton!
Unlike most gods and deities, Horton is not prayed to, and there are no festivals in his honor. He does not live amongst the stars, and you will not find him in Greek mythology.
But, you will find him in a Dr. Suess book!
But, why Horton, did you ask?
- When Horton discovers there are tiny little people living on a dust speck, delicately balanced on a pink dandelion, he does everything in his power to save and protect them.
- Horton heard the little people when no one else had the time or the ability to listen.
- Horton is fallible; he is far from perfect, but he follows his heart and cares for others, in thought and deed.
- Horton has humility and he is kind.
You can see Horton (movie version)in action here-
It has been more than 11 years ago that the movie Horton Hears a Who was released, and the movie is even more timely now. As I look at the trailer again, it makes me feel that we just may be teetering on the edge of a dandelion in the midst of a wind storm.
We could really use a Horton right now!
I do occasionally grieve over the loss of forest, ozone, ice shelves and endangered species; but then I try not to fret too much and work to keep my carbon foot print as small as I know how.
And, I am far from the first to suggest elephants as Godlike. In the Hindu religion, Ganesh is a much loved and revered god, a wise patron of the arts, and a remover of obstacles.
As an elephant advocate I have learned about all the worldwide abuse and the torture that elephants endure, only to bring humans pleasure and money. There are now many advocates that are trying to bring light to the plight of elephants. One such advocate is Sangita Iyer.
Sangita’s God in Shackles is a documentary specifically about the exploitation of temple elephants in southern India.
Before humans started taking over more than our fair share of the earth, there was no human-elephant conflict.
Elephants are very intelligent, social creatures, and are perfect citizens in a balanced environment. They are created to roam, and eat vegetation as they plow through heavily forested areas, creating paths for smaller animals.
Even their dung serves a good purpose, creating food and shelter for dung beetles, and fertilizer for new growth – a complete and perfect link in the cycle of life.
When we think of Godlike creatures, I think of all elephants. But with things on earth as they are, I would have to choose to be like Horton, because he is free to roam and lives in a place that always has a happy ending.
Proud graduate of #OC slider delegation project!
