I've been working with pens a lot recently.

Enjoy a shitgaraki

Ten of Wands. Art by Shimure, from The Southeast Asian Myths & Stories Tarot.

Otta-Saunk

In a time long forgotten in a small village Two brothers Aung and Min lived. They fished in the river and hunted in the forest. Being common folk they had not a care in the world apart from every day survival from the hunt and from fish. One day a wandering merchant from the great city of Yangon came along with trinkets and shiny mirrors and ware. Min was attracted with the many wares and shiny treasures. He asked “what are these items used for?” The merchant told him “it is to look pretty; to make a house look brighter and to have better pride. You need to give me coins for treasures.” The merchant showed Min metal pieces of silver and copper which represented the currency of the city.

Aung who was a simple man told the merchant coins and treasure they do not have and they were happy without his trinkets.

Min had other ideas. He remembered in a cave south of the village he saw a mount of similar treasures and gold as well. He told the merchant and the merchant was delighted.

“If you lead me to this treasure. I will give you any item you want in my wagon.”

Aung warned min to not go to the cave as many other villagers went there and did not return.

Min declined the warnings and promised to be the guild.

Together Min, Aung and the merchant set off to the cave in search for treasure. When they reached the cave. It appeared ordinary without any difference from other caves. Both brothers and the merchant lit a torch and went in.

Walking for a few hundred of metres into the cavern; they found a mountain of glittering gold with ancient swords littered on the ground....

A voice whispered to each brother’s ear... “the treasure will be yours if you kill the others..”

Full of love of his brother, Aung was unmoved.

Yet full of greed, min drew an ancient sword and struck the merchant in his back... the merchant died instantly.

With madness in his eyes Min moved against his brother who was horrified and worried. Min slew his brother and laughed maniacally....

“Mine! mine! it’s all mine!”

The merchant arose from his death and his skin changed to become green and leathery...

“Free free I am finally free to go to another realm...!”

As he spoke the merchant transformed to a man and Min transformed to a Otta-Saunk.

Yet unknown to Min he was too caught up with counting the treasures regardless of his brothers death. He started to pile the treasures on his back....

The merchant was formerly a man like min who was lured to his transformation and to be released needed another to take his place....

At the door of the cave Yama the god of the dead and the dead spirit of Aung awaited the merchant... the spirit of Aung asked “when would Min be released from the trap of greed?”

“When another takes his place...” Yama told Aung....