Every so often someone will say that it's all about the singer and not the song. At the Wren's Nest, we like to think it's about both. Otherwise, the stories wouldn't have endured so well over time and great distance.
Check out each of our Ramblers, and let us know which one is your favorite.
Return to top
The Brer Rabbit stories originated in Africa. The stories were told and retold by slaves coming to the United States and the tales evolved with the times and the circumstances.
The American versions of the Brer Rabbit stories may have originated among the slaves at Laura Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana. The stories spread quickly throughout the South, and eventually piqued the interest of several writers, like Robert Roosevelt and Alcee Fortier, who eventually recorded them.
Joel Chandler Harris' versions, however, were easily the most successful. Having spent four years working on a plantation as a young man, Harris himself grew up with the stories. His keen ear, combined with great wit and a fortuitous position at the Atlanta Constitution, allowed the stories to flourish around the globe.
Brer Rabbit and his influence have been a part of our culture ever since. From Beatrix Potter to Bugs Bunny, from Song of the South to Toni Morrison, the Brer Rabbit stories have captivated the minds of children and adults all over the world for well over a century. |
