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VOL. 12, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Mythic care and the sacred act of listening in a post secular narrative
Authors
Wasantha Samarathunga
Abstract
This research paper addresses how The Little Crow Who Gathered Stories
offers a gentle yet deep vision of healing through mythic care and listening.
The featured story is on an elderly man and a little crow who share a quiet
companionship that becomes a space where vulnerability, gentleness, and
spiritual meaning can unfold. By close reading and an integrative theoretical
approach, this paper will explore how phenomenology, care ethics, narrative
therapy, post-secular theory, mythopoesis, and Persian mystical literature can
shed light on the emotional and symbolic nuances of the story. This paper will demonstrate
how the story offers a vision of care as a reciprocal and transformative
practice that is rooted in humility and presence. It will also demonstrate how
the story offers a vision of listening as a sacred act that makes possible the
unfolding of spiritual meaning that does not require institutional religion.
This paper will argue that integrating these theoretical perspectives the story
offers a contemporary vision of compassion of both ancient and intimate. It
will argue that in a secular age, the sacred can be found in small acts, shared
stories, and the willingness to listen with sincerity.
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Pages:125-129
How to cite this article:
Wasantha Samarathunga "Mythic care and the sacred act of listening in a post secular narrative". International Journal of English Research, Vol 12, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 125-129
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