Episode 23: Raphael Hernandez--The Cemi and the Legends of the Taino

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Episode 23 is upon us! With me today is Raphael Hernandez, author of the novel The Cemi and the Legends of the Taino.  The novel weaves together two distinct narratives.  The first follows a family from Chicago visiting their grandmother in Puerto Rico.  During their stay, they explore their grandmothers “finca,” or farm, witnessing the cultivation of Yuca and coffee, the unique geography of the area, and the associated changes the modern world has introduced.  

During a stormy night, and subsequent loss of electricity, their grandmother Dona Maria, along with other family friends, share stories of Taino mythology with the children.  Alexandra, a teenage girl with a focused interest in anthropology, takes particular interest in these tales.

The second narrative consists of a retelling of fragments of Taino mythology from the Caribbean, specifically Puerto Rico, each linked with a particular experience of the visiting family.

Join us as we discuss the importance of myth, environmental stewardship, and a bit of MCU-adjacent madness.