This is my third year participating in Fall Writing Frenzy, hosted by Kaitlyn Sanchez, Lydia Ludikis, and Ebony Mudd. (You can read all about this year’s contest here.) The challenge is to write a 200-word or less Fall-themed kidlit story based on one of the photographs chosen for the contest.
My previous entries were what felt like a section from a middle grade fantasy quest novel, The Road Ahead, and a counting board book, Hush! Hammock. But this year I finally found an image that let me bring my “geeking out archaeology” vibe to the fall. (Isn’t it just the cutest?) Stick around past the story for some amazing ancient hedgehog images too!
A Prickle of Prehistory:
the uncommon legacy of the common hedgehog
(c) Katie McEnaney, 2024
Word count: 200
Psst… hey, you?
Not up there. Down here.
Hedgehogs are easily overlooked—it’s one of our many talents—but we have been a big deal for thousands of years. Curl up close—not too close—and I’ll tell you our tale.
Hedgehogs were famous across the ancient world. In Egypt we warded off evil. A carved hedgehog necklace kept you safe. Hedgehog rattles scared off spirits.
We predicted fall weather. When the Egyptian summer sun beat down, we would dig in and sleep underground. Weeks later we would reappear, right as the weather cooled. Don’t tell the groundhogs, but we may have been the first forecasters.
If you start looking for ancient hedgehogs, you will find us everywhere. We were carved out of stone and sculpted out of clay. We were blown out of glass and cast in gold.
One hedgehog statue even had its own wheeled cart to ride. Maybe it was a beloved toy. Maybe it was a mysterious religious ceremony. We’ll keep that secret to ourselves.
We may be little, but we are not insignificant. We are thousands of years of history wrapped up in one small, spiky bundle. Treat us well, and maybe we will bring you good luck too!
Ancient Hedgehogs
I had seen a lot of these amazing hedgehogs at one time or another, but it was so fun to peruse them again for this story! I had a hard time narrowing it down to just a few.
I’d love to hear which is your favorite!
“We are thousands of years of history wrapped up in one small, spiky bundle.“ ❤️
They’re all adorable, but my favorite is the little greenish one in the lower right corner of your photo set. (Brooklyn Museum)
Thanks, Carrie! I’ve very partial to the ridiculously chonky bead one. 😉
Hedgehogs Rule! And you’ve got me looking for ancient hedgehogs everywhere!!!
Very interesting. I did not know hedgehogs had such a fascinating history. I’d love to know more, especially about how they help predict the weather. Thanks for sharing, Katie!
I LOVE your story! Such a lovely way to draw the reader in, but not too close. Heh. All the best to you in the contest.
Very interesting. I had no idea hedgehogs were so famous. As for the relics, I like the top left one. It looks like an oil lamp. Good luck!
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