Of Mist, and Grass, and Sand

"Of Mist, and Grass, and Sand", Vonda N. McIntyre's first published short story, won the Nebula Award in 1974. The story was first published in Analog Science Fact/Science Fiction October, 1973 and is reprinted in the author's collection Fireflood & Other Stories, among other places.

The story follows the healer Snake, who arrives at a small desert town where her arts are deeply feared, and also where a young child (Stavin) is dying of an unidentified disease. The primary tools of Snake's trade are her three living snakes, Mist, Grass, and Sand, each of which perform different healing functions. Grass is a tiny green snake who serves as protector; Sand a black and tan pit viper who does not figure into this particular healing, and Mist a huge albino cobra whose bite is the primary healing tool. Because of the deepseated fear of her trade among the villagers, including the young boy's family, Snake must battle intolerance along with illness to have any chance of saving Stavin's life.

McIntyre later made this story into the first chapter of her novel Dreamsnake, which goes on to follow Snake through further experiences. Dreamsnake won the Nebula Award, the Hugo Award, and the Locus Award in 1979. Although it cannot be determined from reading this story by itself, "Of Mist, and Grass, and Sand" is set on the same planet as The Exile Waiting, McIntyre's first novel.

The story has been translated many times; McIntyre requires that translators use sibilant sounds for the three snakes' names, even if that means changing the meaning of the story's title.

External Links

full text of the story