The Myth of Duoavis : A Tale Duality

Jung (1933) recognized that duality is the fact of human
nature. There is a dark side to every bright side and there is a bright side to every dark side. One
example of this duality is that we cannot achieve wholeness without integrating the dark side
of the self.

INTRODUCTION

I crafted a ceramic vessel and composed an intricate myth around it. The vessel itself was titled DUALITY. This creative endeavor was my heartfelt attempt to truly grasp the complex concept of duality. In the second half of my life, I have become acutely aware of the contrasting duality between my fear of death and my deep-seated fear for life. How can I find harmony within this duality? Is there perhaps a point of balance that exists between these two opposing forces? The King and the Queen, Light and Darkness—how do they all relate to one another? In this blog, we will explore the theme of duality through the lens of a captivating myth.

THE MYTH OF DUOAVIS

In the ancient forests, where the trees whispered secrets of time and the rivers sang songs of eternity, there lived a creature of legend—a single body with two heads, each head belonging to a magnificent bird. This creature was known as Duoavis, and it was a symbol of the eternal duality that exists within all living beings.

The first bird, Morta, was the embodiment of the fear of death. Her feathers were dark as the night sky, her eyes deep and mysterious, holding the weight of countless lifetimes. She was wise and cautious, always peering into the shadows, aware of the inevitable end that awaited all creatures. Morta’s song was a melancholic tune, a reminder of the fragility of life and the quiet peace that lay beyond the veil of death.

The second bird, Vita, represented the fear of life. Her plumage was bright and vibrant, shining like the sun at dawn. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and wonder, constantly seeking out new experiences and opportunities. Vita was restless, always urging forward, driven by the desire to live fully and fiercely. Her song was an energetic melody, filled with the passion of life and the joy of existence.

Though they shared one body, Morta and Vita were often in conflict. Morta would pull the body toward the ground, seeking rest and stillness, while Vita would urge it to soar higher, chasing the thrill of the unknown. Their struggles were endless, as each bird feared what the other represented. Morta feared the relentless push of life, with all its chaos and uncertainty. Vita feared the calm of death, seeing it as a final, stifling end to her boundless energy.

One day, their conflict reached a peak. The tension between them became unbearable, and in their struggle, they began to tear at the body they shared. Morta pulled downward with all her might, seeking the quiet embrace of the earth, while Vita fought to rise, yearning for the skies and the warmth of the sun. Their battle raged on, and the forest around them grew silent, the animals and plants watching in solemn awe.

As the struggle continued, something extraordinary happened. The body of Duoavis, strained by the opposing forces of Morta and Vita, began to transform. It grew weaker and more fragile, but in this frailty, it also became more attuned to the delicate balance of life and death. The two birds, exhausted from their fight, began to realize that neither could exist without the other.

Morta, with her dark wisdom, understood that without Vita’s drive, their body would succumb too quickly to the stillness of death. Vita, with her fiery spirit, recognized that without Morta’s caution, they would burn out too soon, consumed by the unrelenting fire of life.

In that moment of understanding, the two birds ceased their struggle. They looked at each other, and a new song emerged—a harmonious blend of Morta’s deep, resonant tones and Vita’s lively, uplifting notes. This new melody was neither a dirge nor a hymn of celebration but a serene, balanced tune that echoed through the forest, bringing peace to all who heard it.

Duoavis continued to live, but now with a newfound harmony. Morta and Vita learned to work together, guiding their shared body through life with grace and acceptance. When the time came to rest, Morta would lead them gently to the ground, allowing their body to rejuvenate in the cool embrace of the earth. When it was time to explore, Vita would lift them skyward, letting them bask in the sun and the beauty of the world.

CONCLUSION

The legend of Duoavis became a cherished tale among the creatures of the forest, a story passed down through generations. It was a reminder that life and death, though seemingly opposites, are inextricably linked. Each one gives meaning to the other, and true peace comes from embracing the duality within us all.

And so, the myth of the two birds with one body lives on, a timeless lesson in balance, harmony, and the acceptance of the dual forces that shape our existence.

Duality’s Dance

In the second half of life, I stand,
Fear of life and death at hand.
Life pulls forward, death holds tight,
In their clash, I seek the light.

One whispers “Go,” the other “Stay,”
In this tension, I find my way.
Not in choosing dark or bright,
But in blending both, I find my light.