A Paleolithic Murder in Transylvania, 100 words story #Im4Ro

A Paleolithic Murder is the first in the 100 words story series involving winter, based on true events (to some extent), and located in Transylvania. Enjoy!

A Paleolithic Murder in Transylvania

The somber light of winter afternoon darkened as the man slid between steep cliffs, walking against the wind. His nostrils quivered at the bison’s heavy scent, his eyes focusing passed the bucks.

Today he’ll prove his vigor. Bring down a beast. Meat and hide for his tribe, bones for weapons, a story for the hearth. A necklace for Dara.

He didn’t feel the blow. The last he saw were Dara’s eyes, watching him from a sky just as grey. But hers carried a spark of blue, like the fire.

‘The woman is mine,’ hissed his brother, steam lifting skywards.

© Patricia Furstenberg, 2001, All Rights Reserved.

The seed of this story.

Not too long ago, at least comparing to the time that separates us from the Paleolithic Period, when traveling was part of our everyday life but so was war, World War II to be exact, a 33 000 years old fossilized human skull was discovered, purely by accident. By a team of miners.

It is known as Clovina Calvaria (a calvaria is a skullcap).

Right lateral view Cioclovina calvaria exhibiting a large depressed fracture - 33 000 years old fossilized skull discovered in south-west of Transylvania, Romania
Right lateral view Cioclovina calvaria exhibiting a large depressed fracture – 33 000 years old fossilized skull discovered in south-west of Transylvania, Romania

HOT NEW RELEASE: A – Z, 100-Wors Stories are inspired by Transylvania’s history, from the Paleolithic Period to WW1:

Transylvania’s History A to Z: 100 Word Stories
Transylvania’s History A to Z: 100 Word Stories

16 Replies to “A Paleolithic Murder in Transylvania, 100 words story #Im4Ro”

    1. Thank you, Jacquie!

      Well, you do know, most victims were familiar with their killers.

  1. So the first murder in history was an affair of the heart. Dara must have been quite a woman! I like the last thoughts of the victim… a story for the hearth. He must have been a sensitive soul. And, of course, the last thought went to his Dara. Beautiful!

    1. Thank you so much, Jo 🙂 You read between the lines.

      Hard to imagine that, besides survival, love was not paramount to the Neanderthal people. Isn’t it?

      I read an article the other day, on Neanderthals. Bottom line, they were a lot less savage and primitive that… let’s say ‘A Night at the Museum’ depicts them.

      Well, this is just my take on what could be the real story behind the oldest cracked skull in history. What is sure is that we are dealing with a murder.

      1. Well, I knew you haven’t investigated Sherlock Holmes style the case of the cracked skull and it was all in your imagination. 🙂 And I liked very much what you imagined. That Neanderthal in your imagination was quite a poet. I feel sorry for him. Now, reimagine the story and make him a villain. 🙂

  2. Thank you, Maretha. Happy to see you again 🙂
    Best wishes and a Merry Christmas to you and yours! xx

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