Og—Son of Fire

by Irving Crump

"Og—Son of Fire" by Irving Crump is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows Og, a primitive boy living in a time of volcanic eruptions and wild creatures, who is driven by intense hunger and survival instincts. As the last survivor of his colony after the eruption of a volcano, he embarks on a quest that will ultimately lead to his discovery of fire, a transformative force in his life. At the start of the narrative, Og witnesses the awakening of a volcano, forcing him to seek shelter beneath a cliff alongside two wolf cubs. As fear and exhaustion take hold, he falls asleep in a protective posture. Awakening to a tantalizing smell of roasted meat, he ventures into the lava-filled valley, eventually discovering roasted horses which he savors for their delightful taste. This encounter signifies a pivotal moment as Og realizes the potential power of fire when he experiments with igniting a stick. As his journey unfolds, he faces various threats including a mammoth and a wolf pack, ultimately leading to the creation of the first campfire—a momentous achievement that marks the dawn of a new chapter in his existence.