The text describes a journey to a remote tribe in Nepal known as the Gurungs, who are the last humans living in the heart of the country. The tribe is located at the base of an 8000-meter mountain peak, surrounded by a dense jungle. The Gurungs are known for their unique relationship with giant Himalayan bees, which they harvest honey from.
This honey is of great medicinal value and also has aphrodisiac and hallucinogenic properties. The Gurungs take significant risks to collect the honey from cliffside hives, but they have developed a mystical rapport with the bees that allows them to work without any protective clothing. The honey is consumed with care to avoid serious intoxication.
The main speaker, Raphael, is on a mission to learn more about this 'magic honey'. He meets Deepak and Kumar, who are in contact with the tribe and will accompany him as translators. The Gurungs are self-sufficient, growing vegetables and raising livestock. They are also known for their communal work, such as building new paths.
The tribe practices a unique ritual before starting their honey hunting expeditions. They invoke the spirit of a forest to ensure a successful honey harvest and to avoid misfortune and accidents. The honey hunt involves a real combat with the bees, which are not easily subdued.
During the honey harvest, the tribe members light fires to smoke out the bees and use bamboo spatulas to cut holes in the wax of the hives. The honey is then collected in baskets and lowered to the ground. The process requires perfect coordination and has been marked by several fatal accidents in the tribe's history.
The honey has a toxicity that varies according to the season. It contains a toxin that causes inebriety similar to the effects of absinthe, but it also has healing properties. The honey is used as an aphrodisiac and is consumed daily by the Gurungs to boost their immunity systems.
The journey ends with a tragic incident, where one of the members, Deepak, experiences a severe overdose from the honey. He is treated with medicinal plants and eventually recovers with a nasty headache. The group leaves the Gurungs with respect and takes some honey, promising to consume it with moderation.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The text is about a tribe of honey hunters in Nepal called the Gurungs.
2. The Gurungs collect honey from giant Himalayan bees that make their hives on cliffs.
3. The honey has medicinal, aphrodisiac and hallucinogenic properties due to the nectar from poisonous flowers.
4. The Gurungs perform rituals and sacrifices to appease the forest spirit and the bees before harvesting the honey.
5. The honey harvest is dangerous and requires coordination, skill and courage from the hunters.
6. The honey can also be toxic and cause intoxication, convulsions and loss of consciousness if consumed in excess.
7. The text is based on a documentary film by Raphael Treza.