We take fire for granted. But it was not always easily available.
How’d you do that?
In the movie Quest for Fire, Naoh, a caveman from the Cro-Magnon tribe in the prehistoric world, has just watched someone create a fire, a feat unknown to his tribe, hence the movie title.
Naoh’s tribe had possessed fire in the form of a guarded small flame which they had somehow acquired perhaps from lightning. They had to continually feed it to keep it alive. Tragically, it was accidentally extinguished during a battle with an opposing tribe. Thus, the quest.
A friendly tribe has shown the caveman how to use friction to start a fire. His wonder is compelling as this revelation will provide heat and the ability to cook as needed. This is the first major turning point in gastronomy.
Business opportunities
It was only a matter of time before the first caveman restaurant-entrepreneur opened a Bronto Burgers and Ribs. (Check out “The Flintstones.”) The cartoon theme song is burned into my psyche.