Meaning: The quote "These are the stories the Dogs tell, when the fires burn high and the wind is from the north" is a line from the renowned science fiction writer Clifford Simak. It is from his novel "City," which was first published in 1952. Simak is known for his imaginative and thought-provoking storytelling, and "City" is considered one of his most influential works.

The quote itself evokes a sense of mystery and ancient wisdom. It conjures up images of a primal, elemental setting where the natural world and the stories of a bygone era converge. The mention of dogs as the storytellers adds a layer of intrigue, suggesting a perspective that is both primal and otherworldly. The imagery of fires burning high and the wind blowing from the north further enhances the sense of a timeless and mythical setting, where tales are spun and passed down through generations.

In "City," Simak presents a collection of interconnected stories that span thousands of years, exploring the evolution of humanity and its relationship with technology, nature, and the universe. The novel is framed by a series of conversations between a human and a group of intelligent, sentient dogs who have inherited the Earth from humans and are now reflecting on the past.

The dogs in "City" serve as the keepers of humanity's history and legacy, passing down stories and memories from a time when humans still roamed the Earth. Through the dogs' narratives, Simak explores themes of progress, loss, and the enduring power of storytelling. The quote encapsulates the essence of this narrative approach, as the stories told by the dogs become a bridge between the distant past and the present, preserving the collective memory of humanity.

Simak's writing style is characterized by its poetic and contemplative nature, and the quote reflects this, capturing a sense of timelessness and oral tradition. The mention of the dogs as the storytellers adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as it challenges the conventional human-centric perspective of storytelling. By giving voice to the dogs, Simak invites readers to consider alternative perspectives and to question the human-centric view of history and storytelling.

Overall, the quote from Clifford Simak's "City" captures the essence of the novel's thematic depth and imaginative storytelling. It serves as a compelling entry point into the world that Simak creates, evoking a sense of mystery, wonder, and ancient wisdom. Through the dogs' tales and the evocative imagery of fires burning high and the wind from the north, Simak invites readers to explore the enduring power of storytelling and the timeless connections that bind humanity to its past, present, and future.

In conclusion, the quote "These are the stories the Dogs tell, when the fires burn high and the wind is from the north" encapsulates the essence of Clifford Simak's novel "City," inviting readers into a world where the stories of a bygone era are preserved and passed down by intelligent, sentient dogs. It evokes a sense of mystery, ancient wisdom, and the enduring power of storytelling, setting the stage for a narrative that spans thousands of years and explores the evolution of humanity and its relationship with the natural world. Simak's imaginative and contemplative writing style infuses the quote with a timeless quality, inviting readers to ponder the connections between the past, present, and future.