This work titled, 'The Fire' is from my series 'Folk SciFi' ,where I have tried to reimagine characters from native traditions in a Science fiction environment. This artwork is based on 'Theyyam' - the cultural identity of Malabar region in Kerala. Theyyam is an ancient art form, a testimonial to both the vibrant culture and aesthetic sense of art-centric Kerala. It celebrates local heroic stories, legends and communal harmony. Theyyam has a long and enduring history going back nearly 1500 years, when, in a primitive society, it may have possibly existed as a cult form of worship and a pagan practice in south India.  It is said that there are about four hundred variants of Theyyams and each one of them has an interesting folktale associated with it. . Agni Kanda Karnan is one of them and this illustration is inspired from the same. Agni Kanda Karnan- The Theyyam which loves fire, is very rare & exclusive and  only performed in Kannuveed village in Kasaragod district, Kerala. Agni Kanda Karnan is the local deity of Kannuveed, and was incarnated as a Theyyam and performed here biennially since time immemorial. The performance rituals are dominated by fire and he has red-hot palm leaf torches, all blazing, attached to his waist. As the Drums beat harder and aloud, the theyyam dances to the wild tunes of divinity.It is difficult not to be overawed seeing  this visual extravagance .This illustration is an interpretation of my experience watching this performance for the first time .