There are numerous famous stories depicting sibling rivalry. The Biblical story of Cain and Abel, Ann and Mary Boleyn who fought over King Henry 8ths affections and of course the most famous Hollywood rivalry, Joan fontaine and Olivia de Havilland, with Joan famously saying, “She will be jealous if she dies before me”. And that, Joan did.

It has been said that competition for a parent’s affection is steeped in competition for resources.Behaviourists have found that we share strong links between animals when it comes to sibling rivalry. This is evident in the animal kingdom, where the strongest sibling is known to kill their weaker brother or sister to gain resources such as food. 

The fallout from a broken sibling relationship can be devastating, and awkward. When ties break, the animosity hangs in the air, each too proud to admit the other was wrong. Or maybe, the relationship is best left severed. I know because it happened to me. In any family, if you begin to scratch the surface, before too long you might unveil some sort of sibling rivalry between your own family members who haven’t spoken to each other in decades. And it is usually over something petty. And sometimes, not. Could it be that the only thing we have in common is DNA? Or perhaps we should listen to the famous proverb, you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family.

Featuring guest host, Amanda Miha.

Memoria is written and produced by Nat V. 

The short story, "And the Winner is..." is written, edited and performed by Nat V.

Illustrations by Peta Manning