Reading Notes: Nigerian Folk Stories, Part B

While still reading Nigerian folk tales, I had a lot of reactions, the first being: Wow, the story of The Lightning and the Thunder is so creative and unique. I really enjoyed this story. It is probably the best story of this unit I have read so far, because it creativity explains thunder and lightning in a way that is so unique, but still makes sense and is almost believable. I am convinced I need to write some kind of creation story. 

The story of The Bush Cow and the Elephant is enjoyable also, although it is also a little confusing. I like the explanation of why certain animals fight each other.
In the story of The Cock Who Caused a Fight, I like the drama caused by Ama Ukwa, but I also like that it ended well. I wonder what would have happened if the brothers had not spoken to each other and instead one of them died. That would have made for a very tragic story.
The story of The Hippopotamus and the Tortoise reminds me of the story of Rumplestiltskin. The theme of an unknown name is a really good one because it adds suspense and drama to the story.
The story of Why Dead People are Buried is actually a really sad one, even though it is reality. According to the story, if the people had listened to the dog, there would be no permanent death. As it is, though, there is, which in a way makes life more sweet.
The story Of the Fat Woman who Melted Away is really interesting, because it tells of a fat woman, who in today's society would most likely be perceived as not so beautiful, is extremely beautiful and wanted by many. I'm so very confused by why she is made out of oil, however, and how that even works. Does that change her appearance or does she look like a normal human? Many questions.
Does the story of Why the Moon Waxes and Wanes count as cannibalism? Because it seems very cannibalistic to me.
The story of Tortoise, Elephant, and Hippopotamus is a nice one. It's filled with intelligence and cunningness, but it still has a happy ending, which I enjoy.
I swear, stories like the story of The King and the 'Nsiat Bird just continue to confuse me. I cannot seem to wrap my head around what Nigerians seem to believe or at least come up with. I can never figure out if the love interest, who's father is a bird, is also a bird or is a human. Or is the king a bird? It is all very odd.
Oh, the story of The Hawk and the Owl is so sad. I was so afraid the hawk was going to eat the baby owl at first. It's still sad that the hawk ate the baby chick, even though that is how nature works. I like the idea of the story, though, that those who are quiet are plotting revenge. It is quite a comical, and at times realistic, idea. 

It is quite tragic that in the story of The 'Nsasak Bird and the Odudu Bird, the Odudu bird, the 'Nsasak bird's friend, died because of the ridiculous competition.
The story of The Election of the King Bird is interesting in that it mentions so many birds. It attempts to explain the manners of each bird and the reasoning behind them all. I have really enjoyed these kinds of stories and will be definitely writing about a type of creation story.

Nigerian Folk Stories collected by Elphinstone Dayrell. Source link: Part B

Image 1 information: "Pink Lightning" by oompa123, 2015. Web source: Wikimedia Commons

Image 2 information: "Southern White Faced Owl" by Petr Kratochvil. Web source: Public Domain Pictures

Reading Notes: Nigerian Folk Stories, Part A

For this week’s reading, I chose to read folk stories from Nigeria. I really enjoyed the story of The Pretty Stranger who Killed the King. It shows an old woman who uses her skills and brains to kill a tyrant king. There's definitely a lot I could do with this story wise. I especially like the moral, which is basically, don't judge a book by its cover, and don't marry someone just because they are pretty.
The story of Why the Bat Flies by Night is actually really horrifying. It makes me wonder if African people boil bats in their soup to make it taste better. Either way, it was a unique way of explaining a bat's habits.
The story of the Disobedient Daughter who Married a Skull is such an odd one and gives me so many questions. Is the skull and actual skull, that floats and talks? Why couldn't he have just stayed in the mortal world? And where did he go after he took Afiong home? I could always try to answer these questions by making my own story, but it would still be extremely odd.
I'm so confused by the story of The King who Married the Cock's Daughter. Did he marry an actual hen, because at the end, it says there is now a law that no one can marry an animal? In the middle it was actually a sweet story, because the king found someone who he finally could love, and in the end he lost her. I like this concept and would definitely want to write about it.
I didn't particularly like the story of The Woman, the Ape, and the Child. It began really good, and then I became really confused. It was unique and interesting, but I didn't like how Okun Archibong was ridiculous enough to kill his child and his wife.
All I can say about the story of The Fish and the Leopard's Wife is ew. I don't even want to know how that would work physically. I do enjoy how the story brought it around so that it explained why fish live in water and why people eat fish.
The story of Why the Worms live Underneath the Ground is really interesting. I honestly really like the idea of animals and humans being able to talk to one another and living together and having the same king. I think this would be fun to write about.
The story of The Elephant and the Tortoise, while a little gruesome, is intriguing in that it explains why elephants have such small eyes and why worms are blind. I think it would be cool to come up with a story like this. I would just need to think of an animal with an interesting feature and come up with a story for why it has that feature. 

The story of Why a Hawk Kills Chickens is such a sad one. It's fascinating though that throughout these stories, animals cross marry and it does not seem to be a problem.
African stories are so unique in that, like the story of Why the Sun and the Moon Live in the Sky, even the sun and moon live in harmony with the earth.
Again, animals living with humans and loving them seems to be so normal in these stories, like the story of Why the Cat Kills Rats. I wonder if the animals are human sized, or if they are their normal size and are still perceived as like humans. It's such an interesting concept and one I could definitely play with.
While very odd, these stories was still full of inspiration, especially in regards to animals and origin stories.

Nigerian Folk Stories collected by Elphinstone Dayrell. Source link: Part A

Image 1 information: "Aso Rock" by Mark Fischer, 2015. Web source: Flickr

Image 2 information: Elephant photo by Kira Hoffmann, 2016. Web source: Pixabay

Storytelling Week 6:

They could see the horses coming from a distance.

How did they find us? Kai thought, his chest pounding. His mother had warned him that men would try to come for him. They had been hearing reports of the same happening recently. But they were so secluded, so far away that they had not thought to worry.

The men were too close now for Kai and his mother to escape. She put her hand on his shoulder and tried to smile. "It will be alright, Kai." The two went outside to meet the five men, soldiers, on horseback.

The soldier in the front waved his arm. "Greetings to you, ma'am and young man."

Kai's mother curtsied to the men. "An honor, sir. What brings you to us, so far from the city?"

The man smiled, a gruesome sight. "We have come to recruit your son. The king is in need of able-bodied, healthy young men to fight in his army. He has ordered every young man to join him."

"No," Kai said quickly.

The man's smile disappeared. "It was not a request, young man. You are to come with us, whether you wish to or not."

"Well I don't wish to," Kai retorted. "Besides, I cannot abandon my mother. I'm all she has."

The smile reappeared. "And I am sure you would not wish any harm to come to her. Come with us, and I can promise you your mother will be safe and you will be well taken care of." To reiterate his point, the man drew his sword slightly, allowing it to glint in the sun.

Kai clenched his jaw, but knew it was useless. "Very well, I will go with you."

"Good choice, boy. Say your goodbyes then."

Kai turned and hugged his mother. "Don't worry," she whispered. "Perhaps you'll become a great warrior." She pulled away and looked at him one last time. "We'll see each other one day, I promise. I love you, Kai."

Kai swallowed hard. "I love you too."

They stood there until the man finally said, "It's time to go, boy." Kai kissed his mother's hand before turning and going with the soldiers.

                                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Weeks past as Kai was forced to train to be a soldier for the king. Surprisingly, to himself and to the man who brought him, he became an extremely good swordsman and a fierce fighter. All the frustration he felt at being taken away led him to battle hard and to refuse to surrender. Soon it became apparent that he was ready for a real fight.

He was sent out to defend the borders against a neighboring country. Kai suddenly found himself in the midst of clashing swords and dead comrades. His heart was pounding in his head as he struggled to defend himself against enemy attacks.

Up, down his sword went, blocking soldiers' thrusts at him. All Kai wanted was to defend himself, but he soon found it difficult to continue to defend when he was surrounded. He thrusted his own sword and soon drew blood, killing his opponent who was too slow to block the blow. Time seemed to slow as Kai realized he had just killed a man. He hardly had time to feel sick, as suddenly more enemy soldiers attacked. Kai fought well, and killed many, whether he wished to or not.

Eventually, after hours of fighting, Kai spotted the leader of the enemy country. If he dies, perhaps his soldiers will lose their courage and fall back, Kai thought to himself. Somehow, he must to get closer to the leader.

As he fought his way closer, he noticed bows and arrows lying on the ground next to their dead owners. An idea formed. Fighting the urge to vomit, Kai quickly grabbed a bow and a handful of arrows. While training, Kai had learned how to shoot a bow, although he was not as proficient with it as with a sword. He began to move back, away from the frontline. He would only have a short time to shoot at the king before he himself was attacked.

Notching an arrow and raising the bow, Kai quickly aimed at the king. He focused on the neck, which the king had carelessly, or perhaps arrogantly, neglected to cover. He's so far away. Still, Kai breathed in, took his aim, breathed out, and released the arrow. 

It was not a perfect shot, but it hit its target and the king fell over in response. The enemy soldiers quickly realized their king was taken down, possibly dead. Kai and his fellow soldiers grew in confidence and forced the enemy forward. Quickly, with the king gone, they won that battle.

Soldiers clasped their hands on Kai's shoulders, congratulating him. He was soon brought to the king and declared a hero.

"Well done, sir," the king smiled at Kai. "It is because of you I hear that we have victory. Anything you wish for, if is within my power, will be granted to you."

Kai looked down. "Your majesty, though I am proud to have served you, I did not come willingly. I was forcibly taken from my home to come fight in your army. I want nothing more than to go home."

The king studied Kai. "I was not aware I was forcibly abducting youths for my army. Go home, young man. I will make certain no man disturbs you again."

Still, the king did not send Kai away empty-handed, but gave him enough gold to allow him to live comfortably for the rest of his days. Kai decided it was time he and his mother reentered society, and so with some of the gold he bought a home in the city, for he and his mother. 

                                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kai traveled back to his home to see his mother. He could feel that things were different, he was different. But one thing that still remained was his love for his mother. When he made it to his house, he knocked on the door and there appeared him mother. She cried and hugged Kai, and soon returned to the city with him. Throughout the city, Kai was regarded as a hero, whether he meant to be or not.

Author's Note: I got inspiration from Ozaki's tale of Kintaro, the Golden Boy. Kintaro is an extremely strong young boy who eventually is discovered by servant of Lord Raiko. The servant recruits Kintaro to become a samurai in the lord's army. Kintaro is of course very excited and willingly goes with him to become a samurai. Through reading this, I had the idea that what if Kintaro had not gone willingly, but had been forced to become a soldier. I decided to write about this. Since I do not know much about Japanese culture, I decided to write the setting ambiguously. Kintaro, or Kai, becomes a soldier who eventually becomes a great hero and then moves his mother to the city. I liked these elements so I decided to keep them while changing the details. I ran out of words, so some of the parts are not as descriptive as I would have liked. Hopefully is is still good.   

Bibliography: This is a retelling of the story of "The Adventures of Kintaro" from Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki. From the unit Ozaki. 

Image information: "Rodwewald Wooden House and Bunker" by Philip Graham, 2012. Web source: Wikipedia

Image information: "Arrow Flight" posted on Trinity Lutheran Church's website, 2015. Web source: Trinity Memphis  

Reading Notes: Ozaki's Japanese Fairy Tales, Part B

Continuing with Ozaki's fairy tales, the story of the Goblin of Adachigahara is very odd. I didn't completely understand the old goblin woman and why she was reluctant to house the priest or why she kept him alive for so long if she all she wanted to do was to eat him. It was an interesting story, and certainly suspenseful, but didn't make a whole lot of sense. Perhaps the old woman did not want to eat him initially, or sometime to that affect. It would be interesting to try to write a story in favor of the old woman.
The story of the Orge of Rashomon is so strange. What is with people portraying old women as monsters in disguise? I wonder where this idea came from. It would be something cool to write about.
The story of Princess Hase is beginning to sound like Cinderella. How tragic that Hase lost her mother at such a young age, but I love that she remained kind. That has always been my favorite thing about Cinderella. It is horrible that the stepmother killed her own child be accident. Yes, it was her own fault, but it is still sad. This story is also quite like the story of Snow White when the man refuses to kill the princess and she hides out in the woods. I think it is horrible that despite having all the esteem and doing such amazing things, Hase is forced to live in hiding because of her jealous stepmother. I am so glad for the ending, since I love happy endings. It wrapped up the story nicely. I enjoyed this story and think it would be fun to write a story of my own like this, although I am not sure exactly of the details just yet. 

All in all, Ozaki's fairy tales, while extremely odd, were a very good source of inspiration.

Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki. Source link: Part B
Image information: "Chujo-hime" by  Yoshitoshi, 1881. Web source: Wikipedia

Reading Notes: Ozaki's Japanese Fairy Tales, Part A

For this week's reading, I chose to read Ozaki's Japanese fairy tales. The story of My Lord Bag of Rice is an interesting one. I like Hidesato and how he seeks out adventure. I also admire his courage, because if I had seen a huge dragon in front of me, I might have ran for it. I really like the description of the palace in the lake. I would love to expand on it and create a world with it. I think it's awesome that Hidesato used his brain in order to kill the centipede. I really like how this story explained how Hidesato got his title. It is always interesting to learn the origins of a name, and I could see myself writing a story about this concept.
The Adventures of Kintaro, The Golden Boy is really fascinating. So many stories I have found contain children who have remarkable strength. It is also interesting how the animals are wrestling each other. I think that this could be a cool story. This was a great story for a hero, a humble one to say the least. I like how Kintaro was able to become a samurai. I think it would be interesting to write a story of a general looking for boys to train, but instead of taking them willingly, he takes them by force. 

The Man Who Did not Wish to Die is an interesting story. I think it resonates with a lot of people who are scared to die. I was hoping the author would mention how living forever can be a really bad thing, and he did. Living forever sounds dreadfully boring, and I like that the author realized this. I could write a story about a people who never die, but want to. There was also a great deal of suspense in the story, which I enjoyed. I'm glad in the end Sentaro learned to be content with the time he is given.

Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki. Source link: Part A

Image information: Ozaki's Japanese Fairy Book by Kakuzo Fujiyama, 1908. Web source: Wikimedia Commons

Storytelling Week 5: The Genie of the Wonderful Lamp

10,000 years I have been kept in this prison with no one to summon me, no puny mortal demanding riches and power and women from me. How nice those 10,000 years were.

And then that foolish boy had to ruin it.

When my lamp was first rubbed, I thought it must have been a mistake. To my knowledge, I had been trapped in a cave where no one could ever disturb me. But as I came out of my lamp, I discovered a woman in my presence, holding the lamp.

"What would thou have with me? I am the Slave of the Lamp, and am yours to command." I always despised this part.

The woman suddenly fainted, and beside her a young boy, grossly dressed and filthy, grabbed my lamp from the woman and demanded, "Bring me something to eat!"

What a little brat. Nevertheless, I must do as I am told, so I created a grand feast fit for a king. The boy barely acknowledged me as I returned to my lamp. I could already tell from his uncouth manner and greedy face that it would not be long before I was summoned again.

I was correct, however all the boy did was invoke me every so often to give him food. Each time he did, I became more accustomed to him and grew to despise him less. All he seemed to want was to feed himself and his mother. The greed I had seen before I quickly learned was hunger.

With this being all that was required from me, I grew to enjoy my time with the boy. He even began to speak to me, inquiring about my life. I learned his name was Aladdin, and a few years later I learned he had fallen deeply in love with the princess. After he saw her, he rubbed my lamp and awoke me.

"What is thy will, young master?"

I was greeted with a grand smile. "Genie, I have just seen the most beautiful woman in the world. I wish to make her my wife. I command you to cause her to fall in love with me as well." He smiled even more and waited for me to make it so.

"Master, I cannot make anyone fall in love with another. It is out of my power to do so. My sincerest apologies."

The smile disappeared and was replaced with a glare. "You are under my command. You will make her love me."

Crossing my arms, I grew myself in size and towered over Aladdin. "You foolish boy, I will do no such thing! I have no power to do so, however, I have do possess the power to smite you if I please."

Aladdin lowered his head. "Very well. I will win her a different way." He sulked away and did not return to me until a few months later.

As he rubbed my lamp, I exited and asked him again, "What is thy will, young master?"

Aladdin looked crestfallen. "The Sultan, as I have told you, promised me his daughter. But he has broken that promise, and has given her to the grand-vizir's son to be married. I command you to bring the bride and her bridegroom to me tonight."

I thought this was a foolish request, however this I was unable to refuse. "As thou wish, master." Therefore, at midnight, I gather the newly wedded couple in their marriage bed and brought them hither to Aladdin.

"Good, genie," the young master said to me. "Now take this newly married oaf outside in the cold and make sure he stays until dawn." Grudgingly, I did as I was commanded and shut the poor fellow out in the freezing night. Before I returned to my lamp, I watched as my master climbed into bed with the terrified princess.

Aladdin commanded this once more the next night, and I unwillingly made it so. Only once, however. I thought perhaps guilt caused him to cease, but within a few weeks, he summoned me again to grant him riches in order to win the princess. It would seem our little stunt scared the groom away. I did as the master commanded and delivered to him eighty slaves, with eighty golden basins full of fine jewels. They were fit for a grand king. I bid them to follow the mother to the palace.

As soon as they left, Aladdin began to pace back and forth. "What if this doesn't work, genie? I feel as though my heart will break if I cannot have her."

I said nothing, but stayed with him until his mother returned. "The Sultan has granted your request, my son! He wants you to come quickly to meet him."

Aladdin's eyes suddenly grew larger and began to breathe hard. He looked down at his ratted clothes. "Genie, I can't go before the Sultan like this," his voice was strained. "Made me a scented bath. And an embroiled habit greater than the Sultan's. And a grand horse, and twenty slaves. And six beautiful slaves for my mother, and ten thousand gold pieces in ten purses. I need to be so magnificent that the Sultan will beg me to take his daughter."

"As thou wish, young master." And I made it all so.

Aladdin did in fact win the princess, and soon he came back to me requesting a grand palace. I created a glorious home for him and his new wife. To see the boy so happy and in love was a refreshing sight from how my previous masters had been, so full of greed and lust. He gratefully thanked me for all I had granted him. I oddly felt great joy for the boy. I had grown too fond of him it would seem.

I spent the rest of their lives with Aladdin and his wife, until the past me onto their son, my new master, who was as passionate as his father.

Author's note: While reading the story of "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp," I had many thoughts about the character of Aladdin. Much like the Disney version, Aladdin acquires the magical lamp and uses the genie inside to help him win the princess. At first I thought Aladdin to be very childish and greedy, but over time I grew to like him more. I wondered what the genie must have been thinking throughout the story, so I decided to write a story from his perspective. 

Bibliography: This is a retelling of the story of "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp" from Arabian Nights by Andrew Lang. From the unit Arabian Nights

Image 1 information: "Jinn Magic." Web source: Max Pixel

Reading Notes: Arabian Nights, Part B

Part B focused on the story of "Aladdin and the Wonderful lamp." This story is definitely different from the Disney version. I am wondering how old Aladdin is meant to be if he is supposed to have a trade by now. I also wonder why the magician shut the cave when he could have waited until Aladdin got out. Either way, I like the introduction of Aladdin. Aladdin just seems like a innocent young boy.
Never mind, Aladdin isn't innocent. Not only does he creep on the princess and lust after her, he makes the princess be with him when she doesn't want to. This is certainly not the Disney hero that I grew up with. That concept is interesting though, how Aladdin does not possess the character of a hero, and instead is selfish and greedy.
I don't know whether to be happy or angry that Aladdin won the princess. He did it in such a arrogant way that it is almost irritating. Does the princess not recognize him at all? It is because of his laziness that he remained so poor and it is his laziness that made him rich. Still, I love the theme of the rags to riches story and I like that Aladdin was able to make himself royalty. I only wish he had done it with more class and modesty. Perhaps I can write a character more like that.
Now Aladdin's story is getting interesting. I do feel sorry for Aladdin that everything is taken away from him, and I find myself wanting him to get it all back from the magician. I like how Aladdin was able to deceive the magician. I also like that the princess remained faithful to Aladdin no matter what.
I am curious to what the genie meant by saying that the roc is his master. I am also fascinated with the genies, who seem to have no other purposes that fulfilling the wishes of Aladdin. What do they think of Aladdin? Do they get tired of granting wishes all the time? Perhaps I could write a story from their perspective.
Even though it is nothing like the Disney version, I did like the story of "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp." It was a magical story and one that gave me a lot of inspiration for stories.

Arabian Nights, Andrew Lang. Source link: Part B

Image information: "Aladdin Night Scene Background" by Jolly Yau (Greyfaerie4), 2014. Web source: DevaintArt

Reading Notes: Arabian Nights, Part A

For this week's reading, I read Arabian Nights and was amazed by it. I am in love with the character of Scheherazade. Scheherazade probably grew up in comfort and by being the grand-vizir's daughter, she was almost guaranteed safety. Yet she chose to risk her life in order to save countless others. She doesn't know if her plan will work, only that she must try. I really like how she is depicted as so brave and strong and clever. The Sultan, on the other hand, is a ridiculous character, so full of bitterness and anger. The fact that he would take out his hurt on innocent women shows him to be selfish and to have no value on life. Still, his character is deep and very interesting. Dinarzade is also a great character. She is described as not having any gifts to set her apart, but I think her love for her sister is admirable. I wonder what she must be feeling during all of this. It could be interesting to write from her perspective.
The story of the Merchant and the Genius is interesting so far. The merchant, only having a year to live, most likely did everything good he could in that year. After all of that, he deserves to live I think. It would be fun to write a story about someone who only has a short amount of time to live. I also like how Scheherazade is so clever in pausing the story, and then connecting the stories so she reels the Sultan in even more.
The first old man and the hind is a really interesting story. I like the mystical elements of it and the plot is really fascinating. I like the suspense of it, not knowing who will die, as well as the tragedy of it. The second old man and the two black dogs is a really good story as well. I found myself furious with the foolishness of the brothers, and then with their cruelty toward their brother who saved both of them. They are so full of selfishness. This could be really good inspiration for a story, though I am not sure what story yet.
I like the use of genies in the fisherman story. I also like how Scheherazade transitioned from the merchant to the fisherman and how she keeps transitioning. The story of the Greek king and the physician Douban is interesting in that the king is in need of healing and Douban heals him easily, causing jealousy from the grand-vizir. I like how uniquely he healed the king. I love how the story of the husband and the parrot and the story of the ogress are stories within a story within a story within a story. It is so creative to be so deep in stories. If I were able to, I would love to write a story like this. I'm actually very sad the king believed the vizir and killed Douban. It is unique how Douban's head continued to talk until the king died, when he got his revenge.
The stories of the sultan and the young king are so interesting. I like how the sultan saved the young king from the enchantress. It would be fun to write a story of a kingdom under a curse.
I enjoyed Scheherazade's stories and I love the idea of a person using a story to save their life. It is an idea that is not used much anymore, and I think I might like to use that theme to write a story. I also like the idea of the Sultan falling in love with Scheherazade and not wanting to kill her, but that is my romantic nature kicking in. 

Arabian Nights, Andrew Lang. Source link: Part A

Image information: "Scheherazade" painted by Edouard Frederic Wilhelm Richter. Web source: Wikipedia Commons

Feedback Focus

I tried out three techniques in order to help me concentrate on the stories I read so I can give good feedback about the story. I like reading aloud to hear how the word sound. I have done this technique a few times, although it was more for fun than analysis. I know I noticed names that I wouldn't have noticed otherwise. I was able to hear how the sentences flowed together. I feel I have a good awareness of the story, because reading aloud caused me to read the story slower and more in depth. I am not sure if this technique was better than reading it silently, though. The copy and delete technique worked pretty well for me. I was able to note my thoughts after each paragraph. I'm not sure if I noticed more than reading out loud, but I wrote more than I did. I think this technique would work better with making notes about the story, but reading out loud may help me notice more. The timer technique felt a little long, but I like the idea of reading the story two or three times in order to get the most out of the story. The copy and delete strategy was the most useful, then the timer one, then the reading out loud one.
I think all three of these strategies helped me see each story in a different light and helped me pick up on certain details in each story. For the copy and delete strategy, the advantage is being able to instantly write down my notes about the story. The disadvantage is having to stop after each paragraph, which can disrupt the story. For the timer strategy, the advantage is reading the story multiple times and picking up on different aspects of the story each time. The disadvantage is the reading seems to be too long, at least for the size of the story. For the reading out loud strategy, the advantage is hearing how the story flows and picking up on how words sound. The disadvantage is I am not sure it made much of a difference in how I read the story.
I would certainly like to try a combination of all three. Perhaps I could read aloud the story a few times and write notes about each time I read it and what I noticed. I am confident these techniques will help in my reading notes and also when reading classmates' works. 

Image information: Cactus Reading taken by Sergey Klimkin, 2015. Web source: Pixabay

Storytelling Week 4: Death by Marriage

"Till death do us part"

I knew I would regret saying those words as soon as they came out of my mouth.

I put off marriage as long as I could, but eventually it needed to happen. I made certain I chose the most healthy, least annoying man in my town to be my husband. Perhaps then I could have a chance.

I thought wrong.

A few months after our wedding, my husband died from illness, taking me with him. I tried to leave the city, but too many people have tried this before and the king made sure I didn't leave. See, the king believed because of the "love" between a husband and wife, if one died, the other was buried with them. A merciful act, supposedly, so that they would not have to live on alone.

But I didn't love my husband. Certainly I was sad when he died, but I could very well go on with life without him. This I tried to explain to the king, who replied, "I understand that you are scared, young woman, however you would not be able to survive without him for very long. I am helping you, even if you cannot see it."

He was not helping. He was a sick man who took pleasure in taking the lives of his people. He was a tyrant, but one who held the fear of the people. They've seen what he has done to people who lost their spouses; I can only imagine what he would do to rebels.

So, three days after my husband's death, as they prepared to lower him into the grave, I said my last goodbyes, as I would be going with him.

"We come to mourn for Sara," the king proclaimed in an emotionless tone, "whose husband Aaron died tragically. May they both rest in peace."

I could almost swear I saw a smile playing on his lips. But before I could say or do anything, two men placed me on a plank of wood next to my husband's wrapped body. They handed me some food and water, only enough for three days. Why they do this, I am not certain, however it seems to be the king's way of drawing out the torture. Then they handed me a knife, in case I wanted a swifter death. I was glad for the knife, if it meant I wouldn't have to suffer too long.

Down they began to lower us, my dead husband and me. I looked up at my last glimpse of the sky before the plank touched the ground and the men up above sealed off the opening. 

I was in darkness. Why they couldn't have given me a torch I don't know. Once my eyes adjusted, however, I could see a sliver a light coming from the opening on the ceiling. It was enough that I could see an outline of the food and water, and also of my husband's body.

I quickly grabbed the bag of food and moved farther away from the body. I didn't want to think about how that was going to be me in a few days. I felt me way around me, and soon found the knife in its sheath. I grabbed the hilt and pulled it out.

I could end it right now. It would be easy, and I wouldn't have to stay down here. I put the knife to my chest.

One.

Two.

No.

I can't give up without making sure it's my last hope. There must be a way out of here. So I searched through the cave with minimal light to guide my way.

It had to have been at least three or four days that I searched. My food was almost out and I was out of hope.

The covering of the opening suddenly came up and light shone throughout the cave. I smiled and almost laughed at the sight of it, before I realized why it was opening. Another person had died, and their spouse was about to die as well.

A thought occurred. This person would have food and water. They were already going to die, so I could put them out of their misery, take their food, and continue for a little longer. I grabbed my knife and moved back into the shadows so the person being lowered wouldn't see me.

As soon as their plank touched the ground, the covering shut and everything was pitch black again. I breathed in and out until I could finally see somewhat in front of me. The person stayed still, and I think their back was to me. Slowly and quietly I crept behind them, my knife raised. Once I was close enough, I raised my knife higher for the plunge.

I stopped there. What was I doing? I'm no murderer. I can't take their life to save myself. I back away and dropped my knife.

The person must have heard, because they turned. "Is someone there?" It was a man.

I hesitated before speaking. “It’s Sara. I’m still alive.”

“Sara! How are you still here? It’s Terrence.”

“Terrence?” The boy I grew up with, who was always so quiet and shy, married? “I’m so glad to hear your voice.” I was almost in tears. I wasn’t alone anymore. I told him what I had been doing for the past few days.

“So, is there a way out?” He asked.

“I haven’t found one yet…”

Terrence stood up and grabbed his sack of food. “Well then, let’s keep looking. Here.” He handed me some food.

“No, that’s yours.”

“But you need it more.”

I smiled a little and took the food, my stomach growling hard. There were a few more tunnels I hadn't searched, so I lead Terrence down them.

It had been about a day and we still hadn't found a way out. I was beginning to lose hope of escaping. Suddenly, Terrence began to run forward.

“What is it?” I called after him.

“I thought I heard something,” he yelled. So I ran after him, not really hoping for much.

The cave began to get lighter, however, and before I knew it, I could see an exit. Tears began to fill my eyes as I ran out of the cave and into the world. The forest ahead of me was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen.

“We did it, Terrence. We’re free. We’re alive.”

Author's note: I read the Voyages of Sindbad for this week's reading. One story that stuck out to me was the story of Sindbad's fourth journey, when he arrives on an island which has a law that when a husband or wife dies, their spouse is to also die. I thought this was an interesting concept, so I rewrote Sindbad's experience, but made Sindbad a girl and created her to have grown up on this island. I also wanted her to not kill the second person who comes into the grave cave, as Sindbad did. I wanted this story to feel more personal that Sindbad, and I hope I accomplished that. 

Bibliography: This is a retelling of the Fourth Voyage of Sindbad in the Voyages of Sindbad by Andrew Lang. From the unit Sindbad.   

Image 1 information: "Woman Standing at Cave Opening" by Joshua Sortino, 2015. Web source: Pexels

Image 2 information: "Cave View River Valley out of Stream Water" by Unsplash, 2014. Web source: Pixabay

Reading Notes: The Voyages of Sindbad, Part B

Continuing The Voyages of Sindbad, I found more fascinating stories. The fifth voyage is the most odd so far. An old man uses his legs to force Sindbad to carry him. This is certainly not a story one hears every day. I appreciate the uniqueness of this, as a hero is not normally reduced to carrying a goblin around. This is certainly not something I would think of.
By the sixth voyage, I am even more unsure of why Sindbad doesn't just stay home. I wonder what his friends and family think after hearing all about his voyages and then seeing that he keeps wanting to go on more voyages. I would think he was insane. Perhaps I could write a story from one of their perspectives. Every time, Sindbad is the only one who survives out of the crew. It seems he is either lucky or this is all very unrealistic. Without him, though, the story would not continue. I am glad Sindbad is able to find friends and help when he most needs it, although it makes the story more interesting when he makes enemies instead of friends.
The seventh voyage is very interesting, and with pirates! It's horrible that Sindbad had to kill an elephant. I wonder what would have happened if he had refused. He does not seem to be in a hurry to escape enslavement, which is odd to me. I honestly think the elephants should have killed him for him having killed many of them. However, I suppose there would be no story of he died there. I'm glad though in the end, Sindbad was able to live a happy life.
This story is completely different that the Dreamworks version, but it was still very good and interesting. I found some good ideas, although not as many as I usually do. Hopefully the story that comes out of Sindbad is a good one.

The Voyages of Sindbad, Andrew Lang. Source Link: Part B

Image information: "Rocweb" by Henry Justice Ford, 1898. Web source: Wikipedia Commons 

Reading Notes: The Voyages of Sindbad, Part A

I chose The Voyages of Sindbad for this week’s reading. I had not known much about the story of Sindbad, other than the Dreamworks' animated film, so I was eager to read this story. 

During Sindbad’s first voyage, I am left with so many questions, for instance, how did they not realize the island was a whale? How did Sindbad not get eaten by a shark? Why does the captain not recognize Sinbad? So far, although it is not realistic, this is an interesting story, and not what I expected.
In the second voyage, I enjoy the magical elements of this story, like the giant birds and giant snakes. I'm still finding it hard to understand why Sindbad is going through all of these voyages. It seems to be boredom which spurs him. It could be intriguing to write about a hero who is constantly doing heroic deeds, yet is constantly bored.
In the third voyage, Lang's description is really vivid. I love the way he describes the cyclops giant's appearance. It's much different that Homer's cyclops, even though it seems evident that Homer's Polyphemus from The Odyssey was the inspiration for this cyclops. I like that the story of Sindbad takes inspiration from Homer.
By the forth voyage, you would think Sindbad would get tired of almost dying all the time. After almost getting eaten by a giant and snakes, cannibals honestly seem the most terrifying. I wonder why cannibalism is so terrifying. Perhaps because humans are not meant to eat one another, and so when people do, it is horrifying. In addition to the cannibals, this voyage is the most interesting so far because of Sindbad’s marriage. Marriage as a death sentence is such an ironic plot. This would actually make an interesting short story. I'm not sure how I would go about writing about this, but I like the idea and the challenge.

The Voyages of Sindbad, Andrew Lang. Source link: Part A
Image information: "Sindbad's Storybook Voyage" by Joel, 2016. Web source: Flickr

Storytelling Week 3: The Prince Competition

"By royal decree of his majesty King Xerxes, every eligible young male must hereby be brought to the palace in order that the princess may chose who is to become her future husband!" 

The whole matter is ridiculous. The king is attempting to build loyalties with his people by choosing one of them to be the heir. The princess has no say in the matter I'm sure. Still, no amount of arguing or complaining could release me from this torment, this "competition."
I look around at the other young men around me. This will be a quick decision; most of these men are dirty, ill-mannered, and not incredibly good-looking. They will be released quickly. As will I.
A man in very expensive looking clothing comes in the room where we are all lined up. He looks each man over and either says simply "yes" or "no." The many "no's" stay where they are, while the fewer "yes's" are escorted out of the room, further into the palace.
He finally reaches me near the end and I prepare myself to look ashamed when he rejects me. I had been here almost an hour, and I was so ready to go back home.
Instead, he looks me up and down, and with no expression says "yes" and moves on.
What?! My eyes get wide. This can't be. He obviously made a mistake. I don't want to continue. When I don't move, a guard behind me grabs my arm and practically drags me away.
We come into a new room, this one much more extravagant than the previous one, with gold and tapestries and marble everywhere. I stand here with about twenty other young men, all much more comely than most of the other men who came to the palace. One more comes in behind me, and after a few moments the doors shut.
"Congratulations," the expensive man says as he moves to the front of us. "You are the finalists who will be attempting to win the princess's heart. Each of you will receive a renovation process during which you will be made to look suitable to be in the presence of the princess. After, you will each spend a day with the princess, and in a month, one of you will be our new prince."
Most of the men look excited, smiling at each other and whispering. A few, like myself, look as though they would rather be any place else. Nonetheless, there is nothing we can do, and so we are all led through the palace to the place I am guessing we will receive this "renovation process."
We reach a hall with doors lined on each wall. We are each led to go into one of the rooms. I open mine to find a room five times the size of my own and a man waiting, it would seem for me. Without introducing himself, he says, "Follow me," and leads me to a door on the right, which apparently leads to a washroom. There, a full bath awaits. The man nods at towards the bathtub and says, "After you are done, put those clothes on," gesturing to some clothes hanging on a rack near tub, and then he leaves, closing the door behind him.
I get into the bathtub and quickly wash my body and hair. I've never had a bath this clean before. After I emerge from the washroom, with a clean body and clean clothes, the man sits me down in a chair in the middle of the room, and begins to cut my hair.
Soon, he is done. He looks me over, grins and nods, and then turns and exits the room. I am left alone, unsure of what to do next.

After almost three weeks of doing nothing besides walk around the courtyard and attempting to have conversations with the other men or the servants, it is finally my turn to meet the princess.
The only thing I am looking forward to is being able to go home in a week. I am tired of having to look presentable and having nothing to do.
Two guards lead me out of my room and through the palace. We enter a large room with a grand table and so many chairs. At the end sits a young woman. The guards lead me to the seat across from her.
She is very beautiful, with dark brown hair and big blue eyes. Wise eyes. The princess' eyes.
I stare too long before I finally realize I should bow. "Greetings, Princess."
The princess smiles. "Please sit. I am Princess Xandra. What is your name?"
"I am Estevan, your highness."
She smiles again. "You two may go," she says, addressing the guards. They turn, and as soon as they leave, the princess stops smiling and closes her eyes.
"Is something wrong?" I ask, though I am not sure if I want to know.
Princess Xandra sighs. "You are number twenty of the men that I have met so far. I suppose I am a little exhausted from meeting so many men."
"If you wish, you can just send me home. It will save you the energy of having to get to know me only to reject me."
She smiles a little, this time one that is not forced. "You already assume I am going to reject you? I could choose you. You are an extremely handsome man. You look like a king."
I didn't know whether I should feel flattered or not. "I am no king, your highness. And I am most likely not the one for you."
She smiled a little wider. "You are the first man to have said that. Even the ones who I could tell did not wish to be here tried to say how worthy they are. I am not looking for such arrogance. I am looking for someone who is honest and humble and honorable, and you are not the one who decides if you are those things or not.
"Please Estevan, tell me about yourself. Tell me about the things you love, the things you are passionate about. Allow me to see who you are, and then I will make my choice of whether you are worthy or not."

Author's note: I have always loved the story of Esther and how she was chosen to be queen of Persia. I decided to take the story of Esther and change it so that Esther is a boy, and the king is a princess. It is a lot like the Bachelorette. I found myself very invested in the story and I quickly ran over the word length. So I decided to leave the ending open. Maybe the princess chose Estevan, maybe she didn't. It's for the reader to decide. 

Bibliography: This is a retelling of the story of Esther from the Bible. From the unit, Bible Women.

Image 1 information: "By Royal Decree" by Cye (cyklus07)), 2008. Web source: DeviantArt

Image 2 information: "Crown" by Jason Train, 2013. Web source: Fickr