Reading Notes: Beowulf, Part B

(Stories of Beowulf Slave Stealing Golden Cup: Wikimedia Commons)

I like how the story sets up Grendel’s first appearance. It’s so ominous and eerie which makes me want to know what happens even more. I also didn’t know that Grendel could cast spells which is a nice surprise because it makes him an even bigger threat for Beowulf.

It must have been terrifying for Beowulf watching Grendel eat one of his friends. The spell made it to where Beowulf was kind of frozen which couldn’t have made matters any better.

I like how the epic fight between Beowulf and Grendel was in silence and had no witnesses. It would be funny if Beowulf declared he had Grendel’s arm, but the others didn’t believe him or something.

I knew that the king and queen praising Beowulf was going to jinx everything. Nothing ever goes well when characters celebrate too early.

It’s good to see that Unferth had a change of heart and gives Beowulf his sword.

Beowulf has to be one of the bravest people alive to go into that lake alone. I like much respect everyone has for him because normally they would try to stop a person from doing this.

I love how the Beowulf had to basically get lucky in order to beat Grendel’s mother. I was expecting Beowulf to just somehow find strength and defeat her, but the tiniest moment of relaxation from his mother gave Beowulf an opening.

I don’t like how the Danes left because they lost hope of seeing Beowulf again. I would’ve been a little mad about that if I were Beowulf.

It is fitting that Beowulf became king. I don’t think anyone else deserves it more than him.

I like how even though Beowulf almost died he still wants to have another adventure like that.

I honesty expected Beowulf to be like okay guys I can do this on my own don’t worry. I thought it would be similar to when he fought Grendel’s mother.

Never mind, he does go alone. It’s interesting how Beowulf knows that this will be his last adventure. It’s sad at the same time.

I just realized that all of their swords have names. I think I could make this a humorous aspect in my retelling.

It’s actually really sad how Beowulf dies. His men deserted him, but he forgave them before he died. Beowulf might be my favorite character from all the readings so far. 

Bibliography: The Story of Beowulf by Strafford Riggs, with illustrations by Henry Pitz (1933).

Reading Notes: Beowulf, Part A

(Siegfried, the hero of the North, and Beowulf, the hero of the Anglo-Saxons (1909): Wikimedia Commons)

I already like this story from the first paragraph. It makes me picture the Spartans from the movie 300.

I like how the warriors have a soft side to them. I feel like a lot of the time we don’t see both sides, but only see their serious side. It makes them more human in my eyes.

The comradery and family vibe everyone gives off is pretty great to see. You can tell how close they all are to each other.

It’s interesting how the race between Beowulf and Breca lasted five days. I can’t even imagine how tough that would have been.

I feel like this is the first time I have read a story where the main character wanted war. It’s kind of funny how Beowulf is sad how he can’t test his strength properly.

The Wanderer’s song is a really pivotal part of the story. I’m assuming this song makes Beowulf want to go defeat Grendel and test his strength. If I retell this part I will need to incorporate something like the Wanderer’ song.

I could possibly make the moment where Beowulf announces he’s going to defeat Grendel a humorous one since it’s kind of awkward how he does this and the reaction of the everyone else in the room.

I like how they made such a big deal when Beowulf was leaving. However, if I retell this part I might make it to where it’s like a really short farewell ceremony or not have one at all to be funny.

I’m surprised that none of the sea monsters attacked their ship. I would think that maybe some sort of conflict would happen.

For some reason I wish the Guardian of the Beach would have messed with Beowulf. Like maybe telling him he has to pay a certain fee or solve a riddle, but then telling him that he’s just messing around.

I like how desolate and ominous the forest is. It really sets the scene and I could picture it. It’s like something from a zombie apocalypse type movie.

It’s sad how the Danes can’t enjoy the banquet since they haven’t had anything to celebrate in twelve years.

I’m really curious to see Beowulf’s reaction to Unferth calling him out. I would be pretty mad if I were Beowulf because this guy is trying to embarrass him in front of everybody. 

I love Beowulf's response. It really puts Unferth in his place which is great because he is a very unlikable character.

Bibliography: The Story of Beowulf by Strafford Riggs, with illustrations by Henry Pitz (1933).

Reading Notes: King Arthur, Part B

(Statue of Excalibur, Kingston Maurward: Wikimedia Commons)

I like how the knight knows he’s not the best but basically says “Screw it” and puts the shield on anyways.

I wonder why the mysterious knight had to hurt him in order to get the shield from him. He proved his point, but I feel like he could have done it a different way.

I feel bad for Lancelot. I don’t know much about him, but he seems like a good guy. I like how he realizes the errors of his ways though.

I am not a fan of the part with Sir Percivale. There isn’t really anything exciting and I found myself bored the whole time. I won’t be retelling this part of the story.

It’s interesting how Lancelot keeps getting reminded how he is pretty much not fit to seek holy things. Once again, I feel bad for him, but he needs to start changing his ways.

 I like the mysterious aspect that this story includes with the random voices, visions, and other weird occurrences. I could try to incorporate this into my own retelling.

Sir Bors is a nice contrast to the other knights because he is cleansed of his sins and is trying to change his ways. I feel like he will definitely make it to the end.

I think it’s weird how Galahad doesn’t ask any questions, but blindly follows this random woman. I would like these guys to be a little harder to persuade. It seems like he heard her say the word adventure and he didn’t care what else came after it.

I like how some of the knights get reunited. It is nice to see them with so much joy when seeing each other for the first time in a while.

It’s sad how the voice tells Galahad and Lancelot that they will never see each other again. This is probably especially hard for Lancelot since Galahad is his son.

Although I like the dramatic and intense ending, I didn’t really like part B as a whole. Part A was a lot better in my opinion so I will probably choose to retell something from that section. 

Bibliography: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang, illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

Reading Notes: King Arthur, Part A

(King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table: Wikimedia Commons)

I like the idea of having basically a competition to see who can be the King. I could have fun with this simple concept and modernize it.

The fact that Arthur nonchalantly takes the sword out of the stone is great. He didn’t even know the implications of what he was doing. It also shows Arthur’s character when he doesn’t like how his father and brother kneeled before him. He seems like a humble person.

The scene where Merlin tells Arthur his future is really interesting. He says it so confidently that you don’t doubt him. Now I am wondering how it will happen since Arthur knows his fate and might try to change.

I didn’t know how much Merlin helped Arthur. I’m familiar with this story, but I thought Merlin was just a wizard and he’s basically acting like Arthur’s guardian angel.

I really like the part where Merlin tells Arthur he has to ask the Lady of the Lake nicely for the sword. It’s seriously like Merlin is his dad who is looking out for Arthur.

I like the origin story of how Arthur got the Round Table. I didn’t know the background of the Round Table before this. I also like the part where he makes Tor a knight. Tor wanting to be a knight reminds me of the movie A Knight’s Tale which I could retell.

I feel really bad for Merlin because he loves this woman, but she uses him and makes fun of him. It’s strange to me how he doesn’t have the willpower to say no to her though. It’s messed up how Vivien uses the magic that Merlin taught her to bury him.

I think Morgan le Fay goes overreacts by trying to kill Arthur. I understand that he killed the man she loved, but it’s still her brother and he was protecting their kingdom. I like how the Lady of the Lake saves him from the enchanted mantle.

I wish it would have been explained how the squire actually got stabbed. Was it a dream or did those events actually happen in reality?

I’m curious as to why Arthur couldn’t just stop the knights from leaving. I would think that he has more power over them then to just let them leave and neglect their duties. 

Bibliography: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang, illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).

Reading Notes: Eskimo Folk Tales, Part B

(Inuit Man 1906: Wikimedia Commons)

Papik
It’s interesting how Ailaq’s mom kills herself to avenge his death. I feel as though she could have gotten back at Papik some other way.
Papik dies in such a gruesome way, but I could see it coming.
I like how this is like a ghost story one would tell kids to make them not kill others.

Patussorssuaq
The theme of both of these stories has been envy. I could incorporate envy into my own retelling if I choose to retell this story.
He kills his uncle pretty early in the story which surprised me.
I wish the story explained how he ended up with his uncle’s wife. It just happened without any explanation and then she dies.
Another theme is murderers being punished for their deeds.

The Wife
It’s crazy to me how one person could start a war between tribes. It reminds me of Helen from The Iliad.
She suffers a pretty terrible death because of the war she started by lying. I could try to think of a way to incorporate this into a retelling.

The Eagle

It’s funny how the brothers suggested the sisters marrying an eagle and a whale because they get swept away by them. I could see the brothers freaking out after this happens.

This story ends abruptly and I am not sure what the point of it was.

Atdlarneq

The fact that he had to keep eating reminded me of a scene from the movie Matilda where one of the kids has to eat a whole chocolate cake as punishment. I will probably retell this story with that movie 

as my inspiration.

Angangujuk

I don’t like how angry his father gets at the mother for losing him. I understand that he’s your son, but you shouldn’t threaten to kill your wife. I don’t really know the point of this story either.

Atarssuaq

I like how the son avenges his father’s death. Overall, I liked the story because of how amazing the son is at diving, but I do not think I will be retelling this story. 

Tungujuluk

I honestly did not like this story because it didn’t really tie the loose ends. Saunikoq tried to kill Tungujuluk’s son but he never even found out. I wanted there to be some intense battle, but instead Tungujuluk basically just played a prank on him.

Kanagssuaq

This story has a really nice ending because the favor is paid back, but I didn’t really like the story as a whole. I do not think I will be retelling this story. 

Bibliography: Eskimo Folk-Tales by Knud Rasmussen with illustrations by native Eskimo artists (1921).

Reading Notes: Eskimo Folk Tales, Part A

(Eskimo boy named Menadblook: University of Washington, Flickr)

The Coming of Men
I really like the opening paragraph. It sets the mood for the rest of the story.
This is an interesting twist on the creation of Earth and mankind. I like how it references Adam and Eve but doesn’t go into detail behind the specifics.
There are many biblical references which surprises me.
This story is like an extremely simplified version of the biblical creation story, but with a lot of different changes of course.
I don’t think I will retell this because I wouldn’t enjoy creating my own creation story.

Nukunguasik
The plot of this story is interesting to me since a Tupilak is kind of like a voodoo doll but different. I could think of different ways to retell this.
I wonder why the middle brother wanted to make a Tupilak to kill Nukunguasik. I could give a background story as to why this was the case in my retelling.

The Woman
This was a really touching story. I thought the bear might get killed after that one guy said he wanted to kill it.
This is a classic plot where someone has an animal that they can’t keep so they have to let it go. I could definitely find a way to retell this in my own style.

Qalanganguase
The first paragraph already makes me feel bad for Qalang. He has no more family which can be extremely tough on a kid. Also, he can’t walk which makes him dependent on other people at least in this situation.
This story kind of reminds me of the movie The Sixth Sense. I could retell it like that since it would fit my writing style.

Isigaligarssik
The wording kind of makes them becoming man and wife weird because it refers to her as a little girl.
I am confused as to why the wizard took his wife. Also, I am confused why he didn’t stop the wizard from taking his wife.
I didn’t really like this story so I won’t be retelling it.

The Insects
I like the comedy at the beginning of this story when it says how all of these stories start with a wifeless man.
I don’t like his wife is just basically a gold digger. I kind of wish he didn’t pick any of the girls that avoided him before he started becoming a good hunter.
Overall, it was an interesting story, but I do not think I will be retelling it.

Makite
I think it is interesting how important it is to be a good hunter in this culture. It makes sense to me, but it would suck to be a bad hunter if you wanted a wife.
Makite is an impulsive, aggressive character which could be good for a retelling.
I don’t know if I understand the point of this story. I like the scene between Makite and the lone-dweller, but the ending was lacking for me.

Atungait

This story was extremely weird to me especially when he forcefully kisses the woman at the end. I’m not going to retell this story.

The Giant Dog

This is such a bizarre story, but I love it. The giant killer dog is so interesting to me. I could see myself retelling this story for sure. 

Bibliography: Eskimo Folk-Tales by Knud Rasmussen with illustrations by native Eskimo artists (1921).

Reading Notes: Native American Hero Tales, Part B

(Native American in Ink: wsilver, Flickr)

The story starts out extremely strong and gruesome. It was definitely unexpected. Now I am really interested to see how this goes.

The boy’s name is kind of funny since he was actually thrown behind the curtain of the tipi. I could use a similar concept in my retelling.

I think it’s interesting and sad how the father doesn’t know that the boys are his sons.

I’m confused as to how the boys resurrected their dead mother. It’s not explained, so if I retell this part I will go into more detail.

It’s funny that the father keeps telling the boys not to do certain things because as a reader I know that they will always do the opposite of what he says.

I feel like the story comes to an abrupt ending. I will have an ending that has more closure for the reader if I retell this part of the story.

Wemicus seems like an over protective dad that shows up to the door with a shotgun in his hands to intimidate his daughter’s boyfriends.

I’m wondering if Wemicus’s daughter ever tried to warn any of her previous husbands.

I don’t like how repetitive the story is. As the reader, I know that the man is going to outsmart Wemicus every time. Some of it is comical, but it is too predictable.

I don’t like how the boy lied to the Walrus. It is understandable why he lied to the Walrus, but he should’ve been honest with him. It’s sad that the Walrus died, but then realizing it was conjured up by the mother makes it kind of a happier moment since it saved her son’s life.

It doesn’t make sense why the father would conjure two blind old women instead of ones that could at least see. It’s a plot hole that I don’t like.

The son drawing a circle in the ground and being safe reminds me of an episode of Spongebob where the exact same thing happens. 

I like how they decide who’s going to marry the chief’s daughter by having a shoot off. I could make this a more modern story and have them do some other type of event.

I feel bad for Dirty-Boy because he’s the rightful winner, but since people don’t like him they have another competition.

I like the younger daughter because she respects her father’s wishes and doesn’t care what other people think about her.

I like how the story ended because the younger daughter deserved it. It’s a good lesson to be learned about not judging a book by its cover. I do not know if I will retell this story, but I enjoyed it more than some of the others.

Bibliography: Tales of the North American Indians by Stith Thompson (1929).

Reading Notes: Native American Hero Tales, Part A

(Dreamcatcher: Wikimedia Commons)

I like the absurdity of the name “Unnatural Uncle.” I might give one of my characters a bizarre name as well.

It’s strange how the other family members just let Uncle kill the kids if they’re boys. They even lie to him about the next born child being a girl instead of trying to stop him. It’s a weird situation.

This is one of the weirdest plots I have read this semester. I don’t see why they would dress the boy as a girl rather than just stop the Uncle. It’s like the plot of weird comedy/horror movie.

In my retelling, I would have the boy plan something ahead of time to stop the Uncle instead of blindly doing everything the Uncle tells him to do when chopping wood.

It is kind of comical how the Uncle keeps getting outsmarted by the nephew. It’s like the Roadrunner and Wily Coyote. I still wish someone would just stop the Uncle though.

The Eagle people came out of nowhere, but I like it. It’s a weird twist for a weird story. I enjoyed the ending because the Uncle got what he deserved.

I feel bad for Grouse because you know he has a good heart since he doesn’t complain.

It’s kind of confusing why the people in the village would kill the Blue Jay and his friends if he were to lose the climbing match to the squirrel. It is an interesting image to picture though.

I like how Blue Jay is finding ways to win these challenges even though I don’t know why these challenges are happening.

I like how the Blue Jay and his friends learned a lesson at the end, but I don’t think I will be retelling this story. I was not a fan of the repetitive challenges. 

It was kind of weird how the story immediately says the granddaughter is a virgin. It just doesn’t make sense to me why this would be brought up.

I’m confused as to where the baby came from and why they just took care of him without asking any questions.

Overall, I was not a fan of Dug-From-Ground. The plot didn’t really make sense to me and I just didn’t like it. I will not be retelling this part.

I love the plot of huge animals fighting humanity. I can see myself having fun with this one.

I am curious as to why the other animals are helping him kill the Elk. I think a good plot twist would to have the animals deceive him instead.

Although the giant Eagles are killing humans, I felt kind of bad for the eaglets because they essentially help kill their parents. I like how they also don’t get killed though.

I might choose to retell this story. I might add some twists and humor into it though.

Bibliography: Tales of the North American Indians by Stith Thompson (1929).

Reading Notes: The Monkey King, Part B

(80 ft Buddha Statue: Wikimedia Commons)

I like how the Evening Star came to Sun Wu’s defense because he knew that maybe the immortality just got his head.

It’s kind of funny how cocky Sun Wu is without even realizing it.

I am starting to dislike Sun Wu because of his arrogance. I want the protagonist in my retelling to be much more likeable and less cocky.

The fight between Sun Wu and Notscha would probably have looked amazing and bizarre. I couldn’t even imagine witnessing something like that where both fighters transform into three headed, six armed, gods.

I like how the Evening Star proposes to just give Sun Wu the empty title because he knows he doesn’t want to be disrespected which is why he lashed out in the first place.

I think Sun Wu is too obsessed with becoming immortal. I could change the obsession in my retelling to make it something more realistic or achievable.

Sun Wu is honestly selfish and I do not really like him. Once again, my character will be much more likable.

Whenever the apes asked Sun Wu to go back to get more wine I thought that he was maybe going to get caught in the act. This could be something I incorporate in my own story.

I feel as though the Lord of the Heavens should have more power. I don’t like how it seems that Sun Wu can do whatever he wants since the Lord of the Heavens should be able to beat him.

Whenever Sun Wu turned into Yang and then Yang confronted him in his temple I thought that there was going to be a classic scene from a movie where someone has to decide who the real Yang is.

 It’s crazy how literally nothing can kill Sun Wu. He is one of the most resilient characters I have ever read about which is admirable.

I find it fitting that Buddha was the one to defeat Sun Wu and he did it without violence. I will keep this aspect in my retelling.

Overall, I was not a fan of Sun Wu as a character. There are instances where an unlikable character can become likable as the story progresses, but this wasn’t one of them. 

Bibliography: "The Ape Sun Wu Kung" in The Chinese Fairy Book, ed. by R. Wilhelm and translated by Frederick H. Martens (1921).

Reading Notes: The Monkey King, Part A

(Donkey Kong Country Returns: SobControllers, Flickr)

I think it’s interesting how the ape was born out of stone. It’s a unique origin story kind of like origin stories for super heroes and how they got their powers.

It’s funny how the stone ape immediately accepted the challenge of going through the waterfall. He didn’t hesitate at all and I want to incorporate that courage into one of my characters for my version.

I find it interesting how the stone ape wanted to become immortal and had the presence of mind to be afraid of death.

I don’t really understand why the stone ape had to be violent with the fisherman. I feel as thought this act makes him less likable.

I think it’s funny how blunt the stone ape is. I will try to keep this humor in my retelling.

The training of Sun Wu Kung reminded me of the Karate Kid and other movies like that.

I like how Sun Wu Kung was able to decipher the secret message his master was telling him. It shows how intelligent he is which makes him a more complex character.

I like how the Master played dumb after Sun Wu Kung came to see him. In my retelling I could have the Master take it even further and make Sun Wu Kung feel as though he really messed up.

It’s amazing how Sun Wu Kung now has the ability to fly. This story keeps reminding me of like a Marvel story where it shows how a super hero gets their powers.

The story took a dramatic turn that I was not expecting. The Master was unnecessarily mean to Sun Wu Kung and I feel bad for him because he had to leave.

The fight between the Devil King and Sun Wu Kung is kind of like a big bully that tries to beat up a smaller kid, but the bully doesn’t know that the smaller kid is a black belt in karate.

I feel as though all of this power is going to Sun Wu Kung’s head. At first, he wanted to just be immortal, but now he’s trying to have the strongest army in the world basically.

I don’t like how rude Sun Wu Kung is being to the Dragon King. He is using his power to intimidate others and get them to do things they don’t want to do.

Even in his dreams Sun Wu Kung was in control which is pretty cool. I am a little confused on how he made the apes immortal if he was only dreaming though. 

Bibliography: "The Ape Sun Wu Kung" in The Chinese Fairy Book, ed. by R. Wilhelm and translated by Frederick H. Martens (1921).

Reading Notes: Japanese Mythology, Part B

(Yamato Takeru at 16: Wikimedia Commons)

It’s interesting how Yamato got bored of his wife because he didn’t have to save her from trouble or anything. This kind of reminded me of Mario and Peach and I could maybe retell this story and incorporate those video game characters.

It’s crazy how fast Yamato was willing to risk his life for Benten. He didn’t even hesitate when she told him he would have to face death to win her love. I could incorporate this immense love that Yamato has for her in my version.

I feel bad for Tacibana because she has no idea that Yamato is trying to leave her for someone else.

The part where Yamato’s horse gets impaled by the boar and looks up at him while dying is extremely emotional. I will most likely not include this part since my stories tend to be lighter.

Tacibana nearly sacrificing herself for Yamato is touching, but heart-breaking because she loves him so much and still does not know the truth. This scene with all the fire is very memorable.

I feel as though Tacibana knows what Yamato is up to deep down, but she doesn’t want to admit it and confront. The situation she is in is honestly really sad.

It is fitting that Yamato loses the Sacred Sword after leaving Tacibana to pursue Benten.

I don’t really like how easy it was for Yamato to kill the Magic Deer.

It’s nice how Yamato came to his senses and realizes that Tacibana is his true love.

Once again, I don’t like how easy it was for Yamato to win against the dragon.

Tacibana is probably one of the most selfless and forgiving characters in any story I have read. Even though she knew Yamato cheated on her, she was still willing to sacrifice herself for him.

It is like a horror movie when Amaterasu comes down and kills the Emperor because she is angry.

Honestly, the last three sections really didn’t interest and weren’t all that memorable in my opinion. I will most likely retell other parts of this unit.  

Bibliography: Japanese Mythology by E. W. Champney and F. Champney (1917).

Reading Notes: Japanese Mythology, Part A

(The Great Wave at Kanagawa, Carved by Hokusai: Wikipedia)

I think it’s interesting the way this story told its version of the creation of the world essentially.

It is funny how Izanagi and Izanami introduced themselves to each other twice since Izanagi wanted to be the one that said hi first.

So far, this is an interesting story of creation.

Izanagi leading Amaterasu to the summit of the mountain is kind of like The Lion King.

I love the contrast between Amaterasu and Susa-no-wo.

It is messed up how Izanami was turned on by her own children. However, it is interesting how she gave birth to the God of Fire and then the God of Water to stop the God of Fire from doing harm.

The scene where Izanagi is trying to rescue Izanami is sad because basically both of them know that he can’t save her, but he loves her so much that he is willing to risk his life for her.

I am curious as to why Susa-no-wo attacked Amaterasu because it doesn’t really explain why. I will be clearer in my retelling.

I like how Susa-no-wo used alcohol to defeat the dragon. Also, it is interesting how he did this to get a wife.

I found it kind of funny how Ninigi got to have both daughters of Oho-yama, but told Princess Long-as-the-Rocks to just go back home.

I like the characters of Ho-wori and Ho-deri a lot so I might just retell their part of the story.

It is awesome how they got all the fish out of the sea to question them if they had seen the fish hook.

Overall, the wording, even when read out loud, is making it hard for me to read this story. In my retelling, I will write to where it flows more smoothly so that the reader can enjoy it better. 

Bibliography: Japanese Mythology by E. W. Champney and F. Champney (1917).

Reading Notes: The Voyages of Sindbad, Part B

(Sindbad Plots Against the Giant by Maxfield Parrish: Wikimedia Commons)

I like how Sindbad just decides to build his own ship and travel even though he has gone through so many terrible experiences already.

Whenever their ship gets destroyed by the Rocs, I think it would be funny to see everyone freaking while Sindbad is calmly floating with his driftwood because he has been through this scenario plenty of times.

It was extremely weird reading the part about the old man that forces Sindbad to carry him around. However, it is actually a pretty funny scene which I could use in my retelling.

My favorite part so far of this entire unit is when they throw rocks at the monkeys because they know they will get mad and start throwing coconuts at them. I can just picture this happening and someone next to Sindbad saying, “Watch this,” as he throws the rocks at the monkeys.

Whenever Sindbad the crew get shipwrecked this time I would like to change it to where he is like on a phone or something while the captain and everyone else is freaking out. They see Sindbad on his phone playing a game or something and he just looks up and says that he’s bored and he’s been through more exciting adventures.

It would be funny if the people of Serendib prank Sindbad once they realize he’s harmless. They hear him speaking in Arabic to himself and they decide to pretend like they’re savages or something to scare him. They let this prank go on for awhile and then reward Sindbad with treasure for being a good sport.

It seems as though Sindbad really does not want to go back to see. I’ll change it to where he secretly does and puts up kind of a fight against the Caliph’s wishes. However, he’s secretly excited about going on another adventure.

Everything seems to go fine at first during the first few days. I would like to see Sindbad just constantly looking over his shoulder or something just waiting for something bad to happen since he’s so used to it now.

In my retelling, Sindbad will be relieved when he sees the pirates because it wouldn’t be a voyage for him without something terribly wrong happening. Sindbad will be like, “Oh no, pirates,” but say it in a tone to where you can tell he’s not scared.

I found it interesting how the elephants decided not to kill Sindbad. In fact, they showed him where an abundance of ivory was even though he had killed so many elephants.

Sindbad’s whole story kind of made me think of the movie “Groundhog Day” because he’s sort of reliving the same day over and over again, but with different adventures. I could possibly incorporate something like that into my version of the story. 

Bibliography: The Voyages of Sindbad by by Andrew Lang, illustrated by H. J. Ford (1898).

Reading Notes: The Voyages of Sindbad, Part A

(Sinbad's third voyage. Encounter with a man-eating giant: Wikipedia)

It is interesting to me how Sindbad was able to see that he was managing his money poorly because I feel like a lot of people do not realize that until it is way too late.

It’s crazy how everyone mistook a whale as an island. I think I could retell this part to have someone question the legitimacy of the island before a huge group of them get on it.

Sindbad being stranded in the ocean and luckily getting on shore to an island reminds me of the movie “Castaway.” I will probably have Tom Hanks as the main character in my retelling.

I think it would be funny if Sindbad had to something outrageous or tell a secret that was only between him and the captain before the captain believed it was him.

I like how Sindbad ended up better off getting thrown off the whale and landing on that island. In my retelling, I will talk more about the stuff that he bought when he got home and will include expensive items that are just unnecessary.

When Sindbad said he was bored, I imagined him doing really mundane activities and I found it comical for some reason because of his earlier story.

It would be funny if the merchants Sindbad was traveling with were pranking him when he thought they had left him. They are hiding and watching him freak out, but then he gets a ride from that huge bird and they realize that they made a terrible mistake.

The snakes around the diamonds made me think of Indiana Jones because of his travels and his fear of snakes. I could incorporate some aspects of those movies into my version of this story.

The way the merchants got diamonds by throwing meat so that the birds would get it is so bizarre, but I love every part of it.

Sindbad seems really calm when the bird is coming to pick him up. I will change this and have him thinking or saying stuff that will show how scared he is.

Once again, I love how he came out rich by going through some terrible events.

Although they were savages, I don’t like how easily the dwarfs took control over Sindbad and his fellow travelers. I think it would be better if the dwarfs thought they were stronger, but Sindbad and the rest of the crew easily handled them.

I will retell it as if Sindbad and the rest meant to land on the island with the giant on it without having any clue what was on the island.

It would be funny if Sindbad was like, “Don’t worry guys, I read this in the Odyssey,” and devised a plan like Odysseus to escape the giants.

It’s hilarious how he met up with the crew of his second voyage which had left him stranded. It would be funny if Sindbad had acknowledged that this had happened to him before.

This part took an unexpected turn and I did not think Sindbad was going to kill people for their provisions. I will probably try to retell this in a lighter way.

Bibliography: The Voyages of Sindbad by by Andrew Lang, illustrated by H. J. Ford (1898).

Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part B

(Sita Longs for the Golden Deer: Wikimedia Commons)

I like how Surpanakha immediately fell in love with Rama. It just shows how amazing Rama truly was since everyone, including the sister of Ravana, loved and admired him.

I found it funny how they first attacked Rama with fourteen demons but then increase it to fourteen thousand demons. If I retell this part I will probably include a ridiculously high number of demons to attack Rama.

The battle between Rama and the demons could be made longer and more epic so the reader could truly appreciate Rama’s superiority in combat.

I could make Maricha change into something else like a really nice car instead of a golden deer to make the story more modern.

The scene where Ravana talks to Sita caught my attention because it seems like Sita is bragging about Rama’s power and then Ravana retaliates and tries to build up his own reputation. This could be made more comical by making them keep exchanging words on how the other is better.

I don’t like how much Rama grieves for Sita. I know that he loves her, but I would rather see him being bloodthirsty and destroying everything in his path to get her back.

I found it funny how Ravana is trying to hit on Sita but he can’t do anything about it since Brahma cursed him a long time ago.

Instead of all of these different animals, I could retell it by replacing them with military items like planes and stuff like that to go find Sita.

Once again, Ravana trying to get with Sita is a part that could be retold in a more comical way.

The part where Rama gets mad and starts basically attacking the ocean was funny to me. It shows how badly he wants to see Sita, but at the same time he is shooting arrows at a body of water. I know that it isn’t exactly just a body of water, but not knowing the god of the ocean would react to this makes it funny in retrospect.

If I retell the part of the war beginning I will be sure to include epic battle scenes and possibly some gruesome descriptions.

I found it interesting how Ravana cried for his son since he is a demon. There are many instances in this story that give Ravana human emotions that you wouldn’t normally associate with demons or evil spirits.

The way that Rama defeats Ravana wasn’t as climactic as I expected. I will probably make it more intense if I retell this part.

I thought it was kind of messed up how Rama basically accused Sita of sleeping with Ravana. I don’t like how this scene progressed so I will leave it out.

The ending was completely unexpected and I was not a fan of it. I will change the ending to make it more of a happier ending because I feel like how that’s how the story should’ve ended. 

Bibliography: Ramayana by Donald A. Mackenzie

Reading Notes: Ramayana Part A

(Painted cloth depicting a scene from the Ramayana: Wikimedia Commons)

There have been some words that I don’t know and names I can’t remember in this story. In my retelling, I will most likely keep it simpler as to not confuse the reader.

I like how they explained the city, but I think it would be interesting to completely change it and make it into a wasteland.

Instead of a horse sacrifice, there could be something funny or bizarre that has to be done because I am not a fan of the sacrificial ceremonies.

It is interesting how Ravana can be beat by men and apes. In my retelling, I will probably replace apes with something completely different.

I like how they went through so much trouble to figure out why Rama was crying. It was funny how it ended up being such an easy fix.

If I retell this part, I will focus more on the Rama’s education in combat, archery, and other areas like that because I feel like that would be the most interesting to talk about.

The scene where Rama gets celestial weapons is awesome and I will try to incorporate that in my retelling by making the weapons more high-tech and modern.

I like the idea of the unbreakable bow, but I would like to make it a different weapon. Also, it would be funny if Rama struggled at first and then was able to break it after several attempts.

I really don’t like how Manthara was able to manipulate Kaikeyi. I usually do not like when stories have these kinds of people in them, so I will most likely not retell this part or completely change it. I would have Dasaratha just let her drink the poison or trick her in some way where she does not get her way.

I would probably have Rama call upon his celestial weapons and threaten Kaikeyi with them after she tells him what she has his father to do.

I like how Sita and Lakshmana are willing to go into exile with Rama. It shows how great of a person Rama is if people are willing to sacrifice their own lives just to be with him.

The scene that describes how Dasaratha was cursed is extremely emotional. The parents of the boy he killed cried out for him and said a lot of things that are depressing to read, but it made it a powerful and memorable part of the story.

I really like the fact that Bharata wasn’t evil like his mother. It is nice to see that he didn’t accept the throne and wanted Rama to have it.

At first, I didn’t like how Rama wasn’t going to go back to the city because I thought it was a matter a pride. However, he made good points as to why he has to stay in the jungle and I will keep that ending in the retelling

Bibliography: Ramayana by Donald A. Mackenzie

Reading Notes: Homer's Odyssey, Part B

(Teiresias Foretells the Future to Odysseus: Henry Fuseli)

I find it interesting how basically every time we see Odysseus and his men in a new scene they are always crying or grieving. It is understandable, but I just think it is odd that the story always points this fact out.

It is sad when Elpenor’s ghost talks to Odysseus and tell him what to do with his body. He is ghost now, but he still has concerns with his body on Earth. It is even more sad when Odysseus sees his mother’s ghost since he didn’t know she had died. This would be a terrible way to find out your mother is dead and this is a very emotional part of the story that I will keep in the retelling.

It is amazing how Teiresias is able to tell Odysseus’s future in great detail. For the retelling, I could possibly add in some funny acts that Odysseus has to do in order to return home safely.

Odysseus talking to his dead mother is the most powerful part of the story. You can feel the raw emotion especially when he tries to hug her. I will definitely try to keep the essence of this scene intact in the retelling because of how memorable it is.

It is really cool how Odysseus got to talk to all of these famous ghosts and learn more about them. The most interesting was Jocasta because I read “Oedipus Rex” in high school so I knew what she did before Odysseus explained. I will keep her character in the retelling.

Seeing Agamemnon in this state is weird because he was just a power-hungry character in the Iliad. I like the contrast in his character now as it shows a different side to him.

Achilles is one of my favorite characters in Greek Mythology and hearing him basically say he would rather be a slave and alive on Earth than dead is interesting. However, it is not surprising because he only joined the Trojan War again to avenge Patroclus. I do want to include the part of Achilles leaving extremely proud of his son because that is a nice moment for Achilles that he can hang onto in death.

I don’t like how Ajax doesn’t say anything to Odysseus because he’s still mad at him. I will change that to where Ajax forgives him and they have a nice reunion like the other people Odysseus talked to.

The Sirens scene could be told in a more comical way. Odysseus could be trying to plead with his men and trying to negotiate to untie him and everything.

The last part with Scylla and Charybdis could be longer since it is such an epic scene. I feel like it was rushed and I didn’t get the full effect of what happened. 

Bibliography: Homer's Odyssey, as translated into English by Tony Kline

Reading Notes: Homer's Odyssey, Part A

(Cyclops and Odysseus Vase Painting: Wikimedia Commons)

I really like the description of the Cyclopes. There are basically savages that are still blessed by the gods. It would be interesting to maybe replace them with a group of people that could be considered lawless in today’s society.

I find it interesting how amazing the landscape is around the Cyclopes. I think I would like to change that to where they’re living in a barren wasteland to show a reason why they live the way they do.

Instead of goats coming to them willingly to be slaughtered I would like them to be attacked by a different kind of animal and they have to kill them to survive.

Instead of wine, I would like to replace it with another drink or something entirely different.

The cave should be filled with half eaten items and trash all over the place instead of cheeses and other stuff that would be worth stealing.

Originally, I was planning on making this Cyclops a nice one so that there would be a contrast. However, I think I am going to stick to the original story and have him be hostile and kill Odysseus’s men.

Once again, instead of Odysseus giving the Cyclops wine he should give him something else to drink or eat. Or he could just have a completely different plan on how to kill the Cyclops instead of stabbing his eye. Also, I need to figure out what I am going to replace the Cyclops with in my retelling in order to have Odysseus think of a different plan.

Although disturbing, I liked the image of the Cyclops throwing up wine and human parts.

I love the imagery used to describe Odysseus and his men stabbing the Cyclops in the eye. It really paints a vivid picture of what is going on. I also like how Odysseus plans ahead by telling him  his name is Nobody.

I think it is brilliant and hilarious that Odysseus tied himself and his men under rams. I want to keep this kind of comical event in my retelling of the story.

The conversation between the last ram and the Cyclops is funny to me because Odysseus is just tied under that ram and listening while hoping he can still get out. I think Odysseus taunting the Cyclops will come back to bite him, but I like how he still bragged about escaping. He just keeps egging him on and I will definitely include that in my retelling.

I found it interesting how the Cyclops’s prayer was answered and Odysseus will be punished because of his bragging.

It was interesting that Circe had wolves and mountain lions under her spell. I will change the animals to even bigger and more ferocious animals if I retell this part.

In retelling, I will probably keep the fact that she turned the men into pigs because of the irony.

I love how Hermes tells Odysseus that Circe will turn him into a pig and ways to stop her tricks, but tells him that he needs to sleep with her. It is just kind of a bizarre scenario.

I will change Moly to something different in my retelling. I am not a fan of the name of the herb.

I honestly was not expecting it to go as smoothly for Odysseus as it did. I will most likely add some drama into the retelling, but will keep the ending of him having to go see Hades.

Bibliography: Homer's Odyssey, as translated into English by Tony Kline  

Reading Notes: Homer"s Iliad, Part B

(King Priam at the feet of Achilles: Wikimedia Commons)

I found it interesting how Hector defended his actions of running away from Ajax by basically saying he fears Zeus and the fate he has in store for him if he challenges another strong warrior to a battle. Yet, he puts on Achilles armor which makes Zeus really mad at him.

The scene with the horses crying over Patroclus is touching will be a great part to retell and show the intelligence and emotions the horses have.

Achilles has one of the best scenes in the story because he is able to make a whole army back down by just showing his presence and yelling at them. Even the horses feared them and I could add a lot more drama when retelling this part of the story.

The part where Apollo tricks Achilles could be retold in a more comical way. It could be comic relief in a time of the story that it extremely tense. I could also make Achilles find the humor in this situation as well instead of getting angry at Apollo.

The chase scene between Achilles and Hector could also be retold to be more comical. I picture them just running around the city as everyone watches them while having their own conversations of what is going to happen. It would also be funny to have Achilles yelling at Hector while he’s chasing him and Hector just looking back with a scared look on his face.

Once again, the movie “Troy” differs from the actual story because at first Paris has to fight Achilles and then he backs down. Then, Hectors steps in to protect his brother. I do not like how they portrayed Hector as a coward in this version of the story. So retelling it I will probably make Hector seem more brave even though he knows he is about to die.

I think I could make the part where Priam goes to see Achilles more intense by not letting him have protection from the gods. I could retell it as him being extremely sneaky and having some close encounters of being caught.

It was interesting to see that Achilles actually showed compassion when King Priam came to see him. What surprised me the most was that Priam ate and drank with the man who had just killed his favorite son. In my retelling I think I would have Priam immediately leave after Achilles accepts the ransom. 

Bibliography: Homer's Iliad (Retold by A. J. Church) 

Reading Notes: Homer's Iliad, Part A

(Achilles Statue, Hyde Park: Wikimedia Commons)

I think it is amazing that Achilles was classified as the bravest and strongest man in Greece because I’m sure there was a lot of competition for that title.

It seems that Agamemnon is feared by nearly everyone except for Achilles. Which makes sense since he knows he can kill anyone he wanted to in a battle.

It’s crazy how one prayer caused Apollo to come down and start killing things off.

It’s interesting to see how Achilles tried to negotiate with Agamemnon and it seemed like he was trying to console him. Then, he just gets enraged and it shows how fast Achille’s emotions can change.

The goddess Athene appearing and calming Achilles down is a great aspect to this story because it shows Achille’s favor with some of the goddesses and shows that he respects them.

The part where Achilles tells Agamemnon he will kill if he touches anything he owns is a really powerful and dramatic scene in my opinion.

Achilles is an extremely complex character because he goes from being completely enraged to voluntarily giving Agamemnon’s heralds Briseis and then he cries for his mother.

The part where Thetis asks Zeus to help is intriguing to me because she goes to him humbly, but the words she says to him when asking for the favor seem like she’s manipulating him and she knows that he will have to say yes to her request.

When Hera’s son talks to her about how he couldn’t help her if Zeus were to attack her and then proceeded to talk about when Zeus physically threw him out of Heaven can be retold in a much more comical way.

Helen seems calm and laid back with everything happening around her. This is interesting to me since she is basically the main reason there’s even a war going on right now.

The conversation between Hector and Andromache is one of the saddest ones in this whole story because Hector is so confident in his abilities and want to protect her and their child. However, deep down Andromache knows that he will die soon and that she will be a widow because of his pride.

I find Odysseus to one of my favorite characters when he takes over and tries to convince Achilles to come back to battle. He knows exactly what to say and he knows that Achilles loves and respects him.

Achille’s reply to Odysseus is surprising because you would think he might consider going back to battle, but he actually shows growth as a character by saying he cares about his life more than fame which is a complete change from earlier.

The movie “Troy”, which I have referenced before, tell this part of Patroclus differently. First, he takes Achilles armor without asking. Second, he is not cocky or arrogant as he is in the story. Lastly, Hector, not Apollo, kills him by slitting his throat thinking he is Achilles. I think I prefer the movie’s rendition of that part of the story so I will retell it like that.  

Overall, I think I would like to retell the story with characters of a different era. The character I replace Achilles with needs to be a great warrior with a complex psyche.

Bibliography: Homer's Iliad (Retold by A. J. Church)