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).

Week 9 Story: The Unwanted Avenger

(The Avengers movie art: marvelousRoland, Flickr)

Avenger’s Mansion, 890 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City

Captain America in front of the Avengers

“Alright everyone, this emergency meeting has been called to address the recent destruction caused by the big, hairy guy who can transform into anything. We don’t know much about him or if he’s good or evil, but we need to figure out what to do about him. Does anyone have any suggestions?”

Hulk raises his hand

“Yes Hulk?”

“SMASH!”

“Hulk, we’ve been over this, you can’t keep suggesting that at every meeting. It’s getting old. Any other suggestions?”

Doctor Strange stands up

“I’ll bargain with him. I would rather him be on our side than fighting against us.”

Doctor Strange travels to Gold’s Gym

“Surely he’ll be here. He wears tank tops all the time and it looks like he only works out his glamour muscles. Oh wait, I think that’s him flexing in the mirror.”

Doctor strange approaches Su Wu Kung

“I have come here to tell you that Captain America and the rest of the Avengers have invited to come to our headquarters for the possibility of becoming one of us.”

Sun Wu Kung answers

“Really? I’ve always wanted to be an Avenger! My name is Sun Wu Kung. First, let me finish taking a picture for Instagram before we go.”

Sun Wu Kung arrives at headquarters where all the Avengers are waiting for him

“Wow this place is awesome! When’s our first mission? Also, I’m going to need to have code names for all of you if I’m going to lead you guys into battle.”

Iron Man speaks up

“Actually, Captain America called dibs on leading the next mission. But I think we need someone to be in charge of getting snacks for everyone.”

Sun Wu Kung seems unfazed

“Sure! That sounds like a pretty important job. I’ll make sure no one goes on the mission with an empty stomach.”

The next day

Thor is speaking to Black Widow

“I’m glad that guy thinks he’s actually an Avenger by getting us snacks. It’s a good thing he doesn’t know that we’re just pretending to be his friends. He’s too arrogant. Like even more arrogant than Iron Man.”

Sun Wu Kung overhears this conversation

“I see how it. I don’t need those guys. I can save the world all by myself. They’ll be really sorry whenever I’m taking all the glory away from them.”

Sun Wu Kung leaves headquarters and goes back to Gold’s Gym where he is surrounded by his friends

“Bro it’s total BS. Those guys don’t know what they’re doing. I am so much stronger than all of them combined. Just looks at my traps! From now on, all of you call me the Ultimate Avenger. I like the sound of that.”

Back at Avenger’s HQ. Captain America addressed the group

“Okay, we may have screwed up. That guy is too unpredictable for us to not know where he is at all times. Hulk, today’s your lucky day, let’s go get him.”

The Avengers get riled up. Doctor Strange stands up again

“Hold on guys. Everyone just calm down. I heard that all he wants to be called is the Ultimate Avenger, so let’s just give him that title and everything will be settled. I’ll go bargain with him again since it’s kind of my thing.”

Doctor Strange goes to the nearest tanning salon

“This guy is seriously the worst. Of course I would find him here. Just act cool and pretend that you like him.”

Doctor Strange approaches Sun Wu Kung again

“Hey man, sorry about what happened the other day. The other Avengers and I have talked about it and we want you back. We even thought of a new name for you: The Ultimate Avenger.”

Sun Wu Kung pretends to not be excited

“Okay, I guess I’ll come back to you guys since you seem pretty desperate.”

Avenger’s HQ. The Avengers are throwing a birthday party for Hawkeye. They all welcome Sun Wu Kung back. He addresses the group

“I’m back! Doctor Strange over here told me how much you all missed me and I felt bad. You’re going to be seeing me a lot from here on out.”

The Avengers fake smile and pretend that they don’t hate Sun Wu Kung. Everyone continues celebrating. Sun Wu Kung wanders through HQ by himself

“Man, I wonder where the bathroom is. This room looks about right. Wait, no, this is the kitchen.”

Sun Wu Kung notices Hawkeye’s birthday cake

“They won’t notice if I just take a little bit of frosting.”

Sun Wu Kung tastes the cake and decides to eat all of it

“Oh shoot. I need to get out of here before Hawkeye gets pissed at me.”

Sun Wu Kung sneaks out the back door. The Avengers see the remains of the eaten cake and realize it was Sun Wu Kung. Captain America calls another emergency meeting

“That’s the last straw. We need to get rid of this guy. He made Hawkeye cry! Who wants to do it?”

Ant-Man immediately jumps up

“Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

Ant-Man sneaks into Sun Wu Kung’s house and starts walking around on him. Sun Wu Kung becomes annoyed because he can’t get him to stop. This goes on for days. Sun Wu Kung goes to Avengers HQ

“Please get this guy off of me! I’ll do anything!”

Iron Man approaches him

“We will help you on two conditions: First, stop being a jerk. Second, go by the name of the Unwanted Avenger.”

Sun Wu Kung is still noticeably irritated by Ant-Man

“Okay deal!”

And that is the origin story of how Sun Wu Kung became apart of the Avengers and played minor roles in the fifteen movies Marvel decided the make under The Avengers name

Author's Note: This story is based off “The Monkey King” unit. In this unit, we meet a stone monkey who was born out of stone and was the ruler of the apes. His only goal was to become immortal. He eventually trains under someone to learn how to transform his body and become immortal. The monkey king is extremely arrogant and makes a lot of enemies by his actions. The Lord of the Heavens and other spirits get complaints of the trouble he is causing so they decide to make him one of them to appease him. The monkey king gets made at all of them whenever he finds out that they gave him a job with no respect or dignity. He leaves and the Lord of the Heavens decides to send warriors to defeat him. However, the Evening Star vouches for him and says that they can’t beat and instead should appease him by giving him the title of Great Saint. They do this, but then the monkey king drinks all the wine and peaches that was supposed to be for a banquet for important spirits. The Lord of the Heavens and the other spirits have had enough and they eventually have Buddha try to stop him. Buddha successfully stops him and the monkey king starts behaving. The main difference in my story is that I replaced the spirits with the Avengers. Also, instead of Buddha easily beating the monkey king, I have Ant-Man annoy him until he gives up. 

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 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).

Week 8 Progress

(Motivation, quote, sea: Hoopoe Quotes, Pexels)

Overall, I am happy with the progress I have made in this class so far. I haven't missed an assignment and I am right on track. I don't really have a weekly routine. Sometimes my weekly schedule looks different so I don't always do the assignments on the same day. I would say retelling stories is hands down my favorite assignment. It lets me create stories that I think are funny and that other people would like. Currently, I am not doing any of the extra credit assignments.


For the second half of the semester, I want to start doing the extra credit assignments so I can finish the class earlier and not have to stress as much. Also, I want to get ahead on my work instead of doing the assignments the day they are due. It hasn't been a huge problem, but I know I would enjoy the class more if I was ahead and not worried all the time about deadlines. I want to try make longer stories for the second half of the semester. I might even possibly try to write a more serious story because all the ones I have written so far have been more comical.