Extra Reading Notes: Sioux

Below is a continuation of my reading notes from the Myths and Legends of the Sioux Indians:

• I like how the first story had a moral theme. I felt that the Unktomi was a very greedy individual that was never satisfied. He ultimately faced his fate my wanting more and sinking to the bottom of the lake.

• These stories are somewhat grim. I usually try and write happy stories so it may be a nice change-up to write a negative story.

• I feel that Unktomi is extremely vicious for killing the widows. He seems like a great villain to include in one of my stories.

• I thought the story where the arrowheads caused the boy to try and kill the Unktomi was unique. It shows that sometimes being nice will work out in your favor. I wonder just how scared they are of the Unktomi Tanka though.

Arrowhead

• I do find it cool how they animals and insects act like humans. I think it would be interesting to write a story where an insect is tricking the entire town because he/she is doing human-like things.

• I really like the stories that have the moral teachings of people being greedy or selfish. I think it is a theme that would make for a great story.

• Overall, I felt that these stories were great indications of the Sioux culture. 

Myths and Legends of the Sioux. Written by Marie McLaughlin. 1916.

Reading Notes Part A: Sioux Stories

This week I chose to read the Sioux stories. Below are my reading notes:

• I like the introduction of a rabbit communicating with a group of girls. I think having an interaction between animals and humans creates a great story. Additionally, I could include a story where the rabbit, or some other creature, tricks a group of humans into following. They would then be hurt or kidnapped.

• I thought the story of the rabbit and the bear was very unique since half of the bear was made of flint. I could make it to where a powerful being is king/queen because they are made of a specific resource and a group of people try and overthrow them.

• I think writing a story where an animal escapes and becomes a part of a human clan would be interesting. It would take a different approach than the original story.

• My favorite story was A Little Brave and the Medicine Woman. I felt that it involved a lot of humor because of Brave dressing up in mud like a dead person. I definitely can see a little boy doing this.

• I like reading these stories because they include dialogue from the native tongue and not just English. It makes the stories more unique and fun.

• I find it awesome how a lot of these stories have morals that are similar to the other cultures we have read in this class.

Indian Woman and the Wolves

Myths and Legends of The Sioux. Marie McLaughlin. 1916. 

Extra Reading: The Story of Beowulf

This week I chose to read Beowulf. Below are my reading notes:

• I find it interesting that the King of Hygelac does not wage war against the strange inhabitants unless they go into more densely populated areas. I would definitely want to move closer to town.  I could write a story where a farmer is killed and the creature sneaks into town acting as the farmer.
• I always like stories with a main hero. I like how they included the backstory of the great Beowulf. I could write a story where someone pretends to be a great hero but in reality they are a fraud.
• I like how this author introduced the dreaded Grendel in a song. I could incorporate a story where the villain is a nasty creature who is almost impossible to defeat. However, a young woman is actually the hero because she softens the creature up and talks him out of killing everyone.
• I am excited to see Beowulf fight this Grendel. I wonder who will win. I am sure that Beowulf will but I may write a story where it is from the perspective of the creature. It could make for an interesting twist.
• I wonder if Grendel will make an appearance into the hall as they celebrate Beowulf coming. I am sure that it will not be easy if Beowulf does indeed defeat this creature.
• I like how the Unerth questioned Beowulf. I always feel that stories move past the logistics of some random person coming and saying they can do something. This will provide Beowulf with the fire to defeat Grendel.
• It would make for a good story to have my hero tell stories in first person in order to prove that he is qualified. This could really make a story be more interesting to have it written in terms of the main hero.

Beowulf

The Story of Beowulf. Written by Strafford Riggs. 1933.

Extra Reading: Milo Winter's Aesop Fables

I chose to read Aesops Fables by Milo Winter this week for my extra reading. I just read Brer Rabbit so I felt this sort of connected with animals having moral stories:

• I think the first story really speaks to what people face on a normal day-to-day basis. People get distracted from what they want to do because other people have other plans. It is best to stick with what you are doing and do it 100%.
• Even though it was one of the shortest stories, I really liked the story about the little boy and the filberts (I had to look that one up). The moral to me is that sometimes only you can help yourself. Spending time on someone who won’t help themselves are be smart about it only wastes your time. This corresponds to the donkey falling over the edge because he will not listen.
• I thought the gnat story was great because it shows that sometimes you aren’t as important as you think you are. Stay humble. I think I may try and tie this into my story this week.
• All of these stories are so short but they represent such deep moral teachings. I may try and write a bunch of smaller stories that remind the reader of certain lessons.
• I really like the story about the boar and the fox because it is really important to always be prepared. I could write a story where two people are preparing for a race and one is preparing while the other isn’t. The one who is prepared and ready wins while the other one cannot even finish the race.
• I feel the Lion is always getting made fun of. I think this is because everyone is out to get him since he is King.
• I related to the Dog and His Master’s Dinner because my dog always wants my food! Sometimes temptation is one of the hardest things to overcome. It is crucial to have a good group of friends who really look out for your best interest.

The Aesop for Children. Written by Milo Winter. 1919.

Aesop's Fables

Reading Notes Part B: Brer Rabbit

Below is a continuation of my reading notes for Brer Rabbit:

Terrapin

• This entire story is based off of deception between the animals. I wonder if the Fox will actually be tricked so bad that he dies. Also, I really liked the accents in this story specifically.
• The fisherman story shows just how clever the Brer Rabbit is. I would love to write the story in reverse though where the Fox actually wins.
• The rabbit really put the Bear into an awful situation. This was the first story that I felt the Rabbit was the bad guy because the Bear was getting into a ton of trouble by the Fox. I find the personality differences between all of the animals to really display how great of a conflict they are in these short stories. At the same time, it is very laid back which I like.
• I like how the turtle displayed his intelligence by getting everyone to believe he was actually the strongest. I think it would be a great story to tell where someone finds out and the turtle has to actually show his strength (which isn’t a lot).
• I really liked the biblical influences in the last two stories. I really enjoyed all of the Proverbs in the last story just like in yesterday’s readings.

Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings. Written by Joel Chandler Harris. 1881.

Reading Notes Part A: Brer Rabbit

This week I chose to read Brer Rabbit: Below are my reading notes:

• I find it difficult to read due to the accents. It definitely seems like this story would be better if it was told orally versus reading it.
• I like how the main characters are animals. This reminds me of when I was reading Aesop’s Fables.
• I liked the story of the Tar-Baby. It is a good story of deception and how getting angry doesn’t usually work out.
• I like the argument between the coon and the possum. I think that sometimes it is important to stand and fight while other times it is better to play dead and survive. Both takes extreme levels of bravery.
• I like how the rabbit tricked the fox into throwing him into the briar patch. I think I may try and write a story where the ‘helpless’ character actually tricks another character.
• The fox is always getting outwitted. I will include a character that is always losing because other animals are smarter than him.
• All the animals are trying to trick Brer rabbit but he is too smart. I did like the introduction of all the Proverbs. It allowed for a few morals to be explained by the rabbit.

Brer Wolf and Brer Fox

• I think the turtle and the fox story was my favorite because it really showed how the animals all took advantage of the fox’s ignorance. He thought he was hurting the turtle but he was only taking him home.

Uncle Remus: His Songs and His Sayings. Written by Joel Chandler Harris. 1881

Reading Notes Part B: The Monkey King

Below is a continuation of my reading of The Monkey King:

• I like how the Gods and Sun Wu Kung interact. Kung shows a certain level of arrogance that may cause his downfall. I could potentially write a story where the main character has a similar tragic flaw.
• I like how he thought he was gone for only a few days but in reality he was gone for almost ten years. This could make a story to where the main character visits a place, only to realize he has left behind his friends and family for more than a decade.
• The Monkey King is making progress on the road to immortality, but I think the ultimate point might be that it has a moral cost. He's stealing things from people, which is bad. But, some of these people may be morally objectionable themselves. I would like to incorporate the peaches as a similar tale to Adam and Eve.
• I like how the Buddha was so powerful that he was able to defeat the Monkey King without any violence. It is always nice to read a story where violence isn’t necessarily the main solution.
• I really think chapters 1-4 would be interesting because they are trying to creatively liberate Xuanzang. It would be cool to write a story where it is almost a rescue type mission.

Wikipdeia: Sun Wukong

The Monkey King. Written by R. Wilhelm. 1921.  

Reading Notes Part A: The Monkey King

This week I chose to read the unit The Money King. Below are my reading notes:

Stone Monkey

• I like how the Stone Ape had do to a task in order to show that he is capable of being the King. I would like to incorporate a similar topic similar to the Sword and the Stone.
• It is interesting to have an epic journey such as the Monkey King’s. I am looking forward to writing a similar tale of the monkey going on a different journey.
• It would be interesting to write a story where an animal is trying to become civilized but is have difficulty. I could maybe write about a tiger or a bear trying to fit into to the human world. This ultimately ends with him getting kicked out of the city where the master resides.
• I really like how the Master page was written. This form of repetitive paragraphs does a really good job to emphasize the writers point. I will try and incorporate my own repetitive structure.
• I liked how the monkey was able to fly in the end. This has a certain level of magic that made it more interesting of a story.
• I thought the Devil King was a great antagonist because it was stealing something innocent away. I may try and write about a similar foe to my hero in the story.
• Sun Wu Kung receives a magical weapon from the Dragon-King. I may try and have my main character receive such a present.
• I really enjoyed reading the Nether World. I enjoy the stories where the hero makes an epic long journey to the land of the dead. 

"The Ape Sun Wu Kung" in The Chinese Fairy Book. Written by R. Wilheilm. 1921. 

Extra Reading: Adam and Eve Part A

I ended up choosing to go back to biblical portion of this course. I chose to read Adam and Eve from the King James Bible. Below are my notes:

• I like the creation story. It would be interesting to have a similar story about and animal or an insect instead of a human.
• I like how there was a logical structure to how the man woman, and beasts were created during this portion of the Bible. I would definitely include this structure in my own story.
• It is interesting how the snake tricked Adam and Eve into eating the apple. I think it would be intriguing to put a similar type character into my own story.
• The story of how Satan is "kicked out" of heaven is interesting. I would think that under logical sense you would just rid of Satan as a being all together. However, there is a reason for everything and is probably a part of His bigger plan.
• I like how after they ate the apple they felt everything that previously they knew nothing about. For example, they never feared God’s voice until they ate the apple. It would be interesting to write a story where after something occurs, someone feels love or hatred depending on the story.
• The passage where it discusses the effects of earth after Adam and Eve is very interesting. I find it common that someone’s mess up usually affects everything around theme. This would be a good theme for a story. 

Word Press: Adam and Eve

Reading Notes Part B: Life of Buddha

Below is a continuation of my reading of the Life of Buddha:

Mara, the villain, was defeated by the Earth and Siddhartha. The hero now becomes a Buddha and understands the root of all death and suffering. I like how this ended with him becoming the Buddha and his reasoning behind all of men’s sufferings. 

Siddhartha

• It starts off with Siddhartha leaving his father and kingdom behind. I could write a story where a young person leaves their family and home in order to explore the world.
• Siddhartha is becoming a hermit so he can defeat old age and death. He gives his robes to a hunter and takes his old ragged clothes. It would be interesting to write a story where the hunter that received his clothes gets supernatural powers since Siddhartha wore them.
• Siddhartha shows great resolve and dedication to figure out his goal in life. It is interesting though that he changes his mind and starts eating more. I wonder if this will affect his journey negatively or positively. I could write a story where someone goes against the common people and actually discovers what they had been wanting to figure out all along.

The Life of Buddha. Written by Andre Ferdinand Herold. 1922. 

Reading Notes Part A: The Life of Buddha

I chose to read The Life of Buddha this week. Below are some notes from this reading:

• The beginning reminded me of the bible in that a young boy is going to be born of great significance. In addition, there are people being healed and everyone is celebrating the Queens pregnancy.
• I really like how this story describes the world after Siddhartha is born. I would like to write a story where a young person is born and is of great importance to the town/city. I will try and contrast the before and after mood of the people.
• The hermit/Asita is a great character in this story because he gives great insight into what Siddhartha will represent and do when he is older. I would love to incorporate a story where the hermit may be lying and the son is actually evil instead of helping the people. This may add an interesting twist to the story.
• Siddhartha’s mother dies and her sister takes over as his “mom”. It would be interesting to write a story where Siddhartha finds this out and gets upset.
• It is important to notice how everyone around him admires him completely. I wonder if I could write a story where a young man in the modern world runs away and is looked upon like Siddhartha is. Also, I could do a detailed description of what Siddhartha is thinking/feeling during his first meditation.
• I liked how the Gods interfered with his mindset because it shows their interactions. I wonder if I include a story where the Gods actually transform him into an old man and see how he reacts to such a rapid transformation.
• I loved the encounters because it allowed for the reader to understand the Siddhartha was still a young man who did not know the evils of the real world. I liked how they brought three different people to demonstrate death, old age, and sickness.
• I would consider writing a story where someone is having a dream that represents what will occur in the future.

Healing Haven: Buddha Being Born

The Life of Buddha. Written by Andre Ferdinand Herold. 1922.

Extra Reading: Aesop's Fables

This week I decided to read Aesop’s Fables. Below are my reading notes:

• I enjoyed reading these small stories because they all have themes that you can recognize pretty easily. My favorite Lion story was the one about the four oxen and them fighting. For such a short story, the moral is great. I may include it into my storybook somehow.

• I like the fable the Fox and the Crane. It enlightens a certain perspective to each animal. If you care for only yourself, other people will do the same. I also liked the fox story with the Lion because the moral is to not be afraid for it may not always be what it’s built up to be.

Fox and the Crane

• I thought the Wolf and the Lamb story was pretty grim. The wolf was just looking for an excuse to eat the lamb and when that didn’t work, he just ate the lamb anyways. I feel the moral is that someone people, no matter what you do, are always looking for justification in what they want. I think it connects to what goes on all the time in the modern world.

• My favorite story from the Dogs and Cats section is the one with the Cat and the Fox. I thought it was funny how the wolf probably had better options to escape, however, the thought process on choosing one was ultimately fatal. I think it represents that sometimes a quick decision is better than over analyzing every situation. I think I can include this into my storybook where a character has to make a decision.

• My favorite deer story was The One-Eyed Doe. The last sentence in which the doe exclaimed that no one can escape their fate is an interesting moral theme. I could potentially use this in which the main character is subjected to a certain fate that no matter how hard he tries, he cannot escape.

The Fables of Aesop. Written by Joseph Jacobs. 1894.

Reading Notes Part B: The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor

Below is a continuation of The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor:

Sinbad

• I am glad that he now owns his own ship and is going on his own adventures.
• I find it funny that he has such terrible luck to begin all of these journeys. I think it would be funny to tell a story of someone like him who is always happy-go-lucky even though he faces all of these insane situations.
• It would be interesting to write a story where he has to fight off these large birds (rocs). Also, the fact that his story intertwines with the man from the Old Man and the Sea is neat. I could try and connect his story to that of another book.
• Once again, Sinbad comes out on top. I would consider writing this in a modern approach instead of the time period that is being described.
• I found the six voyage to be my least favorite with not much going on. The only thing I would consider writing about is him befriending a King.
• I like how the elephants do not kill him but instead tell him to take ivory from the elephant’s graveyard.
• I am glad that he know wants to just stay home and tell his stories. I may include a singular person telling stories to a person in a tavern or something of that nature.

The Arabian Nights' Entertainments. Written by Andrew Lang and Illustrated by H.J. Ford. 1898. 

Reading Notes Part A: The Seven Voyages of Sinbad

Below are reading notes for the book The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor:

Sinbad and the Roc's Egg

• Sinbad’s first story begins with him getting stuck on an island after mistaking an island for a whale. This reminds me of Jonah and the Whale from the Bible. It would be interesting to include a story about someone who is lost at sea and finds an island full of inhabitants. Maybe make him extremely powerful and become king of this new civilization.
• Sinbad seems very ambitious and extremely successful. It is neat how he has a lot of money but still is extremely driven to be better.
• Sinbad is always getting out of situations in a unique way. He seems like he uses his intelligence like that of Odysseus, however, he is more down to earth. I like his character more because of his lack of arrogance. I would love to incorporate a story where someone has to escape from extremely large animals (such as a bird, lion, or an insect).
• It is interesting that there is a giant in this story that wants to eat them. I think it is funny how he had the same idea as Odysseus in that they stabbed the giant’s singular eye. I feel that there is a direct comparison between the way Odysseus and Sinbad go about escaping/overcoming obstacles.
• Sinbad’s crew are getting killed off during this third voyage. I may want to incorporate a way in which a majority of them live in order to liven up the story.
• I still am liking the theme of gigantic animals and Sinbad having to defeat them. I wonder why all of these stories make the main character be alone in the end. He always is lucky though and finds a way back home making a lot of money. He seems like quite the merchant.
• I like the way he is tricked into marrying his wife and having to be buried with her. It would be interesting to write a story where a character is tricked into something only to find out it was nothing of what they expected.
• Again, a reoccurring theme that he always comes out on top despite the crazy stories. The fact that these are all first person stories makes the reader wonder if he is exaggerated them in order to make the story better.

The Arabian Nights' Entertainments. Written by Andrew Lang and Illustrated by H. J. Ford. 1898. 

Reading Notes Part B: Homer's Odyssey

Below is a continuation of my reading notes for Homer’s Odyssey:

Scylla

• Circe has given Odysseus a bag of wind in order to make it home after visiting Teiresias. It would be interesting to include a gift from someone to help my main character overcome an obstacle. I could even incorporate that the gift is a trick against the main character.
• It is interesting that one of Poseidon’s sons is actually Polyphemus the cyclops. It would make for a good story to incorporate the relationship between the god and cyclops.
• Teiresias tells Odysseus his fate on his travel back to Ithaca. I feel that Odysseus will lose a lot of his men on his way back home. If he makes it home, it may be unique to make him never make it home because he irritated the God Poseidon.
• I enjoyed the section where Odysseus talks with his mom. It really demonstrates how long he has been away and what toll this has brought on his family. Writing a story from the perspective of Anticleia or someone else residing in Ithaca could be interesting.
• I am considering writing a story where the main character meets many heroes that discuss their famous tales. I really enjoyed reading the section where I recognized famous characters such as Jocasta and Oedipus.
• Agamemnon discusses how his wife Clytemnestra killed him. I think it is funny how he is portrayed as a good guy in this story but in the Trojan War he is considered the antagonist.
• The Spirit of Achilles sort of parallels Odysseus’ story in regards to trying to make it home. Achilles was unable to make it home to Peleus whereas we do not know if Odysseus will.
• Scylla is a villain that may be worth writing a story about. She is a six-headed monster that eats six of Odysseus’ men.
• Even though it was not part of the detailed reading, I would enjoy reading about the sirens and how Odysseus escaped their grasps. 

Homer's Odyssey. Translated by Tony Kline. 2004. 

Reading Notes Part A: Homer's Odyssey

This week I chose to read Homer’s Odyssey. Below are some of the potential stories and events that I enjoyed while reading:  

• ·       I enjoyed thinking about an island where only cyclops reside. This could potentially allow for me to develop a story where they are thrusted into a war with another creature.
• ·       I can envision how these cyclops are herding the numerous goats on their lands. It is unusual how they do not have to really work to have crops and protect their goats. I wonder if this is because the gods feel responsible for them being monsters.
• ·       I wonder if the story would be interesting if the cyclops was actually nice and showed some hospitality to Odysseus and his men.
• ·       It would be interesting to write the story in the perspective of the cyclops instead of Odysseus.
• ·       The wine is used as a method to trick the cyclops. I may use this or another method to trick a character in my next story. Wine is mentioned a lot of times throughout the story therefore it must be important to the plotline.
• ·       It is interesting the relationship the Cyclopes and the Gods have. I feel this would make for a great story to show the creation/origination of the cyclops. I wonder what will occur now that Polyphemus has cursed them.
• ·       Odysseus seems to very courageous almost to a fault. He almost was hit by the rock of Polyphemus because he was so sure he had escaped. This would be interesting to write about: a tragic flaw.
• ·       Some of the men are turned into pigs by Circe. I could write a story where the cyclops has this power to make him extra villainous or implement it somewhere else.  
• ·       Odysseus is able to free his men without having to fight Circe.
•      Odysseus is constantly being told to visit other places before he gets home. I like a story that the main character has to pass many tests before he/she gets what they want. I may include a similar story this week.

Polyphemus and Odysseus


Homer's Odyssey, translated by Tony Kline. 

Reading Notes Part B: Homer's Illiad

Below is a continuation of my reading notes for Homer’s Illiad:

  o   The fighting over Patroclus’ arms and body exhibits the how fierce the battle was. Given this, I feel I could incorporate a similar tale in my story. I feel that I could potentially have brothers fight and one dies in battle. Thus, the living brother would have to fight off the opposing men so he can have a proper burial for his fallen brother.

  o   I am curious as to what will happen now that Achilles will be extremely angry that Patroclus has fallen.

  o   Achille is upset that Zeus had answered his request but had let Patroclus die. I find that the Gods typically help, however, there is always another side. There is always a sacrifice or death that follows a God’s answer to a request. This can be used in order to develop a character in my story this week (i.e. vengeance, sorrow, and anger).

  o   I find it interesting how involved the Gods are with the slaying of Hector. I could take an opposite approach and have Zeus actually save Hector and go against the other Gods.

  o   Athene portrayed herself as a comrade of Hector to trick him into fighting Achilles. This reminds me of a time in the Ramayana where Ravana used a golden deer in order to kidnap Sita. I wrote about these deceptions before and I may include this in part of my story.

  o   Hector is defeated and is not given an honorable burial.  Maybe I can alter the ending of this part of the story.

  o   I could potentially write a story from the perspective of Andromache.

  o   Achilles displays sympathy for King Priam when he sneaks into the Greek camp. Hectors is returned and a proper burial was held. I could alter the story and have Achilles kidnap Priam and force an even larger battle between the Trojans and Greeks. 

Spartan Warriors: Achilles defeating Hector

   Homer's Illiad, translated by Alfred J. Church. (1907)

Reading Notes Part A: Homer's Illiad

I chose to read Homer’s Illiad for the second week of reading. Below are some main plot points and some ideas I have for the story:

  o   I find it interesting that an entire war started over a single woman. The story can potentially be retold with a few different twists where Helen is actually trickling Paris and the city of Troy and turns against them during the war.

  o   I really enjoyed the direct interactions between the Gods and humans. I think incorporating the Gods into my story and having them almost fight with or against the City of Troy would make for an interesting story.

  o   Achilles seems like the one who is reasonable. If he does not defeat Agamemnon, then I would consider writing a story in which he does so. I wonder what the other leaders are thinking during this debate.

  o   Achilles is told by his mother to stop fighting and wait for the discussion with Zeus. I am curious to see what Zeus will do in order to help defeat the Greeks.

  o   The Gods are quarreling over the task Thetis asked of Zeus. A war between both the Greeks/Trojans and the Gods would be interesting.

  o   Zeus tricks Agamemnon into thinking he could take Troy if he goes into battle now. I could potentially use another way to trick Agamemnon in future stories.

  o   The stories is switched to the perspective of the Trojans. It would be interesting to rewrite the story and to do the opposite perspectives for each part of the story. Telling the story in the perspective of Paris could display different perspective that would help the reader.

  o   There is foreshadowing of the duel between Hector and Achilles.

  o   Achilles will more than likely stay and fight for the fame. Taking an opposite approach and having him return home and telling stories about what happens in the Trojan War could make for a great story.

  o   Patroclus is dead. I am sure that Achilles will be very upset and try and revenge Patroclus’ death. It would be interesting to tell the story in a first person of Patroclus or Hector to describe their thoughts after main events like this. 

Wall Street Journal: Hector Defeating Patroclus

   Homer's Illiad, translated by Alfred J. Church. (1907)