Week 14: Essay- What the Hell?

This week I read the story from Dante's Inferno. This was probably my favorite reading unit of the semester. For some reason that I don't really understand, I have always enjoyed reading excerpt from the Inferno. I also really enjoyed learning about the other two parts of Dante's Divine Comedy, where he discusses Purgatory and Heaven. Obviously, I am not alone in my love for Dante's work, because the Divine Comedy is so widely and totally loved. It is still taught in high school, and I'm sure there are whole courses that are devoted to it at colleges all across the country. Why, though, does it capture our attention in such a profound way?

Certainly Dante's writing must have something to do with his popularity, but I think, even more than that, it is the subject that he is writing about: Hell. I think humanity has always been concerned with what happens to us to when we die. It seems like every civilization of all-time has its own ideas of what happens to us when we die. The ancient Egyptians, the ancient Greeks and many other ancient civilizations are extremely concerned with the after-life. In fact, they all have ways in which souls are judged for their time on earth. The good souls, or those who lived virtuously on earth, receive some kind of eternal reward in Heaven. On the other hand though, are those bad souls, who lived life selfishly or violently on earth. These souls, unfortunately, receive some kind of eternal punishment. Thus, Dante is so successful with Inferno, because he gives us all a story that we naturally seem to care about: our eternity. We love his description of Hell and all of the specific punishments for all the different sinners, because, sub-consciously, I believe that we judge ourselves, and imagine where we would go: Heaven or Hell. 

Dante and Virgil face some Demons, source: Wikipedia

Week 14: Reading Diary- Dante's Inferno

These are my thoughts on Dante's Inferno...

Dante and Virgil:

I wonder if this forest is a metaphor for some kind of depression that Dante was facing while he was writing? I also like that this story is being written from Dante's perspective. The reader can very easily put himself in Dante's shoes. It will almost feel as if Virgil is guiding us on our own personal journey through Hell.

The Gate of Hell and Charon:

Dante is certainly critical of those that are indecisive. Those angels and humans that did not choose good or evil seem to have gotten a pretty rough punishment. It almost seems like Dante is saying that is is preferable to evil over neutral. These people are envious of every other fate that they could have gotten. That is pretty strong.

Limbo:

I had never caught the reference to Christ before. The one marked with a sign of victory that came and saved some prominent biblical figures from the torture of limbo. It definitely seems like it would be horrible luck to not have ever even had the chance to be baptized, and so be saved through Christ.

Poets and Philosophers, Heroes and Heroines:

I like that Dante pays his respects to all of the great literary and philosophical masters that came before him. Even if he doesn't allow them into Heaven, he shows them a great deal of respect by naming them and keeping them out of Hell in its true sense.

Paolo and Francesca:

Dante keeps referring to love as the reason for these sinners torment in Hell. However, I think that it would more appropriately be called lust. Love is good. Therefore, love must have been perverted in some way for it to have damned them. Their love was for each other, and not for God. That is the problem.

Cerberus and Plutus:

I really like that you see all of the things that influenced Dante while he was writing this. I have already seen some references to Greek mythology, but I really noticed the extent of them when I read about Cerberus. I wonder if Dante will continue to use aspects of Greek mythology in his description of Hell?

Fortune and Phlegyas:

All of Dante's descriptions of Hell are even more disturbing and haunting when one considers the idea of eternity. The true torture in all of these punishments is knowing that there is absolutely no escape from it. I can't imagine the hopelessness of an eternal punishment.

The Fallen Angels:

I think it is very telling that Virgil has to continually tell Dante to hold out hope. Even for one who isn't damned like Dante, Hell steals a person's hope. Also, I just realized that Dante is not being guided by one of the Christian saints. He's being lead by a pagan historian.This seems a little weird to me.

The Furies and the Heretics:

It is really interesting to me that even the Fallen Angels and the Furies who guard the city of Dis have no real authority there. Even in their own capitol city in the depths of Hell, they still are at the mercy of God and his servants. This is a great way of showing how control is an illusion, because no matter what, God is in control.

The Minotaur and the Centaurs:

Dante continues to intertwine the ancient Greek myths with his vision of Hell. It is interesting that some of these mythical creatures, like the Minotaur or the Centaurs, are not being punished. Instead, they are dishing out or enforcing the punishments.

The Harpies and Capaneus:

These violent sinners have their own place in Hell. There are special places for those who murdered other, and those who murdered themselves and those who murdered the people of God. The way Dante has them arranged, it seems like he might think that suicide is worse than murder. But maybe I am reading it wrong?

The Old Man of Crete and Geryon:

I'm sure that Dante's readers would understand all of the references that he is making. I, on the other hand, would not have recognized that his description of the old man of Crete was a reference to Daniel's dream in the Bible.

Descending on Geryon's Back:

Dante referenced Phaethon and Icarus, and I recognize these two characters from some of my previous reading. Understanding all of these references certainly adds to the depth of the storytelling.

Jason and the Demons:

The notes talk about Dante placing one of his contemporaries in this circle of Hell. I wonder how that man responded when he saw that Dante had put him Hell. Covered in excrement no less! I wonder if this is a playful joke among friends? Or if it is more malicious?

Caiaphas:

It is an interesting symbol that Caiaphas, the high priest that convinced the Pharisees to execute Jesus, would be crucified. Though, he is not crucified on a cross. Instead, he is on the ground. Also, there is no hope for him ever being free of the stakes that hold him down. Unlike Jesus, whose time on the cross was only temporary.

Ulysses and Diomede:

Every time Dante asks Virgil a question, or he begs to ask those being tormented a question, Virgil encourages him. I wonder why that is? Maybe, if Dante learns what is was that damned these people, then he will be able to show others how to avoid their fate?

The Giants:

Dante's description of Nimrod is really interesting. Nimrod was the one who built the Tower of Babel, and in doing so, he caused God to make many different languages. Thus, I find it really fitting that Nimrod is completely incapable of communicating with anyone, because he understands no languages.

Ugolino:

Some of the the people that Dante meets in Hell are still pridefully opposed to God, and bitter in their punishment. Others, like Count Ugolino, seem desperate for pity of any kind. They are completely broken, and have no hope for themselves.

Satan:

Dante's description of Satan is truly horrifying. He went from being one of God's favorites, to being the most evil thing in all of creation. Also, I think it is interesting to note that Dante's journey through Hell began on Good Friday, and that it ends of Easter.

Week 13: Essay- Disney: The Modern Brothers Grimm

While I was reading the stories from this unit on the Brothers Grimm. I was thinking about just how important children's stories are in terms of teaching a child invaluable life lessons. When I look at my own childhood, I can definitely tell that I learned some important things on what it means to be a hero, or the be courageous, or virtuous from children's stories. I think the children who heard these stories by the Brothers Grimm were supposed to learn lessons from them too. They would have their mother or father read them the story, and I'm sure that they would learn something from it. I'm sure that having those stories read to them was one of the most entertaining parts of their childhoods. However, I didn't read most of my children's stories, and I didn't even have them read to me. In fact, I learned about my fairy tales in the way of Disney movies. Disney is really adept at taking stories like those in the Brothers Grimm, and adapting them to animated movies. Cinderella, Snow White, and many other Disney movies are based on short stories from years and years ago. The principle behind the movies is the same as the stories. Cinderella is a story about not judging someone based on their appearance, and it shows little girls that anyone can be a princess. This lesson is the same in a movie as it is in a short story. So, I think it is really interesting that, despite all of our technology and animation, people still use the same stories to teach their children the same lessons. Disney is just a more advanced and entertaining form of the Brothers Grimm. I'm sure that fifty years from now, kids will be seeing the same stories that I grew up watching, but they just might be watching a hologram, and not a screen.

Cinderella, source: flickr

Week 13: Storytelling- The Shoes with the Swoosh

Once upon a time, there was a shoemaker. Unfortunately, the economy was in the middle of a deep depression, and, through no fault of his own, because  he truly was a good shoemaker, he became very poor. So poor, in fact, he thought the bank was going to foreclose on his little shop.

It came to the point that, one night, the poor shoemaker cut out the last of his leather, and found that it was only enough to make one more shoe. He was devastated. So, he resolved to finish his last shoe the next morning. As he was going to bed, he prayed that God would make his last pair of shoes the best shoes that he'd ever made.

The next morning, he woke up intending to finish the shoes that he had started the night before. But they had already been finished. They were perfect! They did not have one single flaw! While inspecting the shoes, he did notice a curious little marking on the side. It looked something like a check-mark, but for some reason he told his wife that he thought it was a swoosh. Even more interestingly, later that day Prince Charming, for no apparent reason, came into the poor shoemaker's store. Upon seeing the shoes with the swoosh, he offered the shoemaker twice what the shoes were supposed to be worth. The shoemaker was incredibly excited, even if he was a little confused.

Nike Air Flight Falcon, source: flickr

That night, after buying enough leather for two shoes and cutting out the pieces, the shoemaker went to sleep and prayed the same prayer as before. The next morning the shoes were finished again! He looked, and they still had that mysterious swoosh on them. When he opened his shop, he found Prince William and Prince Harry waiting outside. They said that they had seen Prince Charming wearing the shoes with the swoosh, and they had to have a pair. They paid twice what the shoes were worth, just as Prince Charming had done.

This cycle continued for some time. The shoemaker would cut out the leather at night, only find them finished with swoosh the next morning. This made the shoemaker into a very wealthy man. After some time, the shoemaker's wife suggested that they stay up and see who was finishing the shoes. The shoemaker thought it was a great idea, so he set out the cut pieces of leather like always, and then he and his wife waited.

He and his wife watched as two little elves crept in and completed the shoes with incredible accuracy and speed. Weirdly though, the two little men were naked So, the shoemaker and his wife decided to lay out clothes for them the next night. When the little elves saw the clothes, they began to dance around happily. After that night, the little elves never came back to finish the shoemaker's shoes. So, he began to pay little kids in the next town 14 cents an hour to complete his shoes. Then, he and his wife lived happily ever after, and the shoes with the swoosh become the most popular shoe that the world had ever seen!

Author's Note--

This story is based off of the story of The Elves from the Brothers Grimm unit. I have pretty much told the story exactly the same as the original. I did add about the stuff with the swoosh, just because I thought it would be interesting to pretend that the shoemaker was selling Nikes. I also didn't use any dialogue, because that is how the original was written. I hope you all enjoy my lighthearted re-telling!

Bibliography--

The Grimm Brothers' Children's and Household Tales translated by D. L. Ashliman (1998-2013)

Week 13: Reading Diary- Brothers Grimm (Ashliman)

These are my thoughts about the tales of the Brothers Grimm (Ashliman)...

Cat and Mouse in Partnership:

This story just confirms all of my feelings towards cats. You just can't trust them. It is also a good lesson on choosing friends. Sometimes people just can't change who they are, no matter what they say or what you hope.

The Wolf and the Seven Young Kids:

This might the oldest story about stranger danger that has ever been told. I like that the kids in the story were not completely foolish. They thwarted the wolf twice, but the third time they were just too naive to understand that he was tricking them. I was also glad that he got his just rewards.

The Seven Ravens:

These stories are completely ridiculous. But that is okay, because children's stories should always have a heavy dose of the imaginary in my opinion. I also like that the little girl was committed enough to cut off her own finger. That's a pretty intense choice to make for a little girl.

Little Red Cap:

I wonder if these stories are supposed to teach children some kind of valuable lesson. Like maybe the wolf is supposed to represent the evil men that can pray on women when they get off the path. Or maybe they are just supposed to amusing stories, but I definitely think that they are supposed to teach lessons.

The Singing Bone:

As an older brother, this is definitely not my favorite story. I also don't like that the younger brother didn't get justice, until after he had already been killed. It just seems wrong for that to happen in a fairy tell like this.

The Elves:

This is a nice story. It's always good to see the nice people win. Especially, when they are so gracious and thankful for the help that they receive. Maybe there is some secret key to success hidden in this story.

Herr Korbes:

This is some horrible luck. I guess he must have been an extremely wicked man like the story suggests. I wonder if all those animals and things went to his house with the attention of doing him in? Or maybe it was just some divinely delivered justice.

Old Sultan:

This story shows us that appearance is way more important than reality. The old dog appeared to be useful, even though he wasn't, and he was rewarded for it. Then, he and the cat appeared to be intimidating and dangerous, even though they weren't, and they beat the wolf and boar because of it.

Rumpelstiltskin:

This is a great little story. It is definitely a story that shows the dangers of greed. The king almost lost his first-born by making the girl make a deal with Rumpelstiltskin. Then Rumpelstiltskin gets himself in trouble by making that deal with the girl. I've read it before, but I still really enjoy it!

Week 12: Essay- Is Robin Hood Heroic?

One of the things that I've really enjoyed about this class so far, is that I have been able to read about many different heroes from many different civilizations and time periods. Through this, I've been able to try and determine what it is that makes a character a hero. That is kind of what I'm trying to do with my storybook, and I've kind of done it with a few of my essays. For this week though, I want to take a look at Robin Hood. Is he a hero? Or is he a misguided vigilante?

I think we can all agree that Batman is a hero. So, our heroes definitely don't need to operate within the framework of the law in the same way that normal citizens do. However, they still must have their own sense of justice, or what constitutes right and wrong. The Robin Hood that we see in modern re-tellings certainly meets this criteria. Though he is an outlaw, he robs from the rich to feed the poor. Helping the poor, or those unable to help themselves, is another fundamental aspect of being a hero, at least in my opinion. It also helps that he has an almost supernatural ability with a bow and arrow. So, the Robin Hood that we know today is definitely a hero. He is the defender of the weak who must work outside of the law, because it is a corrupt and broken system. But how does our Robin Hood line up with the original?

Robin shoots with Sir Guy, by Louis Rhead- source: Wikipedia

From my readings, he does not appear to be all that heroic. He appears to be out in Sherwood forest just looking for a good time. He is constantly picking fights, and nowhere do we get the idea that he is a champion of the common people. He is still an extremely interesting and entertaining character, but I don't know if I would go so far as to describe him as heroic. All in all, I prefer the Disney version of Robin Hood to these ballads.

Week 12: Storytelling- How Robin Hood Met Little John

One cool spring night, Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men at around the fire. As the men waited for their venison to roast, they began to grow restless. Amidst the crackle of the fire came calls from the hungry men.

"Come, Robin, tell us a story," called one.

Another, growing impatient, said, "Ah Robin, if you don't tell us a story to distract me, or if this venison isn't done soon, I'll have to eat Little John to satisfy my appetite." To which the crowd gave a hearty laugh.

"Tell us again of how you came to know Little John," yelled one of the older members of the group.

"If you say so, my friends" answered Robin. "I do suppose it is quite an amusing story. Don't you think, Little John?"

"Why yes, sir, I remember it being pretty enjoyable, at least from my side of things. Would you like to tell the lads, or shall I?"

"You would do it a disservice, my friend. Your talents are better suited to fighting than storytelling. So, where to begin? This was very early in my time and Sherwood forest, and I had only a few men in my company. One day, I grew bored, having not had a proper fight in over a fortnight. So, I told my men to wait in a grove, while I went in search of some stranger to test my strength. I had not gone far when I happened upon a man, guarding a narrow bridge. Well to call it a bridge would be to call Little John the king. It wasn't anything more than a log across a stream. Of course, it was Little John guarding the bridge, and naturally, he wouldn't let me freely pass. I could have easily killed him with an arrow through the heart, if that had been my goal. A fact that Little John often forgets."

"Only a coward would kill a man from afar," interjected Little John.

"Well seeing as I was not going to kill him in so cowardly a way, as Little John has put it, we decided to fight with quarter-staffs on that log pretending to be a bridge. And a good fight it was. Each gave as good as he got. Ah, but my friends, I am ashamed to admit that after some time, our Little John knocked be into the water below."

"A right big splash you made too, Robin," said Little John, struggling to conceal his laughter.

"Yes, Little John. On that day you beat me, fair and square. Well, after I'd pulled myself from the cold water, I called on my horn for my men. They were eager to repay Little John for what he had done, but I would not have it. I, having an eye for men of certain talents, thought Little John would fit in nicely with our band of outlaws.  Ever since that day, Little John has been one of my most loyal and trusted friends, and he is still quite handy in a fight."

"Enough of the sensitive stuff, Robin, you're going to make me cry," laughed Little John. "Anyways, dinner is ready, and hearing about how I beat your ass has given me quite an appetite."

"Don't go and get boastful now, Little John. Or I'll have to humble you! Go on everyone, get your fill!"

"Robin Hood and Little John" by Louis Rhead, source: Wikipedia

Author's Note--

This is the story of how Robin Hood met Little John. I kept the details of the story almost identical to the original. However, I wanted the story to be told from Robin's perspective, since he lost. I also wanted Little John to make fun of him for losing, because Robin is pretty sure of himself. I just wanted to convey how two men could become such good friends after a fight. I hope you all like  it!

Bibliography--

The English and Scottish Popular Ballads by Francis James Child (1882-1898).

Week 12: Reading Diary- Ballads of Robin Hood

These are my thoughts on the Ballads of Robin Hood...

Progress to Nottingham:

I like these ballads. They have a sing-song vibe that makes them really enjoyable to read. It took me a little while to get used to it, but after getting the hang of it, I like it a lot. This Robin Hood is kind of a cold-blooded killer. He kills fifteen men, just because they failed to pay up on a bet. Seems pretty brutal to me.

Little John:

This is such a great way to become friends haha! In my experience, guys are certainly capable of becoming close friends after a fight. I would guess that, especially in that time period, fighting creates a certain level of respect between two men that might spark a close friendship. This is also a great story for my storytelling.

The Butcher:

Robin is a lovable rogue. He certainly enjoys himself at other peoples' expense. I wonder how most of the people of his time would have viewed him? Do they see him as the hero we do? Or is he just a harmless trickster? Hopefully, we will find out.

The Ranger:

I'm beginning to see a sign of Robin Hood gaining followers through combat. He earns a man's respect in a fight, and then the man joins Robin's band of outlaws. It also seems like deserting society has a certain appeal in Robin's time, and I think it still does today.

The Bold Pedlar:

Again, it seems that Robin Hood does not meet anyone without fighting them first. It seems like a fitting initiation into his boy's club. It also seems like no one ever actually wins these encounters. They end in a draw and eventually a meal.

The Shepherd:

I think I finally understand why Robin Hood is always so eager to fight anyone he comes across. He must be super bored, living in the woods all alone. I'm sure that he didn't get to see other people too often, so any time he saw one, he would be eager to test himself against. It also seems like he always loses, even to a lowly shepherd.

Robin Hood's Delight:

Well this time it was a three on three fight. Robin, Little John, and a new character, Will Scarlock, fight three of the kings men. The trend continues, and they fight to more or less a draw, and then go on and become friends. When is Robin going to become the hero that we expect him to be?

The Pedlars:

I think that these stories would be even more entertaining if we heard them sung as they would have been in the proper time period. These things are pretty much the television of that day and age. It would be a real treat to get to hear them now and again.

Allen a Dale:

This is Robin Hood, the matchmaker haha. This is also the first time that we have had any mention of a woman in the stories so far. I bet Robin and his band of outlaws would be incredibly eager to doing anything that would involve a woman. Living in the forest with all men would probably get pretty lonely after awhile haha.

Rescuing Three Squires:

Robin Hood is finally beginning to look more like the hero that we would expect him to be. In the last two stories, he has reunited a couple and saved three squires. He is beginning to enact the justice outside the law that we have come to love about him. Everyone loves a vigilante. He's the medieval Batman haha!

Week 11: Essay- My College Writing Experience

When I came into College, I had tested out of both of the Intro Comp. classes. My first class in College that required a paper was an Old English Literature Class. I had to write papers analyzing different aspects of really old literature, like Geoffrey Chaucer and Beowulf. I remember being really intimidated by my first paper. It wasn't that my professor was asking me to do anything that I had never done before, but it was just the idea that this was a College paper that freaked me out. I think I probably spent more time on that paper than I had ever spent on any High School paper, but I think I got an A-, so I guess it paid off. Getting that first grade back gave me a lot of confidence in my abilities as a writer.

Throes of Creation by Leonid Pasternak, Source: Wikipedia

As difficult as that first class was, it was definitely not the most challenging class that I have taken at OU. Just last year, I took a class called Law and Justice. It was about the development of the ideals of law and justice from their earliest roots in Aristotle to their modern interpretations by John Locke and Thomas Hobbes. I thought this class was right in my wheel-house, but the professor really challenged me. I knew him before the class, so he really pushed me and never let me settle. He would find flaws in my arguments that never would have occurred to me. It really frustrated me at the time, but I think he really helped me to develop as a writer. I owe a lot of the development of my style and voice to him, because he didn't let me be satisfied with where I was. At the end of the day, I think that people improve their writing when they have teachers that care and teachers that challenge them. This can happen in High School or College. Teachers who care about helping their students become better writers are the teachers who see their students become better writers.

Week 11: Reading Diary- King Arthur

My thoughts on the stories of King Arthur and his Round-table of Knights...

The Drawing of the Sword:

This is probably the most recognizable story about King Arthur. Pulling the sword out of the stone is one of the defining moments of his myth. It also carries a lot of religious implications. It almost as if he was divinely chosen to be the king of England.

The Questing Beast:

This is not a story that I'm familiar with, though I enjoyed it. I do think it interesting that the author uses the phrase, "by and by." It always seems like writers just skip over so much when they use a phrase like that. Oh well haha.

The Sword Excalibur:

Excalibur is an absolutely crucial part of Arthur's character. Every ancient hero has to have some mythical weapon or ability that sets them above all other men. Hercules had his god-like strenght and Arthur has Excalibur.

The Round Table:

There is not much discussion of King Arthur without a reference to his Round Table. A King, or any leader, is only as good as those that follow him, so Arthur's retinue of Knights is what really makes him a king. It is his heroic deeds and virtue that compel men to submit to him, not that he pulled a sword out of a stone.

The Passing of Merlin:

It seems that in these old stories, women are always causing problems. I'm sure this is a reflection of the thoughts of the time period in which these stories were written. This is really tragic for Arthur. Losing a trusted adviser, especially one as wise as Merlin, is never good.

Morgan Le Fay:

Women are causing problems again haha. Morgan Le Fay is one of my least favorite characters in the Arthurian myth. She isn't brave or strong. She is just deceitful and clever. It is too bad that a hero like Arthur is eventually undone by a women like her. It would be better if her were beaten fair and square in combat.

The Quest of the Holy Grail:

I wonder if Arthur's knight's quest for the Holy Grail had more significance in its time period, when belief in that sort of mythical, religious object was more common? Either way, the Holy Grail still makes for a good story, even in today's time. Indiana Jones, for example.

The King's Pilgrimage:

Dreams are powerful devices in storytelling, so it makes sense that the dream depicted in this segment would be really powerful, and actually end up taking the dreamer's life. I'm glad that Arthur went alone. I think that we learn the most about ourselves in the quiet sanctity of our own minds.

The Coming of the Holy Grail:

I like what Lancelot said. I think it is better to die pursuing something worthwhile, than to die in safety and comfort. So, it makes sense to me that all of Arthur's knights would want to pursue the Grail, because it is definitely worth pursuing.

Week 10: Essay- My High School Writing Experience

I went to a small private school in Oklahoma City for high school. So, I'd like to think that I was very prepared as a writer for whatever college was going to throw at me. Most of my English and history classes had about twenty people in them, so my teachers were able to give me a lot of personal feedback, which is what I think it takes for someone to improve in their writing. In particular, my  senior year, AP Literature and Composition, teacher helped me the most in my writing.

He did this in a number of ways. First of all, he gave us many different types of writing assignments-- Short argumentative essays, longer research papers and even some creative writing. I think each of these assignments incorporates a different element of writing and communicating effectively. I love to argue, so naturally, the shorter argumentative papers were the most fun for me. I really enjoy putting an argument into words, and watching in turn into a coherent essay. One way my professor challenged me in writing these types of essays was that he actively tried to find flaws in my arguments. There would be times when I would turn in what I thought was a great paper, and I would not do very well. He'd point out that I failed to examine my position from the other side, and that there was a lot more that I needed to explain or give evidence for. Regardless, I really enjoyed writing these kinds of papers. On the other hand though, I hated creative writing. Maybe I was just super self-conscious? For whatever reason though, I couldn't stand it. Even though I hated writing these papers, I think they helped me find my voice, and helped my figure out how to just let my imagination loose. I'll never forget that class, because I think that it was instrumental in turning me into the writer that I am today.

Fountain Pen, Source: Wikipedia

Next week, I'll talk about my writing experiences in college!

Week 10: Storytelling- Iktomi's Folly

I am Inyan. I am the Great-Grandfather. I have watched over these plains from my hillside for too many years to count. I have watched night turn today. I have watched the winter snow melt in the first light of spring. I have seen life, and I have seen death. I am the rock. I was yesterday and I will be tomorrow. I listen to the prayers of the children of the plain. Look now, one wandering child comes to me now...

"Help me, Great-Grandfather! I am hungry and afraid. Please give me some meat, so that I do not starve! Your child needs you!"

Oh it is my son Iktomi. Look at how he cries out to me. In all my years upon this plain, there is not a time that I can remember when a man called to me in such desperation. How could even my stone heart not break for this man? What then shall I do? I will call upon the Great Spirit. For through me, Iktomi's prayer might be heard.

Even now, the sun sets, casting a warm glow upon us. The Great Spirit has heard me.

"Ah I feel the sun upon my face! My prayer has been answered! Thanks be to you Great-Grandfather, for you have taken my prayer to the Great Spirit, and he has listened! How can I repay one such as you though? You, who don't need anything or anyone? All I have is my worn-out blanket. It is not worthy of one as noble as you. It is all I have to give though, so may you wear it upon your shoulders, and take it as an offering of my appreciation!"

I am well pleased with Iktomi's gift. It does little to keep me warm, for I have endured more winters than any man ever will, but he honors me with his attempt. There! He has found the fresh deer that his heart and stomach had longed for! Even as night falls, may it satisfy him as he hoped.

" This night wind is cold. I wish now that I'd never given my blanket away! Great-Grandfather has no need for it. Maybe I will take it back? He won't miss it!"

Iktomi, you fool! You cannot retake what has already been given. You will return to find your meal gone, and your hunger will ache in your belly forever. You will never be full again! And the blanket you so selfishly took from my shoulders will never hide you from the cold. It will pierce you to your very bones. Above all, I will not listen to your cries or be moved by your tears, for you have angered your Great-Grandfather, the Generous Giver. Woe unto you, Iktomi!

Black Hills of the Inyan Kara Mountain, Source: Wikipedia

Author's Note--

This is a story called Iktomi's Blanket. It is about  a Lakotan god, Inyan, which is a big rock on the prairie that warriors would go to pray to. Iktomi is a warrior who is in desperate need of food, and Inyan helps him. However, when Iktomi reclaims his offering, Inyan punishes him. The original is told from Iktomi's perspective, but I told it from Inyan's. I also made Iktomi's punishment a little more severe. In the original, Iktomi only loses his meal, but in my story, I wanted to punishment to be more permanent, and hopefully teach the lesson better.

Bibliography--

Old Indian Legends by Zitkala-Sa (1901).

Week 10: Reading Diary- Sioux Stories

These are my thoughts on the Sioux Legends...

The Rabbit and the Grouse Girls:

So the rabbit is still a trickster, even in Sioux legend. So is this the Sioux version of a "don't talk to strangers" type story? The grouse girls should definitely know better than to trust that tricky rabbit!

The Rabbit and the Bear:

This is kind of like an origin story. It explains why bears are so few and far between, and rabbits are practically everywhere. It's really too bad for the bear chief, because all he wanted to do was help the rabbit make his flint arrows, but he ended up being chopped in half! I'd probably run away too if I'd done what the rabbit did.

The Story of the Lost Wife:

It's kind of a cool concept that nature always takes care of us, or at least I think that would be what the Sioux people would believe. I also think it's interesting that the coyotes are the servants of the wolf tribe, because they are certainly the lowliest of the animals there.

The Simpleton's Wisdom:

You can learn about a society from the way that they honor and mourn their dead. This story gives a glimpse into what it would be like to experience a death in a Sioux tribe. I like that their conclusion in the end is that it is better to live for the living than to die for the dead.

A Little Brave and the Medicine Woman:

I like Brave. He's got a good sense of humor. I think this story gives us a sense of the superstitions of the Sioux people. Even the older, wiser, men had a little bit of fear about the Medicine Woman's grave.

The Boy and the Turtles:

I wonder why the boy earns the name, "Sees holy?" It doesn't seem like he really did anything special. He just saw a group of men swimming in a lake while he was hunting for turtles. Maybe there is some kind of significance to his discovery that I don't understand?

The Hermit, or The Gift of Corn:

I still don't know what the thing was that kept waking up the hermit. Maybe it was a raccoon or something like that? I think I would be pretty terrified living out in the middle of nowhere, completely alone like that hermit.

The Mysterious Butte:

More superstitions! I would be be terrified if I was one of those warriors who had to crawl through tiny openings to get to each chamber. I'm super claustrophobic haha. Anyways, it would be super useful to have cave paintings that predicted the future.

The Wonderful Turtle:

So I'm definitely picturing this wise turtle like the turtle in Kung Fu Panda. That's what comes to mind when I think of a wise turtle that is able to settle disputes and reconcile enemies. Anyways, the poor turtle gets left behind, so it seems that all does not go well for him.

The Pemmican Man and Unktomi:

That selfish spider was his own undoing. If he hadn't kept pursuing the fat man, even after he and his children had gotten much to eat, then he would probably be alive. Anyways, this shows that fat man's ingenuity got him out of danger. So, I'm going to guess that cleverness is a desirable quality.

Unktomi, the Two Widows, and the Red Plums:

Temptation always seems to bear the color red haha. Anyways, Unktomi is a total jerk. He isn't one of the trickster types that just messes with people for fun. He killed two babies just for the hell of it. That seems pretty messed up to me. He takes advantage of people's hospitality.

Unktomi and the Arrowheads:

So these Lakota and Unktomi (spiders) have a sort of symbiotic relationship in this story. The Unktomi make flint arrowheads for the tribe, and in return all they want is to be left alone. Seems like a pretty good deal if you ask me.

Iktomi and the Ducks:

Pride always goes before the fall, and Iktomi is extremely arrogant and cocky. He never thinks that anyone is as clever as he is, and he laughs when simpletons get caught it his traps. Therefore, it is ironic that he gets his foot caught in a tree and loses his duck feast.

Iktomi's Blanket:

I like that these stories fit together. It allows us to get a more complete picture of Iktomi. We learn just how selfish and foolish he really is, even if he thinks he is clever. Trying to reclaim an offering to a god would unmistakably be a bad idea.

Iktomi and the Muskrat:

This story is a good lesson on hospitality and generosity. If Iktomi had offered to share his fish with the Muskrat, then he wouldn't have lost all of it. I wonder if Iktomi actually learned his lesson, or if he will still be just as selfish as always?

Iktomi and the Coyote:

This coyote is not as inept as the Loony Toon's Wily Coyote. He tricks Iktomi into thinking that he has died. However, his pride almost gets him thrown into a fire. But he does teach Iktomi a valuable lesson: don't just assume something is dead.

Iktomi and the Turtle:

The Turtle gets his revenge haha. Iktomi tried to take advantage of him, and use him for a free meal. However, Iktomi ends up just getting himself drowned. I'm sure from all of these stories, that it would be clear to Sioux children that they ought to avoid spiders at all costs.

The War Like Seven:

So the fish and the turtle turn out to be some real warriors! They defeat a whole village, including that trickster, Iktomi. Once again, ingenuity often beats raw strength. Ont eh whole, I really enjoyed these stories.

Week 9: Reading Diary- Native American Hero Tales

Native American Hero Tales...

The Jealous Uncle:

So this story is from the Kodiak people. I wonder what lesson is to be learned here. It definitely doesn't seem like a story about how to become a man, because the boy was raised as a girl. Maybe they think that girls are the craftier and more ingenious gender?

The Jealous Uncle (Cont.):

What is it about this boy that makes him so confident that Unnatural Uncle will not be able to kill him? Regardless, he is very good at escaping those dangerous situations he's left to die in. He also continues going back to his Uncle's, even though he knows that he might be killed. So he's pretty brave.

The Jealous Uncle (End):

The young boy heroically avenges his brothers by drowning his evil Uncle. However, he did this by magically turning into an eagle. So, it seems the Kodiak, as you would expect, have a reverence for the natural world. The boy heroically rescues his town and his parents from his evil Uncle.

Bluejay and his Companions:

Bluejay kind of set up himself and his friends for failure. He selfishly never gave Grouse any of the good seal meat, so Grouse played a trick on them. However, maybe Bluejay will learn his lesson by the time that they get back to the hills of Quinault.

Bluejay and his Companions (Cont.):

The group goes through some intense trials on there way to return home. They use their smarts and craftiness to win the contests set before them. It seems that the Quinault people valued ingenuity very highly. Also, they learn their lesson and begin giving Grouse the best pieces of meat.

Dug-From-Ground:

It seems like a lot of civilizations have a virgin birth story. In this one, the boy is born after a girl digs up a root. He becomes super strong, but she doesn't claim him until he accomplishes some crazy tasks. He almost seems like some sort of demi-god.

Dug-From-Ground (Cont.):

This demi-god or whatever he is ends up proving himself to his brothers by playing games and completing other tasks. We never learn who his father was though. I wonder what lessons are supposed to be learned from this story. Or maybe it is just for entertainment?

The Attack on Giant Elk:

This is an Apache story about massive animals that terrorized humans before the gods intervened. The gods sent a man to kill the Giant Elk and the Giant Eagle. He grows into a man in only four days. Then he uses other animals' help to slay the Elk. This would be a good story for Storytelling.

The Attack on Giant Elk (Cont.):

This is kind of an origin story. We learn why bats don't have feathers and why other birds have feathers that look like an eagle's. It is clear from all these stories that all tribes of Native Americans have an incredible respect and reverence for nature and all its animals. I expect this theme of mankind's place in nature to continue.

Lodge-Boy and Thrown-Away:

Native Americans really seem to enjoy stories involving children and miraculous circumstances. The kids are always the ones that seem to the heroic things, not the adults. What does this say about Crow culture? Are children especially revered? And is there a reason?

Lodge-Boy and Thrown-Away (Cont.):

This father is a horrible parent. He keeps scolding his kids, but they just keep doing whatever he tells them not to do. I guess everything works out though, because they end up getting asked by the Thunder-Bird to kill some evil otter. Then they get to live in peace.

The Son-In-Law Tests:

There is also a theme of sons having to obey their fathers and uncles, even if it means putting themselves in mortal peril. This is one of those stories. This is also another example of an origin story. Wemicus is eventually turned into a pike after his son-in-law outsmarts him in all of his tests.

The Jealous Father:

Again, we have a story about a father attempting to kill one of his sons. I wonder why these stories had so much appeal with the Native America tribes? In this one though, the mother is trying to directly intervene and save her sons life.

The Jealous Father (Cont.):

Ingenuity looks like one of the most desirable or heroic traits that a man could possess. Almost all of these stories are about out-smarting someone, not overcoming them with brute force. I guess this makes sense, because a lot of what the Native Americans hunted would be physically superior to them.

Dirt-Boy:

I wonder if contests like this were commonplace among the Native Americans. It would make sense that the chief would marry off his daughters to the strongest and most skilled men. However, it definitely sucks for the daughters, because they have no choice in the matter.

Dirty Boy (Cont.):

It was kind of like a beauty and the beast story. Sun and Star regain their true forms when the youngest daughter had proven herself worthy. There are definitely some lessons to be learned from this story. Telling this story from the perspective of the youngest daughter might make a good story.

Week 7: Essay- Is Brer Rabbit Heroic?

Last week, I read about Sun Wu Kung, the Monkey King, and it lead me to thinking about what makes character's heroic. I concluded that heroes were heroes not because of their strength or pwer or abilities, but for their willingness to sacrifice their own good for the greater good. So, when I was reading Brer Rabbit, I wondered if he was a hero?

While, I do think that we are supposed to identify with Brer Rabbit as the main character, I do not believe that Brer Rabbit is a hero in the strictest sense. Brer Rabbit fails to possess one of the key traits that belongs to a hero. He is not particularly strong or powerful. However,  he is very clever and extremely likable. If he was to be a hero, he would be most comparable to the Greek hero, Odysseus. Odysseus was never as strong, or as skilled in combat as other Greek heroes, like Ajax or Achilles. He was, though, the cleverest of all of them. Odysseus is still remembered as a hero though, so it seems that a hero doesn't necessarily need to possess raw strength or power. So I would say that Brer Rabbit possesses the cleverness that might make him a hero, but he does he use that cleverness in a way that would make him heroic?

Brer Rabbit from London Charivari, source: Wikipedia

Odysseus uses his cleverness to effectively win the war for the Greeks by creating the Trojan Horse. Brer Rabbit, though, never uses his cleverness is any cause so big. He is uses his ingenuity to save his own skin, time and time again. If Brer Rabbit were to use his brain-power to save the townspeople from Brer Wolf or Brer Fox, then I would definitely call him a hero. However, he never does anything for the greater good. So, I would call him a trickster, not a hero.

Week 7: Storytelling-

"I can't believe I've that this has happened again!"

Brer Rabbit surveyed the wreckage of his home. Bark was strewn everywhere. It didn't even remotely resemble a house anymore.

"That damn Brer Wolf keeps destroying my home. I built that first one of straw, then I built that one out of pine-tops. This last one of bark hasn't seemed to fair no better. Why's that bastard got to keep messing with me and family? He ain't got no right to be wrecking my stuff," thought Brer Rabbit angrily.

His feud with Brer Fox and Brer Wolf had lasted as long as he could remember. However, he was beginning to get tired of it.

"Kids," yelled Brer Rabbit! "Where are you?!"

Then one by one, his children began to emerge from their hiding places under the bark.

"One... two... three... four... five... Where's Foo Foo? That little bunny is always disappearing."

His kids told him that Brer Wolf had taken little bunny Foo Foo off into the forest. Brer Rabbit was now angrier than he'd even been in his short, little life.

"If that wolf, for the love of god, shows up at my door again, I promise that I'll kill him. He'll never steal one of my children again!"

So, Brer Rabbit had a new house built. This one had a strong rock foundation and was made with solid planks of wood. He also had a small hiding built for his kids, just in case the wolf found his way in.

Some time later, Brer Rabbit was sitting on his porch, enjoying the day. But then, he heard a commotion up the road. Holding up a hand to block the sun, he saw Brer Wolf running straight for his front door.

"Kids, go hide in the basement!"

Not moments after his kids had been safely hidden, Brer Rabbit heard a pounding at the door. Brer Wolf was begging to be let in, saying that there was a pack of dogs after him. Smiling to himself, Brer Rabbit quickly opened the door to let him in.

"Come, Brer Wolf, I have a great hiding spot for you. Hop in this chest and I'll make sure that those dogs never get you."

He locked the chest closed, and then he went and retrieved his children. He had them put a pot of water on the stove. Finally, he grabbed a drill and began boring holes in the chest.

"Don't worry Brer Wolf, these holes are so you can breathe. There are still a few dogs sniffing around."

Winking at his kids, he asked them to get the now boiling hot water off the stove. He began to pour the scalding water into the little holes that he'd made.

"Don't worry Brer Wolf. You only feel some fleas biting. I promise that it will all be ok!"

He continued to pour the steaming water, until he had fulfilled his promise. Brer Wolf would never bother Brer Rabbit or anyone else ever again. In fact, if you ever visit Brer Rabbit's house, you'll see a wolf pelt hanging up in the back porch.

Brer Rabbit and his Family, source: Wikipedia

Author's Note-

This a re-telling of The Aweful Fate of Mr. Wolf from the perspective of Brer Rabbit. Brer Wolf, as it says in the story, continuously troubles Brer Rabbit by destroying his house and stealing his children. Eventually, Brer Rabbit has enough of it, and kills him with scalding water in front of his kids, which I thought was a little weird. 

Bibliography-

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

Week 7: Reading Diary- Brer Rabbit

These are my thought on the African tales of Brer Rabbit...

The Calamus Root:

Well, the dialect definitely makes this a chore to read. However, reading it out loud makes it a lot easier. I always wondered where the "Brer" came from in Brer rabbit, but it seems, based on the dialect, that it is a truncation of brother. I do find it interesting that Brer Rabbit outsmarted Brer Fox. Usually, the fox is the most cunning creature, but not this time!

The Wonderful Tar-Baby Story:

So the Fox does outsmart the rabbit this time! I wonder what the lesson in this story is? It seems like Brer Rabbit should have kept on going after he got ignored, but instead he gets offended. He eventually turns to hitting the Tar-Baby and that is his undoing. It's interesting that this is the most famous of all the Brer Rabbit stories.

Why Mr. Possum Loves Peace:

I kind of like that the Possum got called by the Raccoon for being a coward. the explanation we get is a little interesting though. Brer Possum is good in any fight that doesn't involve tickling. It is the tickling that causes him to play dead, which is a likely story!

How Mr. Rabbit was too Sharp for Mr. Fox:

So this is the story with the famous brier patch. Brer Rabbit manages to trick Brer Fox into throwing him into the brier patch, where he is able to escape. Naturally, he still can't keep his mouth shut, so he calls back to Brer Fox. Cleverness is looking like the most desirable trait based on these stories.

Mr. Fox is Outdone by Mr. Buzzard:

Reading the dialect is getting easier. I kind of like it actually, because it adds a little more character to the story. It feels like I'm reading an original, not a translation. Brer Fox seems like he gets outsmarted by everyone haha. Even the Buzzard is smarter than he is.

Mr. Wolf Makes a Failure:

Brer Wolf does a good job of setting up Brer Rabbit, but Brer Fox ends up ruining it. Brer Rabbit gets him to holler out, proving that he's not dead. I also like the little saying that Brer Rabbit has. Like "Too many friends spoils dinner." You can tell that these stories are meant to teach lessons, as well as entertainment.

Mr. Fox Tackles Old Man Tarrypin:

So from the notes, it sounds like the turtle has been a key character in many fables. The turtle always finds a way to get back to the water. Mr. Fox, though, can't do anything haha. He always ends up losing whatever he wants.

The Awful Fate of Mr. Wolf:

So Brer Rabbit kills Brer Wolf by pouring scalding water on him. That seems pretty brutal for a story like this. Brer Rabbit's children are even laughing at Brer Wolf, because they know what is about to happen. I guess different cultures have different expectations for children's stories.

Week 6: Essay- What makes a hero?

I think the concept of a "hero" has been present in every civilization. Accordingly, I think that every person or civilization has its own way of defining what make a hero heroic. Is it super strength? Or is it the ability to overcome incredible obstacles? There are a lot of things that I think going into making a hero, but I think that most fundamental trait that a hero must possess is selflessness. In my opinion, a hero becomes more than just a really powerful being whenever he or she begins to make sacrifices for those around them. In fact, I think that this trait is more important than super strength or any other power. This self-sacrifice, when coupled with super powers, is what creates "superheroes."

            

For example, Superman is arguably the greatest superhero of all time, or at least the most recognizable. We all know his powers: flying, super strength, having bullets bounce off of him, shooting lasers from his eyes, etc. But what good do these powers do if he uses them selfishly? If he gets really selfish, then he becomes not a superhero, but a super-villain. Even if he's kind of neutral, then he still isn't really a hero. Therefore, it is unfailing commitment to do good, and to protect the lives of those around him that make him heroic. His super powers only make him more equipped to do those things.

Superman, source: flickr

           

On the other hand though, I read about the The Monkey King, Sun Wu Kung this week. He was certainly powerful. He called himself the "Great Saint who is Heaven's Equal" and got away with it. However, I would never in a million describe this King as heroic. All of the decisions he makes are selfish. He cares very little about anyone other than himself. He uses his considerable power for his own gain. So, judging by my criteria, the Monkey King is most definitely not a hero. Though he clearly has the potential to be an awesome superhero. I guess to sum up points, I would say that heroism has nothing to do with strength or power, and it has everything to do with self-sacrifice.

Week 6: Storytelling- The Ape King's Diary

Dear Diary,

            I have been more insulted in my incredible life than yesterday. While I was at the table dining, I was told by that my position of Stablemaster was no office at all. It doesn't even carry any rank! Can you believe that? How could the Jade Emperor, the supposed Lord of the Heavens, give me such a lowly job? I am Sun Wu Kung. I am the Ape King. I am the Venerable Sun! How dare he?!

            Do these heavenly officials not know who I am? Do they not know that I can travel eighteen thousand miles in one turn of my cloud somersaults? Do they not know that I have discovered the way to eternal life? I have travelled to the Nether World, and I have erased my name from the book of life. Therefore, I have no need to fear Death the Ancient anymore! Do they not know that I have mastered the art of transformation? With just one of my hairs I can summon thousands of myself, and who else can work such magic? Do they not know that I was victorious in battle against the Devil King? Who else can wield Riyu Jingu Bang, my magical staff taken from the Dragon-King and Dragon-Queen? No one can! There are none who are strong enough! On  my mountain, I am a father. I am a King. I am practically... no, I am a god on my mountain! The evening star was right to advise them to show me mercy. For, there are none among them who could defeat me. Not even the Buddha in all his wisdom and power could overcome me!

            Blessed be my family! They showed me a proper reception today. My loyal prepared a glorious banquet in my honor. If only those in the Heavens were so wise. I especially liked those two devil-kings. Their horns were impressive, but there words were even more so. "The Great Saint who is Heaven's Equal" they called me. A more fitting name has never been given! Mark my words, there will be a day when the Lord of the Heavens, and all of his officials, and all the world will bow in wonder at my greatness! I promise you that I, Sun Wu Kung, the Venerable Sun, the Ape King will see to it that this day comes soon. In fact, it is already on the horizon. They will send the whole host after me. They will try, but they will fail, for I am the Great Saint who is Heaven's Equal!

Sun Wu Kung depicted by Yoshitoshi, source: Wikipedia

Author's Note-

I based this fake diary entry off of The Great Saint, a story about the famous Monkey King, Sun Wu Kung. He is extremely powerful, and he knows it. So I thought it would be interesting to explore his anger about being belittled by the Heavenly hosts. Obviously, he is super arrogant, so he doesn't handle it well!

Bibliography-

"The Great Saint"

"The Ape Sun Wu Kung" in The Chinese Fairy Book

Edited by R. Wilhelm and translated by Frederick H. Martens

1921

Week 6: Reading Diary- The Monkey King

These are my thoughts on The Monkey King- Sun Wu Kung...

Handsome King of Apes:

This story already seems allegorical. Is Sun Wu Kung the stone ape that is hatched out of the magic egg in the story? Also, it seems kind of weird that the gods would be afraid of the stone ape, because they are gods after all. This island seems pretty cool though. Maybe it is a Chinese version of the garden of Eden?

The Great Sea:

So Sun Wu Kung is the Ape King. The Monkey King is not just a nickname, he really is a monkey, at least in the story. The Ape King leaves his perfect island, so that he can go to the realm of the mortals and find the secrets to immortality from the Buddhas or the blessed spirits. He seems to look down on the human pursuits of honor and wealth.

Sun Wu Kung Gets His Name:

He finds a wood-chopper in the mountains that leads him to a divine teacher in the "mountain of the heart." I wonder why the writer included the wood-chopper? The teacher then gives him his name and instructs him in cleaning, working the fields and other menial tasks. When he begins to teach truth, Sun Wu King dances for joy.

The Master:

The master offers to teach Sun Wu Kung the way to the truth, but Sun Wu Kung refuses to learn all of them, because none of them offer a way to earn eternal life. While being rebuked, Sun Wu Kung realizes that he is supposed to visit the master late at night. Your notes say that Sun Wu Kung is a representation of the "monkey mind."

Learning the Art:

The master does end up teaching Sun Wu Kung the incantation that will lead him to eternal life. He also warns him that three troubles will befall him, and he has to overcome these if he wants live as long as the heavens. In order to prepare him, the master teaches him an incantation that allows him to shape-shift. He also learns to fly.

Sun Wu Kung Departs:

Sun Wu Kung gets kicked out  by the master after showing off for the other disciples. I'm sure this is supposed to teach the reader a lesson. Sun Wu Kung initially scoffed at the human pursuits of honor and wealth, but it seems like he has given into the notion of impressing those around him. The master threatens him with hell if he tells anyone of his teaching.

The Devil King:

Sun Wu Kung returns to his home island to find that a devil king has captured many of his children. He goes to confront the evil king, and he uses his new found magic power to defeat the king. He transforms one of his hairs into little apes who aid him in his fight. Maybe this was one of the three dangers he would have to overcome?

The Dragon King:

The Monkey King is turning into a General. He is teaching his people how to fight. However, he cannot find a weapon that suits himself. So, he goes to see the Dragon King, be he still cannot find a weapon that is heavy enough for him. For someone so learned, it seems that having a weapon is unnecessary.

The Dragon Queen:

The queen tells the king to show Sun Wu Kung some magical staff that was used to measure the depths of the ocean by some god. Sun Wu Kung is finally satisfied by this weapon, but then he demands a suit of armor. The Dragon King calls his brothers together, and they give Sun Wu Kung a suit of golden armor. The Monkey King is beginning to come across as a huge jerk. I bet he is humbled soon.

The Nether World:

He is dragged to the nether world in one of his dreams. There, he uses his power to erase his name and all the other apes' names from the book of life. Thus, they never died. However, all of these other powers are beginning to complain about him to the lord of the heavens. So i wonder what is going to happen with that

Lord of the Heavens:

Word of Sun Wu Kung's exploits reach the Jade Emperor, the lord of the heavens. However, nothing bad happens to him. Instead, he is rewarded with a position in the heavenly stables, where he excels. For how arrogant and "monkey-minded" he is, Sun Wu Kung always seems to do pretty well.

The Great Saint:

Naturally, Sun Wu Kung, who keeps calling himself the "Venerable Sun," feels that the stablemaster position is beneath him. So, he returns to his mountain. There two demon-kings tell him that he should be called the "Great Saint Who is Heaven's Equal." He agrees. This has the feel of Lucifer trying to call himself equal to God, before being cast out of heaven.

Notscha, Son of Li Dsing:

Hearing of Wu Kung's revolt, the Jade Emperor sends out other deities in order to capture him. However, Sun Wu Kung is too strong, so they decide to grant him his title. Again, it is the evening star who advises the Jade Emperor to this course of action. Why is such arrogance rewarded?

The Queen-Mother of the West:

This definitely has a biblical feel. Sun Wu Kung is ordered to watch over a peach orchard, but these peaches grant immortality. Sun Wu Kung eats all of them, so there are hardly any left when the Queen-Mother tries to prepare her banquet.

Laotzse:

He is so irresponsible and selfish. He ends up stealing a large amount of wine and pills from various deities' houses. He is a terrible hero, who has done nothing to help anyone except himself. He's definitely not a positive character. Maybe he'll get redeemed?

Guan Yin:

Sun Wu Kung defeats all of the heavenly host, seemingly, pretty easily. I thought it was interesting to note that the Lord of the Heavens was able to be frightened. These gods don't appear to be very god-like. Anyways, one champion is chosen to defeat Sun Wu Kung, and it is the Jade Emperor's grandson.

Yang Oerlang:

Yang Oerlang ans Sun Wu Kung have an epic battle. It's full of shape-shifting and what not, but this is the first time that we have ever seen Sun Wu Kung run. He has finally met his equal. So it seems at least. He's still an arrogant punk, trying to take over Yang Oerlang's own temple.

Buddha:

Sun Wu Kung is finally captured, but the gods have no way of executing him. They try to throw him in an oven, but even that doesn't work. So the Jade Emperor asks Buddha for help as a last resort. The Buddha comes not to fight him, but to "tame" him.

The Destiny of Sun Wu Kung:

The Buddha is finally a force that is more powerful than Sun Wu Kung. He ends up trapping him beneath a mountain, from which he is released after many hundred years. It says that he is polite and respectful from that time forward, but that is tough to believe.

Journey to the West (Synopsis):

Everything up to this point has only been a minor introduction to the characters. In the rest of the story, it seems like Sun Wu Kong plays a pretty minor role. However, it is said that he attains buddhahood at the end of his journey. I still don't like him very much.

Journey to the West (conclusion):

Through all the travels it seems like Sun Wu Kung redeemed himself. He appeared to actually make sacrifices and think about other more than himself, which would finally make him heroic, in my opinion. Lucky for him, he was given many second chances.