Reading Notes: Crane (Brothers Grimm), Part A

The "Robber Bridegroom" caught my attention, so I knew I had to read about The Brothers Grimm.
In the story of the Fisherman and his Wife, the wife was really starting to annoy me with how unsatisfied she was with everything. I would have left such a terrible person, or at least, not have married her.. I liked that the bride had a gut feeling that the man wasn't a good one. Female instincts are not be mocked! I would have run from that house the moment I heard that voice seemingly come from nowhere. Yikes, what a dark house. I tried my best not to visualize what happened with the other young girl..At least she got justice in the end. Good riddance.

Serves her right. Image: Un-Textbook

Reading Notes: Italian Popular Tales, Part A

For the extra-credit reading this week, I went with Italian Popular Tales. As always, I'm a sucker for all things princess. Sisters can never be a good thing in these stories.. I think it's so tragically ironic that the youngest daughter asked for something so simple and pure compared to the other two, yet that's what led to her father's predicament. It's so different from Beauty and the Beast, but I recognize a few similarities here and there. It does suck that she chose to marry him simply because he had the power to heal her father. I liked the last story; I think I've read another version of it, and I liked that the snake was defeated by his own ideas.

Always the villain, never the hero.. Image: Pixabay

Reading Notes: Puss in Boots, Part B

Finishing off Puss in Boots!
First off, I had no idea that troll head meat was as good as beef.. I had to reread that a few times to make sure I understood it properly. I echoed the wife's sentiments on leaving a huge sack of money on the floor because he was worried about a cow.. So the trolls can also be candles? At least they got their fish from an actual river., even if their eyes are apparently connected to fish. I wonder what the moral is here haha, because this guy is a unique one. Is it terrible that all I want is to be rich, as well? How funny that the same spot grew a plant saying his secret. Thank goodness it's not real life!

No candle? No problem. Image: Blogspot

Reading Notes: Puss in Boots, Part A

This week, I decided to read Puss in Boots! He was one of my favorite characters in the movie Shrek, so I was interested to hear about his roots. It's hard to imagine him without his accent and sword. His cleverness with the ogre was entertaining to imagine in my head. How odd for a daughter to say she looks at her dad like she looks at salt in her food.. I mean, I guess it could be a compliment since salt adds flavor to food? I liked the Cinderella parallel here, even though it was the King's son, so doesn't that make them siblings? I was glad to hear how she did end up meaning the salt comment in a good way, though, even if it could have been worded a little better. The story about the dragon was slightly confusing.. Did he say the making his back straight comment because the guy was a hunchback? That didn't really make sense to me.

How the dragon was tricked... Image: BlogSpot

Reading Notes: Beowulf, Part B

So for this week, I continued reading Beowulf!
Firstly, the part with the monster just walking around was pretty terrifying. Of course, at the same time, Beowulf is also having a nightmare. I didn't realize their first encounter would be so soon. I'm so surprised that no one else woke up though, even if magic was at work.. I liked that Beowulf didn't kill him, but at least, got the upper hand in that fight, which was a little too gruesome for me. I like his fighting spirit. Of course, Grendel has a mother who sounds just as terrifying as him. I thought Grendel would be the only climax to this part, so I like that they gave him more challenges. How sad that he had to die, but I'm glad he did it victoriously.

See? Super creepy. Image: Stories of Beowulf

Reading Notes: Robin Hood, Part B

Part B started with a classic well known "Robin Hood move" in stealing from the rich to give to the poor. It was ironic to me how in the second story, the other beggars call Little John a low-life when they're doing the exact same thing.. At least he got some money for his troubles. Also, how was the old woman mistaken for a young, strong man?? While an entertaining picture, I was skeptical of its success. I like that for all of Robin Hood's good traits, he still has some vanity about him, which is what the Golden Arrow part is built on, even if he was disguised, yet again. I was a little sad to hear about his death. The story does a good job of developing him, and you end up knowing Robin Hood well after reading about all of his adventures.

The man himself. Image: The Robin Hood Project

Reading Notes: Ballads of Robin Hood, Part A

For this week, I'm reading about Robin Hood! Like a lot of others, I'm sure, I first heard about Robin Hood when I was maybe 5 years old. I was always torn on him stealing from the rich even though he was giving to the poor, because it was technically still stealing, right? While reading, I couldn't help but hear the words being read aloud in a Scottish accent. The name "Little John" for such a large fellow reminded me a little of Lenny Small in Of Mice and Men. I noticed the author used the word "bold" frequently before Robin Hood's name. He seems much more sly in this version that the fairy tale we're all so used to hearing. I was surprised to see the Robin Hood actually fought the pedlar to the point of "blood in streams did flow." At least he seems to become friends with everyone eventually. It's definitely interesting, even if it's slightly hard to understand completely.

With all that red, some might say he resembles another jolly man who also has an affinity for red and gifts.
Image: Look and Learn History Picture Library

Reading Notes: Beowulf, Part A

For this week, I decided to read Beowulf. I remembered some of my high schools read a version of this poem, so it caught my eye. I liked all the descriptive imagery on the first page alone like their eyes burning blue like the sea and their helmets being decorated with black ravens' wings. I found myself feeling sorry for Beowulf early on. He was strong, but he was lonely. The imagery in the Wanderer's song was amazing. The "limitless gray sea" and the "green-white icebergs floating treacherously" added a lot to a song, something that isn't seen to begin with, let alone in a story. I['m excited about the second part, to see if Beowulf successfully defeats the monster or not.

The great confidence of the king and queen in Beowulf. Image: Google Books: The Story of Beowulf 

Reading Notes: Native American Marriage Tales, Part B

I continued the second half of Native American Marriage Tales.
I liked the mysterious allure of the women on the rock, but I was a little surprised to see no one had any problems with him killing his "brothers-in-law" for food. Then, as I kept reading, I realized that was simply me making judgments too quickly.. It's an interesting concept, living by killing each other. I wonder why no one could touch him for 8 days, and how the deer knew about this rule. I would have liked a little more backstory there. I was also surprised that his former wife married and apparently had no problem with her man going and marrying another woman without her knowledge. I liked that this story laid the foundation for the high regard the Native Americans had for the deer. I liked the story, especially the fact that no one died, like in my last story.. The True Bride was funny. I liked that the stepsister spat out toenails instead of gold. What a contrast! I also hoped that the husband would have known his wife a little better to know that she didn't want her stepmother at the birth of their child. I wish they could have developed her personality a little more so the reader would feel more compassion when she was thrown into the lake. I liked that the four brothers came to her rescue, once again. I was surprised that the stepmother didn't take the babies, but left him under the house where the hole was. I liked the contrast between the "lazy" apple-tree, horse, and spring and the hard-working dog who ran miles and miles to help his foster-children. Also, I'm always happy when the couple ends up together and it's a happily-ever-after for everyone. Overall, I really liked this unit. I'm a sucker for romance, and most stories delivered! I liked the twists and conflicts, and everything usually tied together in the end.

The laziest and the hard-worker. Image: Public Domain Pictures

Reading Notes: Native American Marriage Tales, Part A

For this week's reading, I read Native American Marriage Tales, starting with The Piqued Buffalo-Wife. I thought it was interesting that the boy had to pick his own father as opposed to the father coming forward and claiming him. How did he know who his father was? I did like that the father had to identify his son in the end, even if some cheating was involved. I would like for there to have been a stronger bond between them. I liked The Woman Stolen by Killer Whales, but I felt like it was too short. I would make it longer if I picked this for my story. The Bear-Woman was also interesting. I didn't like the sister turning into a bear, though, since it meant her killing all those people. I also didn't understand why she continued to play with her little sister like nothing had happened.. I did like the ending where the siblings became stars in the sky, making the Big Dipper and the Bear.

Ursa Major and the Bear- the siblings' final resting place. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: American Indian Fairy Tales, Part A

I know these were American Indian fairy tales, but the moment I read "Iagoo", I immediately thought of Iago from Aladdin and had a good feeling about my story. I liked that there was a South Wind to counter the North Wind; it illustrates the importance of balance. I also like  Shin-ge-bis's boldness; he reminded me of David when he was the only one to fight and then defeat Goliath. I wish Oweenee's sisters were more supportive of her, though. It's a great thing to look at a guy's heart and not just his appearances. I'm glad she stuck to her guts, and eventually got the best of all the siblings' husbands simply because her love was the purest. I also really liked the descriptive imagery towards the end, describing the green forests and the yellow, rolling prairies.

The rolling prairies were swarming with buffalo. Image: Wikimedia Commons 

Reading Notes: Extra Credit, Crash Course: Tricksters

I actually really liked this option for reading. The animations, the stories, everything was so interesting! I picked Tricksters because I was somewhat familiar with the topic. In my Native American Studies class, we discussed tricksters and their prominent place in a lot of Native American legends. It's also the foundation of my project, so I was drawn to it from the start. I liked that animals played such a large part in the stories; they add more color and fun. I felt bad for the wolves and coyotes because they clearly don't have the best reputation. I really liked the series though, and I look forward to watching more!

Extra Credit Reading: Brer Rabbit, Part A

I did like this reading, but because the text was a little hard to understand, I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. I could understand most of it, but certain phrases like, "he wuz one er deze yer natchul pacers" had me scratching my head. I liked the Tar-baby story a lot; to be honest, it was so unrealistic, I couldn't help but laugh! I actually found out more about these stories when I watched the Crash Course Mythology videoes about Tricksters. I had no idea that they were based off of slaves and plantation owners, so that was a cool continuation of the story.

Reading Notes:The Monkey King, Part B

I was surprised that Sun Wu didn't bow to the Lord of the Heavens, but I'm glad he wasn't punished in the beginning. For his actions afterward, I have no excuse for him. It almost reminded me of Lucifer from the Bible, who also let pride get to his head. He thought he could be on the same level as God, like Sun Wu and the Lord of the Heavens. To be honest, I had almost forgotten about his many transformations until he began using them against the warriors. What an ending, I loved the twist about the pillar being Buddha's finger! I'm glad Sun Wu learned his lesson. It's probably been my most favorite story so far. I liked all the action.

He finally bested Sun Wu. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: The Monkey King, Part A

I haven't read much from Japan yet, so I thought it would be interesting to read The Monkey King. I was a little confused as to why the ape was magially born from the stone. I also didn't believe he would go unnoticed among humans for NINE years just because he was wearing a fisherman's clothes. I liked that the saint knew he was out there, but why didn't he just knock instead of hoping someone would find him? I have no clue how he understood the "secret message" from the three blows to the head. Why wouldn't the saint simply tell him? I liked the specificity of "72" times for how much he could transform himself. It gives the idea that these dangers won't be easy to fight off. I like how the story quickly progeresses as opposed to dragging with the minute details.

The Stone Ape in 2-D. Image: Pixabay

Reading Notes: Southwestern and California, Extra Credit

I read a lot about Native American creation stories and the Coyote in this reading. I liked the idea of the eagle's feathers coming down and becoming trees. It's interesting to see how many different animals are involved in these stories. I like the variety! No one would think a spider could make the world, but it's one of the cooler stories for me. I was itching to know what was in the boxes at the beginning. Coyote's seen as a clever, cunning character, so I understand how he could make the earth and light. I like that these stories address a lot of aspects of the world coming to be and they have stories for it all. They believed in the Great Flood, like Christians, I believe. Even the course of the sun is addressed in one of the stories.

The sun goes where he pleases. Image: Flickr

Reading Notes: Arabian Nights, Part B

As I've said many many times before, I'm a huge Disney fan, so naturally, I was waiting to read the original "Aladdin". It was interesting to see all the various differences between the two versions. I liked that it was multiple parts because it allows more depth to the story. I thought the part about the father's grief over the son being lazy was a bit dramatic, but I overlooked that. I liked the evil magician and his brother, but I feel like their storylines were too quickly resolved. This great and powerful magician was taken down by a little bit of poison. It's not that it's unlikely; it just seems too neat and clean. There's no real sense of urgency throughout the story, so I missed that aspect. I did like the small details, like the unfinished window in the castle and the extra genie in the ring. I wish he had more powers, though. Character-wise, I think they did a good job with Aladdin, but I wanted the princess to have some more depth to her. I could be feeling this way because the Disney version emphasized Jasmine's emotions and beliefs so strongly. Overall, I enjoyed the story. I missed Abu, of course!

The moment Aladdin fell in love with his bride-to-be. Image: Un-Textbook

Reading Notes: Arabian Nights, Part A

This week, I read Arabian Nights. First off, Scheherazade is one of the most clever and creative characters. I would not be able to tell that many stories in succession, let alone make them interesting. I was very surprised that the genie let him go, especially for an entire year! I feel like this is unlikely. I also feel like an alternative title could be "Story-ception". I don't know that my version will have characters with this much patience. They're all too trusting! I enjoyed the first part, but in all honesty, it was a little too confusing for me.I wish it would be one long story instead of a lot of little ones. It's slightly hard to follow and keep track of who's telling which story. I look forward to reading the rest, though, and finding out how it ends.

A story in a story in a story. Image: Un-Textbook

Reading Notes: The Voyages of Sindbad, Part B

What to say. I think "Luckiest Unlucky Person Ever" is the most appropriate title for Sindbad. His decision to stay home after 7 (yes, seven) terrifying, near-death experiences was a wise one. I liked that the author acknowledged the fact that he was not learning from these experiences. It's interesting to see the creativity of these stories, but they all seem to follow a pattern. Sindbad goes on an adventure, some evil befalls him, we think he may die, then he somehow gets saved and goes home with riches upon riches. It's funny how exasperated I became with him. I'm just glad he finally agreed to stay home and grow old with his family. The best part of the stories was definitely the creative detail. The author included so much imagery, it was like seeing everything in real life. Overall, it's an entertaining albeit slightly frustrating story!

He went down a dark river into the unknown and survived. Again. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Reading Notes: Voyages of Sindbad, Part A

Voyages of Sindbad taken from The Arabian Nights Storybook
I know I'm only halfway through, but I feel like this should be titled "Why Sindbad and Islands Don't Mix" or something along those lines. No matter how many islands this guy goes to, he still wants to travel the world! I'm trying to decide if I should try to include every story but a little shortened, or stick to one and make it different. I think the more realistic option would be to focus on one voyage. My favorite, by far, was the trip to the valley with the large diamonds and big birds. Even though I was slightly annoyed at Sindbad, I think he was really clever in that scene. I could never have guessed about the large hunks of meat being thrown down, but it's smart. I like that it's all told from Sindbad's point of view. It's comically dramatic, of course, but without a doubt, entertaining.

An eagle larger than an elephant? Yeah, I would be scared too. Image: Wikimedia Commons