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

Tech Tip: Ninja Cat

I'm not going to lie; it took me a while to get the hang of this game. Five minutes later, I was yelling at my cat telling him he was not fit to be a ninja. It was fun! Sometimes, I would type the right letters, but it wouldn't show up on the page? I'm not sure, but definitely one of my favorite assignments!