Extra Reading: Welsh Fairy Book (Thomas)

Extra Reading: Welsh Fairy Book (Thomas)

This collection of Welsh tales was enjoyable. I really loved the stories "Arthur in the Cave" and "St Collen and the King of Fairy". The stories were well written and easy to read. Although some of them were short it gave enough to pull a reader in. Seeing the difference in how the Welsh viewed Arthur as immortal was intriguing to me as well. At the end of  "Arthur in the Cave" I thought the sorcerer and the Welshman were done for, great use of misdirection.

The Welsh Fairy Book by W. Jenkyn Thomas with illustrations by Willy Pogány (1908) Part A

Image of St. Collens Church in Wales, Llangollen Church and graveyard in Abbey Road 

by John Haynes, 31 December 2007. Source: Wikimedia.

Reading Notes: Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes Part A

Reading Notes: Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes Part A

This collection of stories focused a lot towards the Fire Goddess Pele. These stories taught me more about Pele then I could remember and also helped to bring some stories back from memory. Adding descriptions to Hawaiian words helps the reader understand the meaning of them. I should look into using more of the Hawaiian language in my stories as Westervelt has done. It might make people more interested in the culture as a whole.

Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes by W. D. Westervelt Part A

Photo taken by Prayitno, September 18, 2014

Volcano Goddess Pele, Source: Flickr.

Reading Notes: Japanese Fairy Tales (Ozaki) Part A

The writing in the first 3 stories of the unit was done well. It kept me engaged in the story and made me want to continue through to the end. The first story gave a feeling of excitement when the centipede was coming down the mountain and there was only one arrow left. The second story gave great descriptions of visuals and had a perfect ending to a tragic start, a lot of depth. The third made you really think about life, the reflection was amazing. I am looking forward to Part B and I am going to use some of these influences in my upcoming stories.

 Japanese Fairy Tales by Yei Theodora Ozaki (1908). Part A

Rodtico21, 3 March 2013

Reading Notes Westervelt. Hawaiian Historical Legends

Reading Notes Westervelt. Hawaiian Historical Legends

Recently the movie Moana was released and it gave some insight into Hawaiian mythology, particularly about the demi-god Maui.  Being half Hawaiian I know a little about my culture and thanks to our professor have been given access to more about Hawaiian mythology. Maui was not only a demi-god in Hawaiian culture, but also all across the pacific. The comparisons from different cultures is good and they coincide with each other.

A lot of people know of Maui being a trickster but in all fairness he did it for the mortal humans. He was always looking of ways to advance and make life better for humans. That is how he gave his life, trying to gain immortality for humans. The writing is short but it gives a base to go off of. 

Maui Link to Maui Seeking Immortality

Illustration from the book "Twenty years before the mast" 

by Charles Erskine. Page 226. Source Wikimedia