Reading Notes: Europa's Fairy Book, Reading B

 

(Swan feather. Web Source: Flickr.)  

Notes. In the Swan Maidens, I cannot believe that the six eldest sisters would leave the youngest at the pond to fend for herself. They should stay together. Aside from this, the shoes of swiftness and the invisible cap are interesting items. I could add this to another story. But the thing that doesn’t make sense is why the hunter’s wife returned home. It may be because he needed to show his love through going through troubles, but I am not sure. Perhaps I may write what she was thinking.

In Androcles and the Lion, I could continue their story. Androcles and the Lion was set free, but did they stay together? I can write about their adventures together after freedom. They may even meet with other characters.

Johnnie and Grizzle was a bit like Hansel and Gretel except there were pebbles, and the parents wanted to leave them in the forest. It was messed up that the parents wanted to leave them there because they didn’t want them to die in front of them. However, it does not justify their actions to leave the children in the forest. I may have to write a piece of karma for the parents. Later on, the father gave them bread. This is where it starts to get similar with Hansel and Gretel.

I have only heard bits and pieces of Hansel and Gretel, so I was glad the Johnnie and Grizzle got a happy ending. Perhaps now, I may not need to write an unfortunate ending for the parents because they went to find them in the forest. Yet, this all could have been avoided unless having the children really caused them financial struggles.

It was so sad in Thumbkin that all the boys died except one. He turned out to be quite useful and living. I wonder how all those beans turned into boys. It would be interesting to add siblings for Thumbkin. Thumbkin went quite on an adventure. Several of these stories are about an adventure. It was very strange for him to still be alive in the stomach. It must have been traumatic. I could add his character in another story.

Bibliography. Europa's Fairy Book by Joseph Jacobs; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Europa's Fairy Book, Reading A

Notes. In Cinder-Maid, it is almost like Cinderella, but she weeps at her mother's grave and planted a hazel tree there that gave her a blue dress instead of a fairy godmother giving her a blue dress. Her rhyming brought a mist. That was interesting. Another thing that was interesting was that the stepsisters cut their parts of their foot just to get the shoe to fit. Another thing I wonder is why there was no one else who could fit it. I might make it comedic to have a man try it on. I wonder if I should write a story to give Cinderella a nice stepmother.

Perhaps for Beauty and the Beast, I could add more interaction between Belle and her sisters. That is something that was a bit lacking, because they lived together in the end, but I am not sure about their relationship prior to her marrying a prince. Like many stories, the sisters might get jealous and try to kill her.

(Three friends. Web Source.)

In the Language of Animals, Jack's story was quite interesting with his travels and learning to understand animal language. I can go in depth with his schooling or his friend who admires him. In his schooling, his teacher could have an all-knowing animal. So, instead of learning from the teacher, he learns from the teacher's pet. And in Jack's story, he always has a friend. I can write about his friend boasting about Jack at a bar or something. Because he is with Jack, he might even learn a thing or two.

I have not read about a giant before. Perhaps I can add that character to a story. In A Dozen At a Blow, I am not quite sure if I like the main character. Although he is witty, he is cheating. With his wits, I could even insert him into one of the other stories. He can travel with Jack in the Language of Animals.

Another story I could write about is the cat's background in The Earl of Cattenborough. Since the cat did all the talking and thinking, I wonder if they liked the cat or John/Jack.

Bibliography. Europa's Fairy Book by Joseph Jacobs; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Grimm (LibriVox) Unit, Reading B

Notes. In the Queen Bee, the dwarf brother stops them from eating, but how will they get their strength? The idea of the tablets are quite magical. It seemed that if they started reading it, they would have to do what it said even if they didn’t find anything yet. The story was quite intriguing because the lives the dwarf asked his brothers to spare helped him in the end. It would be interesting to write a story like this except I would write about three different components that helped the dwarf.

The Twelve Huntsmen has an interesting plot. Women disguise as men for the hope of love. I was surprised that the real bride did not do anything and that there were no consequences for the new king. This plot would be interesting to write about. I could write about a daughter who disguises herself in order to find her lover who she does not know the name of. Or she can even disguise herself to get revenge.

(Purple Star Lily. Web Source: Flickr.)

In Jorinda and Jorindel, the fairy was strange because she kept women as birds but banished men. I liked her shape-shifting powers. I also liked the idea of a safeguard item. I could add that item into another story or make up a story about that item. How about instead of the invisibility cloak in the Twelve Dancing Princesses, I could write about the flower. If not, I could write how the king would give the soldier a flower for his reward.

In the Twelve Dancing Princesses, I like the idea of an invisibility cloak. I never thought that the princesses gave the men wine to drink first. The idea of the men dying if they do not find the cause to the princesses dancing during nights is quite harsh. I have watched Barbie and the Twelve Dancing Princesses before and it is interesting to read the Brother Grimm’s version. I could write a bit about how the eldest liked the soldier and more about their relationship.

Bibliography. Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Grimm (LibriVox) Unit, Reading A

(Girl and Boy about to kiss.)

Notes. In Rapunzel, I was surprised that the prince fell down and got blinded from the thorns. I thought that the Enchantress would have had a hand in it, but that did not seem to be the case. In this story, I could change the enchantress into a nice enchantress. She might be growing an abundance of plants in order to help people. She can be a traveling enchantress who goes around and helps people. However, since she is not home and looks mean, her neighbors think she is evil. In actuality, she can be a nice enchantress. And even, Rapunzel’s parents can return the favor by having Rapunzel learn techniques from the enchantress.

Another story I could write based off Rapunzel is her magical voice. The prince hears her beautiful song but doesn’t know it is her. He sees he enchantress call for Rapunzel to let her hair down so he tries it too. However, he doesn’t tie her being alone in the tower and the singing he heard together. He thinks they are different people until later on, when he catches Rapunzel singing and they live happily ever after.

Clever Elise was a bit different. It wasn’t much to my liking. I almost believed she was smart until I thought about it more. At the end, I figured that she was not actually smart, but smart in her own way.

In Briar Rose, I wonder why they couldn’t make another plate and invite all the fairies. They were rich and could definitely afford it. Even if it was scarce, others would have had some gold. They could have bought it or traded for it. Also, the plates did not have to be gold.

Reading the part where the prince found Briar Rose makes me wonder if the first person who found her wasn’t him. What if it was one of his knights? The knight was honest, yet he failed to become Briar Rose’s soulmate. Another twist could be that he kissed Briar Rose first, but she didn’t wake up yet. She woke up after he went to get the prince and returned.

Bibliography. Fairy Tales by the Brothers Grimm; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Canterbury Tales, Reading B

Notes. In Little Hugh, I felt so sad for him! I cannot believe that such an innocent little boy was killed. Writing a better story for Hugh would make me feel much better. He sincerely deserves it. If I chose this story, I will write about his pure heart and the evil plot against him. I will write about his near death but the seed in his mouth will surely revive him. As a result, he will be taken care of after death and while he is alive. He will be considered he blessed man. I can even add a part of the song at the beginning of the story as well to add more of an impact. Additionally, I could add information about how the Jew who killed him felt shame at the end.

(Dreaming. Web Source.)

The part I liked in the Cock, the Hen, and the Fox was the dream that came true. It is quite interesting because this is very unlikely in real life. Anyway, it was weird for the friend who dreamed of his friends’ messages did what his friend told him to do. He actually found out his body. It was sad but I was glad that the innkeeper and the other person received their karma and justice. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

Although it would be interesting to blend this in while writing about Hugh, it would take away the magical aspect of being chosen. Or perhaps Hugh can dream of seeing an angel or something. He might be warned about his death but he cannot avoid it.

In the Priest who learned to be a philosopher, I sympathized with the unknowing priest. He was too trustful and greedy to a degree. Also, I felt that the philosopher had no morals. He lied and tricked a priest!

I believe that I may write about Hugh or about Arviragus’ love life and the fortune teller’s obstruction. Those two are the stories that I feel I would be interested in writing.

Bibliography. Canterbury Tales by Eva March Tappan; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Canterbury Tales, Reading A

 

(Knight by Sam Howzit. Web Source: Flickr.)

Notes. There are different type of characters like an apothecary, knights, princesses, summoners, and commoners. Since there is a theme to this, I will make sure that my characters are these different types of characters.

In the Promise of Dorigen, there are lots of parts I could base this week’s story on. There are songs that Aurelius sang about Dorigen. I could write a few stanzas of the song and write about their first meeting. I was surprised the guy, Aurelius, let her, Dorigen, go back to her husband, Arviragus. And then, the magician didn’t charge Aurelius for his service. They all were so nice that it was too much like a fairytale.

Aside from this, I could write how Dorigen and Arviragus got together. Perhaps, I could write how they met from his point-of-view. Then, I could write about a fortune teller coming in to ruin his future with her because she wanted him to be his daughter’s husband. However, at the end, he would marry his Dorigen regardless. I could write about the magic part as well. I could write more about the magician and his point-of-view.

In the Revelers, I was thinking that the place the old man referred them to would make them fall off and die. For example, when they go there, they would stand at the tree together and their weight would make the land crumble. However, they lived much longer than that. I was very surprised that the old man even told them of the place. It held money. Although he may guess that they would kill each other, it was not a sure thing that they would do so. Perhaps I can write a story that changed the ending. I would write a bit about their background. Since there were three men, I could have one be a rouge knight, another a lazy husband, and the last will be sleazy merchant. Also, I would write about the bad things they did.

Bibliography. Canterbury Tales by Eva March Tappan; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: English Fairy Tales, Reading B

Notes. In Henny Penny, I was sure that there would be bad news after the fox told them to go in the hole. I am glad the chicken was able to yell before dying. However, I am sad that Henny Penny ran off and didn’t do anything to revenge their deaths.

In Mr. Fox, no one knew who he was. In the beginning, I had an idea of writing about him, but it seems like the rest of the story focused on him. I was very surprised to know about his background. It was very gruesome and evil.

(Sofa. Web source.)

In Mr. Miacca Tommy was clever yet naughty at the same time. I am glad that there is a figure like Mr. Miacca to scare kids. It will teach him and other kids to be afraid, but it is not too extreme. I was surprised when Tommy gave a leg to Mr. Miacca, it was a sofa leg instead of his own leg. I actually thought it was Tommy’s leg.

In Fairy Ointment I was shocked that the nurse got punched in the eye and became blind forever. I can write a story about what people thought of the nurse. The nurse would not tell anyone of how she got blind, so there were absurd rumors. The setting would be in a family’s home and after the nurse’s death but before her funeral. The children from that home would ask about the nurse. The parents would tell her who they were and then go on about the rumors of her blind eye. She probably got poisoned while doing a bad job. She probably got kicked in the eye by a horse. The nurse may have gotten cursed by witch because she helped someone the witch attacked. There are lots of possibilities.

I think that I will be writing about either the dog who stole the candles in the Rose Tree like I mentioned in the previous post or about the harp in Binnoire. Regarding the harp, it would be in a museum. A man couldn’t help but touch the harp and he went back in time. He knows about the story about the harp and tries to change it in order to help the main character. However, he can’t get back until the woman is dead. Therefore, he becomes her partner until she is dead and then he can return to present life.

Bibliography. English Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: English Fairy Tales, Reading A

Notes. Going off the story of Tom Tit Tot, I could write about what she did while the skeins were being made. It says that the girl thought of names all day. I will include that, her feelings, and things that distracted her. Or I could write about the perspective of Tom Tit Tot. I could write how he heard her crying. However, instead of actually wanting her, he just used the three names per night as an excuse to do a good deed. He didn’t really want her. He may even lament about how much he despises humans, and think of killing and eating her.

In the Rose Tree, the dog stole the candles three times. I can go in depth as to why he did that. He may have done that as orders from her stepmother or he may have done that because he needed the candles. I may create a situation where he needs the candles, and later on, he will meet the girl in dove form and apologize to her. Then, he will explain why he did it.

In the Old Woman and Her Pig, it was fun and musical. I can hear the woman talking in my ears. If I were to write a story about this, I would keep the same concept but write about different things that create a domino effect.

In Binnoire, I am very surprised that he made a harp out of the woman’s hair and bones. It is surreal. In my story, I could make her haunt her sister. Instead of breaking at the end, I will make her successful in her revenge and travel with the harpist forever.

 (salt)

In Cap O’ Rushes, I really liked the daughter who was kicked out. It was unfair that she was kicked out because the father did not understand what she meant about the salt. I was glad to read about the salt reoccurring in the story again.

Bibliography. English Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs; link to reading online. 

Reading Notes: American Indian Fairy Tales, Reading B

Notes. In the Boy Who Snared the Sun, it was interesting that ordinary things could be sacred. For example, a small fire was watched over by two old witches. Aside from this, catching the sun is quite strange in reality, but anything can happen in myths.

There are interesting questions that two stories in this unit asked whether in question form or sentence form. In How the Summer Came, a sentence says, “Suppose there was no summer anywhere.” In Fairy Bride, the question is “Where was this Happy Land—this place without pain or care?” These sentences are so interesting that I can think of a story that goes with them.

In How the Summer Came, I can write about a story with only winter conditions. It will be something like the movie The Day After Tomorrow. People are stuck with winter after mistreating the Earth. So, I can go into detail about a family’s daily activity.

Aside from this, another story I could write is about O-jeeg’s deeds. O-jeeg knew about the landscape he frequented, and he was able to transform into a fisher or marten. He knew how to hunt, he was friends with animals, and when he transformed, he was somewhat invincible but he had a weak spot.

(Cracked window. Web Source.)

Another story I could write is inspired from how the sky cracked showing a summer-like land. I can make a story about a dream in a dream. A little girl is stuck in a pretend world that feels real until a family member of hers cracks the pretend world and brings her back to reality. I can even expand this story with some parts of Fairy Bride. The girl who finds a happy land, but it’s not what she thinks it is. A girl who always has a longing of something that she can’t explain. She’s just drawn to this place. She felt out of place in the world she was in. And then her real brother cracks the world she is in and she returns home.

Bibliography. American Indian Fairy Tales by W.T. Larned; link to reading online. 

Reading Notes: American Indian Fairy Tales, Reading A

Notes. In Shin-ge-bis Fools the North Wind, I liked how there was two highly different characters. There was the North Wind and South Wind. I really liked the South Wind character who brought spring with his presence. The North Wind’s overall appearance and description was suitable. While reading, I was predicted that his anger would melt off the icicles on him, but that did not happen. Shin-ge-bis was very clever in his plan to weaken the North Wind. I was very surprised that he was able to beat the North Wind.

In the Little Boy and Girl in the Clouds, animals interacted with people long in the past. I liked reading how the detailed description of the variety of animals. I have thoughts of writing a story where people go in the past. The first part of this story could be a good foundation to this storytelling style. Nowadays, animals are mostly scared of people already. A character will go back in the past and see how differently animals behaved. Therefore, it will make the child cherish all animals and try to make a connection with them in the future.

In the second part of the Little Boy and Girl in the Clouds, I was very surprised that an insignificant worm was the savior of the kids. It clearly sent a message to me and most likely future readers.

In the Child of the Evening Star, I never expected the ugly man, Osseo to be the child. He was sent down because of a curse. This definitely reminded me of Beauty and the Beast in a way even though it was not exactly the same. It was sad and tragic that as he became young, his wife, Oweenee became old. This part, I can expand Osseo’s thought process before he became young again. As he saw the tree, he could have a flash of the future. However, he did not see too far in the future, which led him to jump in the hollow tree without thinking of what would happen next.

(Descending to Earth. Web Source: Flickr) 

In the last part, Osseo and Oweenee’s son made the evening start descend back to Earth. It makes me wonder what happened next. Was the son punished? What happened to the King of the Evening Star? Who was all affected? There were several questions I had. 

Bibliography. American Indian Fairy Tales by W.T. Larned; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Native American Marriage Tales, Reading B

(Turkey)

Notes. Girl and the turkeys sounded a lot like Cinderella (which is clarified in the notes on the second part). She has worn out clothes, but she is beautiful. There is a dance as well. It all sounds very magical and like a fairy tale. The turkeys are helping her. It is different from Cinderella because I can totally see how the girl can forget the turkeys. I dread the misfortune that may fall on her, which in the end, did occur.

It was interesting how the turkey made a beautiful outfit from picking at and stepping on the girl’s clothes. I can make a story where an ugly rich person becomes beautiful after being stepped on by these turkeys. I’ll say that the turkeys are old and ancient with magical powers. Not all turkeys can do this, so people spread the information about the special turkeys like rumors. An ugly man who wishes to go to a dance and find his love searches for these turkeys who is taken care of by a beautiful woman who wears old clothes. So, in the end, the man and woman married each other, disregarding the dance altogether.

In contrast with the Girls and the Turkeys, the True Bride gives us a female character that is not a goody-goody. She knows that she has a bad stepmother. And, it’s interesting. She has character and she is not naïve. I love how the boys are very helpful and skilled. It was such a strange idea to have the girl spit gold. It is not really sanitary, but it was gold.

In the third part, they even helped the girl although they were not mentioned in the part where she got married. After reading how much the girl was helped, I am very glad that they were able to help her. I really liked the idea of the dog running and passing people who wanted him to ask the Sun questions. This can be a part of a story all by itself. I could write ideas about other animals or things the dog passed.

Bibliography. Native American Marriage Tales by Stith Thompson; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Native American Marriage Tales, Reading A

(Buffalo Calf)

 

Notes. In the Piqued Buffalo-Wife, I wondered how the boy would know his father through just looking at him. Perhaps he had some special smelling power. I’m not sure. I could go into detail about this question through writing my own story. To go with the smelling power, I would say that the child has special powers from his father. In the original story, it was sad when the father was supposed to return the favor, he failed. He needed a sign and help from his son. So, in the new story, I could write that the father knew who the son was each time because of his powers. And then in the end, they would return home, mother, father, and son.

In Splinter-Foot-Girl (Part 2), it talks about moles and badgers who work in secret. If I were to not write about the Father and Son having special powers in story, I could write about moles and badgers helping them figure out who the son was. There are talking inanimate objects as well, such as a rock and tree. There are many possibilities from this story that I would be able to incorporate in the story about the father identifying the son and vice versa. Aside from this, the bull is able to smell. Perhaps this can be a part of why the son was able to figure out who his father was. It seemed like he was able to transform from bull to human. If so, his buffalo/bull senses could work as a human as well.

The Eagle and Whale Husbands were interesting because they took humans as wives. It was unfortunate that they were killed later, but it was surprising that they wanted them as wives, but not their own kind. It was strange because they wanted to go home even though they said that they wanted an eagle for a husband and a whale for a husband.

In the Bear-Woman, I was astonished when the sister became and real bear and returned to being a person. It would be a nice idea for my story about the father and son. The mother could be like the bear woman.

Bibliography. Native American Marriage Tales by Stith Thompson; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Stories from Congo, Reading B

Notes. There were a few shape shifting stories in this folklore unit. I can probably use this idea in my story. I liked a few stories from this reading. A lot of them I felt passive towards.

 (Spider and web: Web source)

I did not realize how the story would go in How the Spider Won and Lost Nzambi’s Daughter. In the end, Nzambi gave them monetary value of what the daughter was worth. This is peculiar. In stories similar to this, I hear of the father giving it to the person who did the most important job. However, in this story, he gave his daughter to no one. It was something different, but it was nice. If I were to write a story about this, I would write it from the father’s point-of-view. It would show his internal conflict. Also, I would add more to his bond with his daughter. He would be more loving and not want her to get married. Perhaps, he told people to get the thing because he was angry at his daughter, but he did not mean it.

In The Gazelle and The Leopard, it was messed up that the leopard’s wife ate her husband unknowingly. There was much destruction and revenge. The wife cursed the leopard at the end. I could make a story about this. It would briefly tell about the leopard and gazelle’s story first. Then, I would go into depth about the leopard wife turning crazy because she ate her husband. His ghost may haunt her, but in actuality, she becomes crazy and dies. However, the gazelle continues to live a nice life. This would be a good story to write about, because it has some unfairness in it opposed to the many happy stories I write.

I cannot believe that with such logic, the crocodile could be duped by the hen. The common denominator they have are eggs. That is it. The crocodile can actually eat the hen, but when the hen yelled “brother” the crocodile stopped eating her.

Bibliography. Stories from Congo by R. E. Dennett; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Stories from Congo, Reading A

Notes. In How Wives Restored Their Husband, the third wife knew how to bring her husband back, but why did she and the other wives wait on him to kill food? Perhaps, it was probably their gender roles at the time.

In How Nsassi (Gazelle) Got Married, I was amazed at the dog’s and Nsassi’s forgetfulness. Figuring out the girls’ names in order to marry them was an interesting idea. My grandma has said that people named their girls “Forget it” in my language, so that when boys ask for their names, they’ll say “forget it.” And then, they won’t be able to ‘know’ their name and perhaps forget about them.

The Vanishing Wife was an interesting read, and it was unfortunate. I could write a story about the wife’s background. She could be a fish who fell in love with him, which is why she didn’t want to see a fish’s head. And then in the end, she would return just as Buite’s brother, Swarmi, was talking to Buite. Then, Buite will treat his brother the same way he was treated.

The Wicked Husband was gruesome like the story before it. What they did is surreal. They used the husband as fuel to a fire that dried the wife. It is quite unbelievable. This could be a story that I write. I could go into depth of the song the wife sang, and change some details. 

 (Blades of grass: Web Source)

In Twin Brothers, I liked how the blades of grass could be changed into different objects. I could probably use this idea with another story. Also, I liked how the charm was able to aid him. I loved how the twin brother who didn’t die, Luemba, did not do anything to Mavungu’s, his brother, wife, but instead he had his charm take her out and return her later. As I read, I thought his brother died and would never come back to life, but he saved him! And then, the twist, brother killing each other, was exciting and surprising!

Bibliography. Stories from Congo by R. E. Dennett; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Folklore of Laos, Reading B

(Laos Rice Fields: Wiki Commons)

Notes. I like the two jewels and what it does. I think it is magical to have items that can grant things or actions. It was unfortunate that the man was ungrateful to the wizard’s help. Fortunately, the wizard did not die, but the man should have kept his words.

In the Legend of Rice, I would love rice to roll to me when they’re ready. Perhaps, they could even plant themselves, and people would just wait for them to do everything. Yet, I just noticed that they are basically committing suicide.

I read a few stories that included food being stored in bamboo sticks. I have heard of that before. I may use it for my story if can fit in my story. Some people, back then, even stored food in banana leaves.

It was messed up how the main characters in The Fortunes of Ai Powlo and One Woman got away with so many bad deeds. The Fortunes of Ai Powlo was quite cynical and dark.

In To Aid a Beast, I liked how the snake came to his aid when he thought of the snake. It is unbelievable, but it is something that I would like to happen. Aside from this, I like how they fulfilled their debts of gratitude.

In The Boys Who Were Not Appreciated, I felt very sorry for the kids. If I were to write about this, I would go in to depth about the conversation where the mother talks to the stepfather about neglecting the children. In the end, she agreed to kick the kids out. However, I would write the story and make it so the mother would at least have some compassion for the children that she carried for nine months. I just don’t know how parents could do that to their children. I’m not saying that she should neglect her new husband, but there should be some moderation.

Bibliography. Folklore of Laos by by Katherine Neville Fleeson; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Folklore of Laos, Reading A

Notes. In the stories about the Folklore of Laos, there were several stories that interested me. A few were interesting, while there were a few that I would be interested in writing for my story this week. I liked the Man in the Moon and the Faithful Husband. In the Man in the Moon, I learned that people should be satisfied with who they are originally. They should not want to be other people because, in the end, they would have felt better being themselves. In the Faithful Husband, I liked the twists and different aspects of the story. It included an ape who died from sorrow, a helpful fly, and an enchanted, far away land.

Three stories that I would be interested to write about are A Child of the Woods, The Enchanted Mountain, and The Lover's Leap. The braveness of the child intrigued me. After being overcome with anger, she ran away unafraid of beasts and darkness. Additionally, a tiger and wild beasts did no harm to her. In my story, I would write that she ran into the forest because she was afraid to hurt humans. Then, as she slowly assimilated into the jungle world, she would slowly have features of a tiger. When she is close to the brink of fully becoming a tiger, she would wish to return being a human, but it would be too late. It would be unfortunate, but I want to write a story that does not have a good ending like the few stories I have written so far.

 (Mountain: Web Source)

I like to story about the Enchanted Mountain's lake. If I wrote this story, I would write it from a nymph's point-of-view. She would pity the tired hunter and show him to the lake. However, when he returns, he became greedy. He returned every week to find the lake, but never could. The nymph will fell pity for him once again, but would not appear in front of him or show him the lake again.

In the Lover's Leap, instead of leaving with him, she would have refused him because she had a fortune teller tell her about her unfortunate ending. She would tell him to prepare two horses for them to leave the next day. However, her father found both of them out, and the father killed her lover.

Bibliography. Folklore of Laos by by Katherine Neville Fleeson; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Indian Fairy Tales, Reading B

Notes. In the Pride Goeth Before a Fall, the cloth merchants were very clever in tricking the robbers right in front of them. I would love to have a code word in times of danger and distress. However, it seems so difficult to do in front of a bad guy. The only thing I currently can use is talking in another language.

Luckily, the robbers were dumb and distracted from the cloth merchants’ singing and dancing. There was something I questioned. It was their coordination. How did they know who to get? Either way, they successfully took care of the robbers.

In the Prince and Fakir, I wondered how the Fakir accumulated so many things. He may have done the same thing with others before. Additionally, does he have any powers? He was able to help the King have children by giving him the food for his two chosen wives. Additionally, if the Fakir came one year later, the child would be a one-year old child or younger. However, when I read, it seemed like the boy was much older. Even later, he married a princess of a kingdom.

In Why The Fish Laughed, the writing was very clever. All of it was very clever with the analogies and references. I like reading hidden meanings that I will later understand. I especially liked the part when the farmer’s daughter sent the vizier’s son food and a message. I was also glad that the vizier’s son and the farmer’s daughter got together. I had a feeling that they were meant to be together. The story went off tangent, but it came right back when the son found out about the fish’s laugh from the farmer’s daughter.

 (Man and Woman Holding Hands: Web Source)

I liked these stories, but I feel that I will write a story about the Charmed Ring from Part A. With the long story, I could expand and write more about it.

Bibliography.  Indian Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Indian Fairy Tales, Reading A

Notes. The stories I liked the most in the Indian Fairy Tales were The Broken Pot and The Charmed Ring. I am thinking of writing from an inanimate object's point-of-view. It is unfortunate that in The Broken Pot, the man's pot broke in the end, even though he was not able to accomplish what he imagined. However, it makes sense because he was over-thinking. Talking too much about what could happen led to his disaster. He could have been more humble instead of imagining things.

In The Charmed Ring, the ring went through quite a journey. It has been in the hands of a snake king, a merchant's son, the merchant's wife, an ogress, a prince, and the merchant's cat and dog. With this much content, it would not be difficult to write from the ring's perspective. What surprised me about the story was the merchant wife's gullibility. She did not know that she was unrelated to the cunning ogress. Therefore, she fell into the ogress' plan. She should have known that she was conjured. What was peculiar was that the merchant left for many days to hunt for fun. He had mostly everything, but he still left, leaving his wife with the cat and dog.

Aside from this, the pot and spoon, which was also given with the ring, were unimportant towards the end of the story. I can also write a story based on their perspectives as well. For example, I could write how they only have each other and are shunned by everyone else except when others can use them.

Another story I liked was The Magic Fiddle. I liked how the main girl was able to exit her fiddle. It was quite magical. However, it was unfortunate that her sister-in-laws got scot-free with what they did. She told her brothers what they did to her, and that was the end. There was no revenge plan. Anyway, I suppose that all was well. She did end up with a prince.

(Ring: Wiki Commons)

Bibliography. Indian Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Tales of a Parrot, Reading B

Notes. The ending was quite abrupt. I have thought of her death and the karma that she deserves. Yet, when it actually happened, I felt pity for her. The parrot, in the end, told Miemun everything and Miemun killed Khojisteh.

Aside from her death, there were several interesting stories. Of A King and His Sons tells of a debt of gratitude. I was amazed by how both the snake and frog paid their debt to the man. Also, the man allowed the animals to leave after helping him. It was a great mutual relationship. Although it did not seem that they had a long, deep bond, I felt heartbroken because the animals had to go back to their families. Goodbyes are all so sad, but inevitable. I had good feelings throughout the whole story.

The parrot makes compelling stories that are reasonable. In The Merchant Whose Daughter Was Lost, it was interesting to read about suitors and their talents. In the end, it made sense that the man who found the girl ended up with her in the mountain. On the other hand, without the others’ help he would not have been able to find her. It is a difficult choice to choose. Perhaps I may change the story to make it so the others who helped will get women as well.

(Girl in a Forest: Web source)

In Of a Brahmin Falling in Love, it was admirable for the king to provide provisions to a stranger. I am not sure it is in the culture back then, but it was nice regardless.

In Of the Merchant and the Barber, the part that stood out to me was the barber’s actions. He thought that beating brahmins would bring gold like how the merchant did. That barber saw what happened. I am not sure how many times the merchant hit his brahmin, but when the barber realized that no gold came out, he should have stopped before doing too much damage.

Bibliography. Tales of a Parrot by Ziya'al-Din Nakhshab; link to reading online.

Reading Notes: Tales of a Parrot, Reading A

 (Parrot: Wiki Commons)

Notes. As I read, I realized that the tales of the parrot were the focus of this whole story. I would have preferred to see more interaction between the parrot and his master, Miemun, but it has not shown up in the first reading because the master is currently away on a trip. I admire the knowledge of this parrot. The parrot is clever and kind. He keeps Khojisteh, the master's wife, company by telling her stories.

However, it is very unfortunate that the sharuk, the parrot's companion, is killed by Khojisteh. The sharuk gave great advice, but she wanted to commit adultery while her husband was not present. It was a great regret. Although the parrot's partner is dead, the parrot is a smart thinker. His storytelling deters Khojisteh from running away to be with the prince who wishes to be with her.

Yet, it is so weird. Khojisteh goes to the parrot every night to express her feelings on meeting the prince. The parrot gives her advice and makes references, and she always wants to listen to the stories about the references. In the end, after the story of the night, Khojisteh has to postpone her meeting. If Khojisteh did not visit the parrot before leaving, then she would have met the prince long ago. However, it would defeat the purpose of the title's name, The Tales of a Parrot. 

Of the stories told, I liked the story: The Merchant, and His Wife, Who Outwitted Him. The wife was very smart, and practically put the blame on the husband, which overshadowed her own faults. That part, I do not like. I may do a sequel where her actions are revealed to the husband and the city. Even though the husband knows, he will still love her and keep her as his wife because he is guilty of doing similar things.

Additionally, I liked the story where the moral is to listen to the advice of friends or you will suffer like the unhappy man. It is from Four Rich Persons Who Became Poor. I may do a story between two friends about the moral.

Bibliography. Tales of a Parrot by Ziya'al-Din Nakhshab; link to reading online.