Story Lab, Week 12

I have always been interested in learning at least two more languages. I think this is an important skill for traveling, which I plan on doing a lot of once I get established in my career. Using grammar and syntax to see where languages originated and split instead of words that sound similar is an interesting approach. I thought the concept of borrowing words from other cultures being caused by borrowing the things that the word is describing was very intriguing. I think looking at the history of a word and how it has changed overtime can really surprise you.

I use to be pretty good at grammar in high school English, but I think I have forgotten some of the rules. Semicolons can break sentences up, but also form connections. Basically, semicolons should be used to connect two related clauses or when listing things. I think watching the Ted-Ed video will be helpful while writing out stories now, especially during lengthy paragraphs!

Image Information: The Importance of Grammar, Web Source: Flickr
Web Source: Ted Talk

Reading Notes: Welsh Fairy Book, Part B

Owen Goes a-Wooing- While reading this story I really got a feel for the narrator's personality. There was a surprise at the end when Owen found out he had been missing for over a month instead of hours.

The Fairy Reward: It was really easy to imagine the fairies bringing in the babies and taking care of them. I was surprised that the wife married the man before knowing how he earned his money.

Why Deunant has the Front Door in the Back: I was confused when the farmer  made old Beti say "Rhad Duw ar y da" because I have no idea what that means. I thought having the man put his foot on the other's foot was a unique way of giving him a vision.

The Bride from the Red Lake: The details are very vivid when the author is describing the vision emerging from the lake. I wonder why the woman could not have clay thrown on her and why she was so happy to leave if they were happily married.

Melangel's Lambs: The introduction paragraph was very descriptive and 'dense thicket' really grabbed my attention. The second to last paragraph had a bit too much word usage and it was a little confusing.

The Men of Ardudwy: I really enjoyed the word usage in this story. 'They now feigned flight' was a beautiful description. The fighting scenes were very insightful.

Hu Garden: Afanc interested me because the monster caused a huge flood, but was easily tricked by a girl to come out and be chained up. The way they trapped Afanc at the end was very clever.

The Devil's Bridge: I thought the relationship between Megan and her cow was sweet. She was so worried about him being on the other side of the river. I really liked Megan's character because she was really smart to outwit the Devil.

The Martyred Hound: This story was so sad to read because I love dogs. I was intrigued throughout the story to see why the dog did not go on the chase and then to see where the baby was. I wish Llywelyn could have saved the hound from dying.

Image Information: Diogenes Sitting in His Tub (1860) by Jean-Léon Gérôme, Web Source: Wikipedia
Bibliography: The Welsh Fairy Book by W. Jenkyn Thomas, Web Source: Welsh Fairy Tales Unit

Reading Notes: Welsh Fairy Tales, Part A

Arthur in the Cave: I really liked the way the author had the stranger and Welshman communicate with each other. I could clearly tell what the vibe of the story was and how both characters felt while speaking. The scene where the characters enter the cave and see Arthur's army required very few details of my own imagination.

Red Dragon: Asking a question as the story's title is always a good way to draw in the reader. I actually use this approach for my storybook project. The wise man describing the pool with a red and a white dragon was a really pretty image.

Enion and the Lady of the Greenwood: This story had my attention throughout. I really liked that the Goblin disguised himself as a woman and a man to trick the husband and wife. I thought this villainous idea was very creative.

March's Ears: I thought this story was a bit strange. I understand why the barber had to see the ears in order to cut his hair, but having his head cut off was a very intense threat. I am glad he came to turns with his ears at the end of the story.

Stray Cow: The first paragraph describing the lake was a great way to set the scene for the story. It gave off a gloomy, mysterious vibe. It was easy to imagine as the story progressed.

Bala Lake: 'Fertile valley' was such a different term, it threw me off when I first read it. It was foreshadowing that the prince would have a child. The ending was really impressive, the author was very descriptive of the lake and clever in having the harp floating on top.

Dick the Fiddler's Money: The relationship between the Fiddler and his wife was clearly portrayed in this story. As a drunk, he was very clever in tricking the landlord. I really liked the Fiddler's character.

St. Collen and the King Fairy: I was unsure of the meaning behind Collen's actions in this story. I did not understand why he hid in a cell so close to the people he was tired of. I also didn't understand why he got rid of the castle and everyone in it.

Helig's hollow: The author did a good job of introducing the characters in this story. There was a lot of background information provided along with the relationships between everyone.

Image Information: Illustration of two Dragons Fighting from a 15th Century Historia Regum Britanniae Manuscript, Web Source: Wikimedia Commons

Bibliography: The Welsh Fairy Book by W. Jenkyn Thomas, Web Source: Welsh Fairy Tales Unit