Story Lab Week 6

Story Lab Week 6

Crash Course Mythology

This week, I listened to the story lab “Overview of Mythology” which went into detail about how to avoid arguement and how to compare myth with religion among theory and protagonists. They want to recount stories that have been used over a long period of time that aren’t necessarily factual or traceable. We often use the word “myth” all the time but there’s no real definition behind this word. It was an interesting insight for how to interpret both the meaning of mythology, theories of mythology, and pieces that go into mythology from characters to setting to overall story. I recommend a watch if you have the time!

Image: Religion and Mythology (Wikimedia Commons)

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Reading Notes: The Voyages of Sinbad Part B

Reading Notes

The Voyages of Sinbad Part B

During the second half of this reading assignment, I was getting past more of the sentence structure and staying focused on the story flow. Something interesting about these voyages that Sinbad is embarking on is that it is very repetitive over time. The stories each start off on the same foot or with the same reasoning while ending with the same result and feeling. It's a nice story for short reads over time. Think of the book series' that you would read as a child about a hero. Something that is positive about this tales is that you do get excited and happy when the protagonist makes it out of a sticky situation in a rather crazy way. How he managed to get through the Old Man, the Elephants, even the Roc parents is phenomenal. You never forget that he is a child of luck just by how unbelievable it is that he ends up always being the lone survivor. This is without fail every single time. I probably would have loved it more if I had read each voyage individually rather than just straight through like a novel. Aside from those remarks, Sinbad really does give off the storyteller vibe throughout each tale. He'll make side comments that remind you that this had already happened and he's recounting it for you. When his side comments and remarks do pop up every few lines, it's always a seamless insertion and you don't have a break-up in imagery. I really appreciate a writing style like that! I keep the flow going beautifully but never takes you away from the main idea or plot. It makes sense as to why it would be predictable that no matter the tragedy of the situation, Sinbad would have to have survived in order for him to be telling these stories to the other Sinbad. Oh if you haven't read this story, Sinbad the Sailor is telling his ventures to another man named Sinbad. It's actually hilarious.



Image: The Tales of Sinbad (Web Source)
Bibliography: The Arabian Nights' Entertainment by Andrew Lang (Un-Textbook)

Reading Notes: The Voyages of Sinbad Part A

Reading Notes

The Voyages of Sinbad Part A

For the reading this week, I thought it would be fun to get into the tellings of Sinbad, the heroic merchant that speaks of tales that most wouldn't believe. I was really excited to delve into this read because a hero tale is like a chocolate chip cookie; a classic heart-warmer. Right off the bat, I noticed that something this story has that others don't, the excessive use of commas. There I said it. I'm not sure if this is done to put more emphasis on the fact that he's recounting an epic feat that he endured. Maybe it's to help express the emotion behind his storytelling method so he can keep the listener hanging on each word? Or because it's so wonderous that he'll just talk on and on without stop making sure the listener has been given all the detail just as he took it in first hand? I'm honestly not too sure. It was hard to process and read through in the beginning for me because I felt like even reading in my head, I needed a break. As I got more into the story flow, it wasn't as noticeable to me if we're being honest. I can't say that it helps build the vibe of this being a re-telling; however, I can say that as the story goes on you can visualize both what's going on and Sinbad actually telling it to you. His personality is greatly shown in his storytelling style, and you also get a sense of familiarity between each voyage. It's fun to almost predict how he may handle a situation or react to a newfound problem. Thus far in these class readings, I'd say this has been the most exciting read I've gotten into!

Image: Sinbad the Sailor (Wikipedia)
Bibliography: The Arabian Nights' Entertainment by Andrew Lang (Un-Textbook)