Storytelling Week 14: The Unlikely Hero

The Comic Book

The Comic Book
"Grandma, Look what I got!" As Billy said running towards his grandmother. She was now residing in a nursing home in the sunny state of Florida. She used to be more lively but age as brought more turmoil on her body. Things in her life used to be vastly different and it made her sad that her time on Earth was nearly over. She sat mainly in a wheelchair cause her body was too frail now to move much. She spent many years being active as she can be and now she knew that time has caught up with her. Billy brought to her a comic book. He was so excited because it was one of the first editions. It was called Hawkman and Hawkgirl. In this time period super heroes did exist. Superman was not just a fictious man but he was real. Most of the time the heroes parade around on TV but Hawkman and Hawkgirl have not been seen in a long time. Little did Billy know its cause his Grandma had something to do with that. As Grandma Joy sat there excited for her grandson she knew immediately what this was. She did not know how to respond to him or reveal this secret that she held deep inside. Immediately Joy went inside her head in deep thought to a different time.

Comic Book

60 Years Ago

Joy was a young 20 year old just trying to figure out the world. She was walking steadily down a street on New York City when a man bumps into her.

Man:  I, uh, joy? Its me. Do you remember me.
Joy: No.. I am sorry I have never met you before.

The moment felt a little awkward. This man who was close to her age felt like he knew her. He tried to convince her that they were somehow meant to be and that she had to take the leap to believe him. Joy calculated her risks too much. She spent the majority of her life abandoned  by her mother and she grew up in foster care. Somehow she always felt out of place. The man kept telling her there are reasons why if only she would just open her heart to him.

Hawkman and Hawkgirl

Later that day she was buying a pretzel on the New York City streets when a Taxi driver started going crazy and almost ran into her. She closed her eyes tightly thinking this would be her last breath and the same man picked her up and saved her. Although it was not just any man. He had wings in his back! He said again, " Joy, do you believe me now." Instantly a part of her changed. It was Roy. Her beloved. The man that for centuries it was said they would meet over and over again. They were meant to be. Her life finally made since. He flew her up to the top of a building. She overlooked the city that she now realized she was meant to protect. She jumped off with Roy and her wings began to unfold from her back. All it took is her remembering this part of herself. Her ancestors all had to do the same thing. As soon as they remember who they are then they receive their powers and their love. From that day forward she knew life would never be the same.

Hawkmand and Hawkgirl

Present Day

She looked at her grandson so full of hope and as she looked at the comic book that was created for her and her now fallen beloved. She smiled. For the secret she bared will never be spoken. Until maybe her next life.

Author's Note:
My story was inspired by multiple different things. I wanted my story to reflect a comic book about Hawkman and Hawkgirl that is part of DC Comics. The story about these two is they are from ancient Egypt. These two were created as protectors of a world. They are also deeply in love and every time they die or killed they are born into a new life. In this new life their mission is to remember who they are cause after they die they forget than after they remember one of them has to find the other and get them to do the same thing. I wanted to write a short story for this but I felt adding when they first met and when she remembered would be a good background story for my readers. Also because of that part of the story I was able to add some parts from the Indian comics I read. The story I got ideas from is called, "Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince." Karna was also abandoned like my character by his mother and he had his own fate in the end like my character. They both have duties towards specific people. Also Karna had a set of skills and Hawkman and Hawkgirl did as well, they just could fly and he could not. Also with Karna's death and after life he is appreciated more so was my character. Joy spent much of her life protecting people but she did not get the recognition she wanted deep down until her grandson Billy showed her a comic book that was actually about her. I wanted my story to be simply yet still gather concepts from stories I read. This way my story can be somewhat of my own but still inspired by stories I enjoy and can somehow relate them together.

References:
Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince

Reading Notes- Part B, Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince

For my final selection for my story I decided to read a comic book story "Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince." I would like my story to be focused on just one story and maybe some ideas come from the other two stories that I have already read. I like the idea of Karna because he was this child who was born as a gift, yet he was abandoned by his mother Kunti. Then he was found by another family who were poor and was brought up by them. He also was a great archer but it was taken from him because he did not possess the right "birth right." Through another slew of events and a battle he dies but in his death his mother finally opens her heart to him and basically the Pandava Family was forced to pay ritual praise to him. I would like to use a part of this in my story because he was a real and genuine character. Many people do not reach their full potential because they did not have someone there for them or the resources to be able to turn into the best they could be. When I read this story and the background I kept thinking about the many children even today that get abandoned. This story and what happened to Karna is not an ancient action. People still are selfish today, and not everyone gets to grow up in a loving parental home. I want to allow one of my characters to experience a little of what Karna did so my story can reflect more realism than idealism. I like how the theme of my stories is to touch on subjects many may be fearful to but I think the more real I am the better my writing can be.


Adoption

References:
Karna: Brave, Generous, Ill-Fated Prince

Reading Notes A part 2, Megasthenes-Ambassador, Traveller And Observer

During last week I read a comic about a princess born of fire. I was not able to put together a story last week due to time constraints. I decided for this week I will piggy back off the idea I had last week. I read a story today about a man named Megasthenes who was an ambassador, traveler, and observer. He went to India during the time of 4 BC and 5 BC, which I found out by researching some more on the background of the story. He traveled to India during a prominent time for Indian history. He documented what was happening in India. The story is what explains what he saw and what was happening. He wrote it all in a four volume book. I decided to use this as part of my last story this week because I could use this type of writing style to tell my story. I have wrote every story in a similar tone and way. I want this last story to be told in a different point of view and seen a little differently. I could still write a similar story about Hawkman and Hawkgirl. Instead of writing it in a narration I could tell the story in a new way. I could tell it in a way like someone is watching everything unfold and retelling the story of what they saw. The person can be a traveler in a different time who sees situations unfold and is telling his grandchild what he experienced. I have seen this type of storytelling done within movies. There is usually a character who is older and is retelling an experience later on in life. For example in, "Saving Private Ryan." This movie started with an older man visiting a military grave site with his family and then in another scene it is the same old man but younger and in the war. I want my story to be told in a powerful way like that.


Back to The Future



References:
Megasthenes- Ambassador, Traveler, and Observer

Reading Notes A, The Fire Princess

I read in a graphic novel about Draupadi, the fire born princess. I only read the first part of the story just in case I decided I wanted to either read the second portion next week and do a two part story or if I decided I want to go a different direction I can. In the story a prophecy is said and she is born as a beautiful princess from a sacred fire. The princess loves one prince Arjuna, the Pandava prince. In strange events she finds herself wed to all 5 of the brothers. Their cousins, the Kauravas try to harm her and her husbands. There is where my story reading has stopped. I decided I could go a few different ways in retelling my story but I decided to take out the five husband deal already and write about Draupadi and Arjuna. I wanted to give my characters more complicated issues but I did not want all these lovers be one of them. A possible idea I have about writing a story would be to mix my characters with the comic book characters called Hawkgirl and Hawkman. I could crossover the two stories between her being born of fire, yet having this old destiny that Hawkgirl and Hawkman have of being together. Since she is born of sacred fire she can symbolize that rebirth and forgiveness of sins as she dies and is reborn from the fire. I can allow my characters to go through their own complications with their own villains and also somehow incorporate the Justice League, which they both make an appearance through DC comics. With the retelling of my story I can also bring to light the story I read to bring about a moral and lesson that each person should learn and know about.


Hawkman and Hawkgirl


References:
Draupadi- The Fire Born Princess

Storytelling Week 12: The World War that Changed Millions

Zweiter Weltkrieg/ World War 2
There were raids happening for weeks trying to find those who were Jewish. Johnny was one of them. He was of polish descent and was sent into hiding like many other children during this time. Although he is polish since he has been hiding in a catholic orphanage on the border of Germany he has been able to learn some German so he can speak to the other kids around him. At this point it has been recorded that at least half a million kids have been eradicated and about a half a million were about to meet their maker soon. Johnny was one of five children who were Jewish that were hiding in the church. If they were to be found out the church and others around them were going to be punished. But this group of people did not care. They wanted the children no matter what religious descent to be safe. Through this love and kindness he was able to find God and found that refuge in Him could only keep him safe now. His parents were already killed about 4 months prior to this moment and it was during one of the house raids of Hitler's regime. All he remembers his mother saying was, "Uciec" which is a polish term for run away. He turned out of fear and ran and hid in a hole already dug in the backyard and he covered dirt on top of himself to hide from the Nazis. He heard the Nazis speaking from under the dirt.

Children

"Wo ist dein Kind?"
" Es ist ganz sicher, Sie brauchen keine Angst zu haben."

He could not understand most of what was said but he did know the word Angst meant afraid in German. He felt like they were trying to say he was safe and he shouldn't worry. Johnny was a smart ten year old and knew that he shouldn't feel safe at all.
After a considerable amount of time had passed he picked up his head from under the ground. Johnny heard his parents scream go from loud to soft. He was scared and dirt and tears were all over his sweet innocent face. The soldiers said, "Heil Hitler." Then sped off from what he could make of the surroundings from the dirt hole. Johnny's next move had to be discreet but he did not know what to do. He looked over at another family that was in a hole and decided to make a run for it. He knew they had to be nice for the fear in their eyes is the most familiar face he knows now for he wears the same one.

In Sicherheit/ In Safety
One, two and three and he began crawling out of the hole and running towards the backyard and through the barbed fence that stood between the yards. Johnny arrived at the hole and jumped in. In this big hole that was dug there was two small children like him and the parents were in the hole next to him. The mother and father were headed to a catholic church that they know are hiding Jewish. The family was waiting for the signs be clear of the Nazis and for night to fall.
As Johnny looked at the door of the catholic church he wondered where he be if he did not find this German family and if he did not take the leap of faith running to them. The war was over soon and soon he will be able to begin his new life. The family decided to adopt him and make him a part of their family. The lives of the 6 million who died will rest in paradise from this awful event. All Johnny knows is that because of the refuge he experiences in his God he has the path that he needs to follow.

Child in hiding

Author's Note:
I wrote my story based off the comic "Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The Miracle Messenger of Love." The story is about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who showed a simple path to God when they were under place of strict Muslim rule. He provided a new way of seeing Hindu religion. There was a quote that said, " Forsaking all dogmas of religion, take refuge in me." His message is to show that this religion is the way to all safety. I used this as part of my story by allowing my character to be of Jewish descent yet truly finding his God when he finally takes refuge in Him. I first thought of World War 2 because I know a lot of soldiers or people impacted by the war find a God usually. The idea of a protector during war is seen as comforting to people who are in the midst of danger. I felt like World War 2 was a big indication of the fear that was instilled within people of this religious background. I know because I have studied German and the language that there were many people who opposed the Hitler and also did something about it. I used stories I have heard from Holocaust survivors I met when I was younger and with the history I know about Germany to make my story. I was told a story about a survivor who really did hide in a hole for two weeks to hide from the Nazi soldiers that would come in and raid homes. I wanted this to be the focal point to show that with God at Johnny's side he was able to be safe and even found a family. This relates to the comic I read because they both relate to God and how religion tends to save people.

References:
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The Miracle Messenger of Love

Reading Notes: The Miracle Messenger of Love, Part A

During yesterday's reading I sat down and looked over Chaitanya Mahaprabhu "The Miracle Messenger of Love." After also looking at background information of the comic book story I decided to do a story that revolves around its teachings. Krishna makes a point within the story to forsake other dogmas and to take refuge in him. The story is all about taking refuge in their beliefs not let anyone get in the way. If everyone were to follow him than they are His and no questions are asked beyond that. I could go along with my theme for this semester on loyalty and how to stay true to something you believe in. Possible story ideas could be writing about a time someone had to stand up against people who believed they were wrong. I could allow my character go through some turmoil, like those who were in World War Two. Those that were taken captive were Jewish and had to be on the run for their survival and in order to stay with their faith. Those that back downed and decided to join the Nazi side were alive for maybe a little while longer but at what cost? Many during the war stood up for their beliefs and what they felt was wrong with Germany and that was Hitler. I could do a story based on those events and show that Indian religions do honestly teach so much about the world and have morals that could be used not just for those who follow Krishna but want to leave a better life. I could center my story in the World War Two era and allow my character go through some tough challenges but because they decided to stick with what they believe in they triumph in the end. Id like my readers to get something out of my story and I want that something to be positive.


The White Rose



References:
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The Miracle Messenger of Love

Week 11 Storytelling: The Olympic Journey

Chapter 1: The Beginning
Timothy was a young boy when he decided running was going to be his passion. He remembers being in little league and running around the bases and how freeing it felt. As soon as he entered middle school he joined the cross country and track team and he never looked back. Now he is a sophomore in college and training for the 2024 summer Olympic trials. Over the course of the years that has passed Timothy experienced extreme heart ache. His mother died of a heart attack 5 years back and his father has been a drunk since then. Because of the on going stress at home Timothy did not have time for friends and spent most of his days alone. On this particular day Timothy was sitting in his dorm window watching the rain beat down against the window. His father had no idea he was training for the Olympics. Every time he would try to speak to his father he would either pass out or dismiss him. He was alone or so he thought.

Kid Running

The next day came and went with a blur. Timothy was running on autopilot and even during training at the track he wasn't all there. His fellow teammate approached him and began taunting him, "What is the matter Timothy? Did your mommy not wake you up this morning." Timothy looked at Chandler who was taunting him and shrugged him off. He did not feel like putting up a fight today and looked out at the massive track and field that was in front of him. To his left was a set of bleachers and he stared for a moment of some of the parents who showed up to support their children. Timothy wished he had that same support. Sometimes he wondered why was he even going to the Olympics. No one would care that he was there.

Track Running

Chapter 2: Fresh Start
The next week came quickly and on this particular day was filled with bad news. Coach Mike brought everyone on the track team together for a team meeting to explain that assistant coach Mack was fired. That starting today there would be a new assistant coach named coach Belichick. After coach Mike was done speaking Belichick stood up and started speaking. Timothy could not help but drift into his own thoughts. He was up late last night having to help his father back into the house before he left to get back to his dorm. He sat on the grassy field with his legs crossed and rocking back and forth hoping that the speech would be done soon. Timothy's thoughts were interjected when he heard coach Belichick say his name and to meet him in his office after the team meeting is over. He was nervous now and was hoping he wasn't about to be kicked off the team for a particular reason.

Track Coach

About 10 minutes later the meeting was over and Timothy was on his way to Belichick's office. His palms were sweaty and he did not know what to think. Before he could think a second more he was standing in front of the wooden door that was the entrance to Belichick's office and knocked. He heard someone yell, " Come in!." Timothy opened the door and walked in. Timothy immediately spoke, " Hi. Uh. I am Timothy.' Belichick quickly responded, "I know who you are Timothy. You have beaten every record that has been set in the nation. You are ranked in the top 10 to place in the next summer Olympics. What I want to know is why haven't you gone yet." The coach took a few deep breaths as he was looking at some papers that were spread across his desk. Then he began speaking again, " I have talked to the head coach and he shared your unique situation and because I see such promise in you I want to train with you and help you get to the next Olympics." Timothy could not believe his ears. For the first time in his life someone has decided he is worth the time. He felt skeptical at first but before he ruined the moment he shook the coaches hand and did not look back.

Chapter 3: Four Years Later
Timothy lined up his feet on the track to give himself the best position to help jump start his run. He looked at the other young men next to him who seemed nervous and anxious. Today was the day and Timothy was ready to race. He looked to the stands and saw his coach standing there waiting to applaud his finish. He looked at the track beneath him and then the shot was fired. He began swooping his arms at his sides as fast as he could. He propelled his body forward until complete exhaustion. He was in 5th place, 4th place, and now third. He was rounding the turn of the track and kept running forward. The last stretch was upon him and the cheers grew louder and moments later he finished. Timothy placed in second for the Olympic trials and allowing him to be one of the men to advance to the Olympics. His heart was pounding and his heart felt full for the first time. He looked up in the sky and said, "This is for you mom."

Olympic Trials

Author's Note:
I wrote my story based off of the Indian comic story, "The Boy Who Heard God." The comic is about a boy who heard God at a young age and grew a passion for the Lord. Everyone around him saw him as a untouchable within the society and so he was denied visiting the temple. Instead of Chokha letting that happened he became a temple himself by his reverence to God. My story is not about religion or about my character finding God but it is about him finding a part of himself. I left out a lot of detail for my character because I wanted my readers to be on the outside looking in. My character was closed off person because of his father and losing his mom but he loved to run and never stopped. He had his peers make fun of how he lost his mom and show extreme disrespect towards him. Instead of lashing back my character took the high road and continued to train. He is similar to Chokha because instead of Chokha not worshipping he still continued along the path. I wanted my character to have something he works hard for even with opposition at his door. The best way I felt I could represent this is by a sport. I grew around sports and I have not always been the best but I never let it stop me from doing something I love. The similar idea exists within my character. He never stopped loving to run and just needed one person to believe in him. Sometimes in life all you need is that one person to think the world of you to get you through life. Timothy had his coach. His coach saw he was more than what Timothy thought he was and because of that he was able to attend the Olympics in the end.

References:
Chokha Mela: The Boy Who Heard God

Reading Notes: Part B, Brain vs Brawn

The second part of my reading this week I read a tale about brains vs. brawn and the characters were all birds. My stories are not centered around animals with human characteristics but I could easily input certain parts of the story into my characters. The moral of the story with the birds is all about being wise in situations and thinking before you react. In my story I could allow my character to deal with a dilemma in which he/ she needed to think before she acts or  be wise in a situation. Since my story more than likely will be about an athlete I could allow him/ her to be involved in a situation where he may go against the morals my character believes in. They could be around people who are trying to convince them to get involved in steroids to make the process of training become a quicker process or they could be doing cocaine or something and tell my character it helps with nerves to try and pressure them into doing something they should not be. I can use that as a way for my readers to relate to my character in some way. Every person during their life will experience peer pressure in some form. Some may experience it worse than others. Some may decide to break under pressure and some people in the moment are strong enough to say no. Regardless of the situation the bottom line is that everyone experiences it eventually. I want my story to be able to grab the reader's attention and keep it. The way I feel like I can best do that is by allowing my character to be relatable in some way. My story will have the basis of the comic I read yesterday and have parts from the story I read today.


References:
Bird Stories: Jataka Tales of Brain Versus Brawn


Funny Picture

Reading Notes: Part A, The Boy Who Saw God

I would like to somehow combine two different stories I have read and one is called "The Boy Who Saw God." The story is about Chokha a boy who experiences God at an early age. He was not able to go to any Temples because he was known as an untouchable in his society. Even though this was his sad truth he never stopped singing praises and his body and heart became a temple. I want to incorporate this like my other stories into a more modernized theme and twist. I could possibly write a story about an athlete who is training for the Olympics and growing up in a background that is not supportive of the dream. It can be similar to the original in a way because in the original he devotes himself to God and never lets anyone allow his faith to be ceased. My character could triumph through different obstacles as well by what he/she faces training for the big event. Also in my story I could add a romantic dynamic. The dynamic will allow my story to keep to the theme I have provided for this blog, which usually revolves around some type of relationship. This story could be focused on the relationship someone has to their hobby. Some people feel so connected to a particular object or desire as if it is their child or baby. Some dreams to people are not just dreams but something that could alter their life the way they know it. This in a way describes the way love is pictured in movies. My story will light the fact their is a romantic encounter to be had but instead their focus is on their current dream. Some people do not have a happy end with another person. Sometimes people's happy end is the goal they set and the goal they met.

References:
Chokha Mela, The Boy Who Saw God


Olympian