Shea's Myth-Folk Blog

In the videos from TedEd about style, the speakers explore  creative writing and style  found in famous authors' writings and in mythology. One of the videos I found most interesting is the videos about what makes something " Kafkaeqsque ." I have heard of Kafka, and think I have even read some of his work, but did not know about his unique style. Kafka focuses on the convoluted absurdity of modern bureaucracy. He calls attention to the unnecessary complexness of administration, but also calls attention to how this can potentially be changed in the future. His style became so unique and recognizable that it was named after him. I also really enjoyed the video " How to Write Descriptively ." This video talks about how to make each word count and how to add layers to make writing more description. Through this video, I learned to focus on each of the different senses I want to invoke in my writing. I should choose certain words depending on if I want to focus ...

In the story, " The Voice of Death ," a man only wants to be wealthy; it is all he can think about. One day, his wish comes true. He does not want to lose his wealth and possessions by dying, so he sets out to find a place without death. He went from country to country, asking if people died there. When he heard that they did, he moved on to the next country. He reaches a place where the people say they do not even know the meaning of the word death. The man asks if there are several people there since nobody dies. The people say no, because every so often they can hear a voice calling and someone goes to find it only to never return. They say the person can both hear the voice and see who is calling. The man thinks whoever follows the voice is stupid. He returns home to get his possessions and family to bring them to the land where nobody dies. He tells his family to not follow the voice if they ever hear it once they have settled into their new home.  Several years go...

In the story " How the Dragon was Tricked ," a man has two sons who do not get along very well. The younger son is more handsome and the older brother is jealous. When they walk through the woods together, the older son ties his younger brother to a tree hoping he will starve to death. A humpbacked shepherd passes by and asks why he is tied up. The son replies that his back was crooked, but now is straight after being tied up. The shepherd says he wishes to be tied up so his back will be straight too. The shepherd unties the young men and the son ties the shepherd to a tree and leaves. The young man takes the sheep of the shepherd and convinces a horse boy and a driver of oxen to come with him and join his adventures.  The king hears of his tricks and has his guards kidnap the young man to see if he is as clever as he has heard. The king says he still spare the young man's life if he can bring him the flying horse that belongs to the dragon. The son goes ...