Thanks, glad you're liking it! I'll be honest, I'm trying to draw a fine line here. The original story has such a wonderful dream logic to it, but like so many dreams, some of the details don't really land (or do to a much lesser extent due to its historical context). I'm trying to respect the nature and moral of the original while maybe fleshing out some of those gaps or weirdnesses. Hopefully, though, not at the expense of the story.
Just to drop in and say i am following along. Quite like how youve moved from City to the Wilds and the towering buildings have been replaced with towering trees... Also the contrast of this figure with brass and bow in amongst the concrete. Wonderful image.
Quite a challenge you set yourself in there. Keep it up!
Thanks so much, David, and so glad you're enjoying the ride! In truth, I'm discovering where the story goes just a day or two ahead of everyone else, so it's been fun for me, too.
This is really a wonderful work of art. I love Chaucer, and I love the romantic poets like Tennyson and the early lais of Robin Hood . The Carfty Huntsman is a worthy companion to those others. I love the rhyme and meter and the story. Than you, James.
That’s very kind, Sandy, I really appreciate that. This project for me brings together a lot of things that I hope we’re able to preserve: stories, the forms in which we use to tell them, and the unique features of our own language. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.
I am and it's making me think of my own use of language, which is far from evocative. BUT, I'm definitely going to do today's writing thinking about that. Thanks to you, my friend.
Thanks, Marian! I'm having a bit of fun with the place names, too. They're modeled after real places, just named in ways that would have been practiced awhile back and by other people.
I can't put my finger on how or why it works, but I found it to read almost eerily smoothly! Hehe. And thanks for the little education in the introduction.
It's super cool to see serialized poetry (and of this caliber) on Substack.
They are indeed! Each alliterative verse section ends with a very short iambic “bob” that acts as a bridge between the alliteration and the subsequent four-line “wheel.”
If you want to get crazy, though, Pearl is both alliterative verse and syllabic meter with end rhymes. It’s freaking genius. Maybe in another 300 years I’ll be skilled enough to give that a go.
I love the mixture of myth and modernity, I'm engrossed and intrigued, can't wait for the next part! 👏
Thanks a ton, Thomas! It’s definitely proving to be a challenging project, but I hope one that’s worthwhile to follow.
The alliterative poetry is great! I'm also enjoying how the pace feels like it's picking up as they head into the thick of the forest.
Thanks, glad you're liking it! I'll be honest, I'm trying to draw a fine line here. The original story has such a wonderful dream logic to it, but like so many dreams, some of the details don't really land (or do to a much lesser extent due to its historical context). I'm trying to respect the nature and moral of the original while maybe fleshing out some of those gaps or weirdnesses. Hopefully, though, not at the expense of the story.
Well wrought - and very engaging to listen to with the sound effects! I'm quite enjoying your storytelling.
Awesome to hear, Mark, and I’m glad you gave the audio a go! I’m no voiceover actor or foley artist but I’m giving it a shot.
Giving it a shot is more than many people can bring themselves to do. Keep it up!
Just to drop in and say i am following along. Quite like how youve moved from City to the Wilds and the towering buildings have been replaced with towering trees... Also the contrast of this figure with brass and bow in amongst the concrete. Wonderful image.
Quite a challenge you set yourself in there. Keep it up!
Thanks so much, David, and so glad you're enjoying the ride! In truth, I'm discovering where the story goes just a day or two ahead of everyone else, so it's been fun for me, too.
This is really a wonderful work of art. I love Chaucer, and I love the romantic poets like Tennyson and the early lais of Robin Hood . The Carfty Huntsman is a worthy companion to those others. I love the rhyme and meter and the story. Than you, James.
That’s very kind, Sandy, I really appreciate that. This project for me brings together a lot of things that I hope we’re able to preserve: stories, the forms in which we use to tell them, and the unique features of our own language. I’m so glad you’re enjoying it.
I am and it's making me think of my own use of language, which is far from evocative. BUT, I'm definitely going to do today's writing thinking about that. Thanks to you, my friend.
You bet and can’t wait to see what you come up with!
I’m already intrigued by the story! The rhyming is beautifully done and so fun to read. I’m excited to read the next part.
So glad you like it and thanks for sharing! Hoping I can make it worth everyone’s while.
They traveled beyond the
The roads that wrapped and reined in the land
That's, well, perfect. And westward, of course.
Thanks, Marian! I'm having a bit of fun with the place names, too. They're modeled after real places, just named in ways that would have been practiced awhile back and by other people.
I can't put my finger on how or why it works, but I found it to read almost eerily smoothly! Hehe. And thanks for the little education in the introduction.
It's super cool to see serialized poetry (and of this caliber) on Substack.
Thanks, Hasse, that's very kind of you! I do hope it's going to be fun for folks to follow along.
Very nice! Are those rhymed lines at the end part of the form? Those are well done!
They are indeed! Each alliterative verse section ends with a very short iambic “bob” that acts as a bridge between the alliteration and the subsequent four-line “wheel.”
If you want to get crazy, though, Pearl is both alliterative verse and syllabic meter with end rhymes. It’s freaking genius. Maybe in another 300 years I’ll be skilled enough to give that a go.
I’ll have to check out the original!