(I know Aeschere isn't one of the chosen characters but he seemed to be a good, small character to write this on)
Oh Lord! The celebrations after Beowulf's kill of Grendel were a bit over the top. I mean, we all knew he could probably do it in the first place, so why is it such a big deal? I guess I am forever grateful to him for saving our people, but how many times have I (in coalition with Hrothgar) saved our people? I can't count how many times I, Aeschere, Hrothgar's most trusted adviser, have told him to fight these people or take this land. And I never got a celebration like this! I guess I might feel better about it in the morning and I'll just get some rest...
*Snore*
*Wake up* "Huh? Did anyone hear that?" Somethings coming, I can feel it. Then suddenly the door of Herot flies off and hits the inner wall. Oh my God! What is that?! All I can see is a giant shadow of what looks to be Grendel, but much, much larger. And its coming straight for me. I try to run, don't turn back, but as I do, a giant claw seems to pick me up. Oh no, it has me! As I raise up stories and stories, the Danes seem to turn from people into ants. And then the wind hits my face. We're running now, out the door and through what seems to be a forest. It is still to dark to see the figure. It puts me down on the ground gently. Until *whack*
I must've been hit with something hard, a rock maybe? But i wake up in the day time again in some sort of cave. Looking around, the place looks very dismal and scary. But in the corner there appeared to be piles of gold and silver. Long lost weapons and treasures of the Earth lied every where. I grabbed a small golden knife, thinking that if I were to make it out of here alive, I would make it out a rich man.
I tip-toe towards the light outside but all of a sudden the "thing" jumps into the doorway. I quiver and shake in the corner of the room as it walks closer to me. And now that it's day time, I can see that 'it' is...is... Grendel? No, Grendel's wife? No couldn't be. Oh Lord, it must be Grendel's mom, the monster my grandparents always told horrific stories of when I was a child. Oh no. She dripped what appeared to be water off her body, but it was strange. As the water touched the ground it seemed to burn right through the rock as if it were some sort of acid.
But then she brings her hand down. A nice gesture perhaps? So I put my hand out as well. But strangely, instead of meeting my hand to shake it, she puts one of her claws near my neck. Her long nail resembles Beowulf's sword and it approaches my neck (a bit too close for comfort). And with one swipe she quickly swings the claw into my-------------------- (532)
Tom, I like how you portray Aeschere as a sort of jealous and attention-hungry, silent hero. This is an interesting take on the character.
ReplyDeleteAnd Tom, you picked a great character to follow. I loved how you took his perspective when he was in Grendel's cave. I also liked the casual but vivacious word choice that you used. There is almost a subtle layer of humor in this piece.
I, like Keenan, admire your choice of the character Aeschere. The part of the story where they come upon Aeschere's head really interested me, especially because they give no background so I applaud your courage in filling in the blanks. You wrote this very well too; I felt like I was in Aeschere's mind and the suspense you build up got me very excited. I also really enjoyed the ending! A job well done.
ReplyDeleteI like how you made Aeschere a really personable character. From the description in the book, I would not have expected him to be this jealous and self absorbed. But the fact that you were able to give him a voice in the epic shows your creativity. Great job!
ReplyDeleteTom, all i can say is wow. I had no idea that a character like Aeschere could be expressed as having such feelings, such emotion. I was blown away by the point of view of Aeschere and how much it added to the story of Beowulf as a whole. This was quite an experience for me. Thank you Tom
ReplyDeleteTom, this was great man! I like how you made Aeschere narrate his thoughts and the actions that were happening. I also think the ending was great - his thoughts just end suddenly, and it is implied that he was killed. As I read, I wondered how you would illustrate his death - and you did it flawlessly! Great work Tom!
ReplyDeleteThomas, good choice, good job showing the disorientation and sense of confusion. As Keenan and Sybil say, you gave him a personality too. Nicely done.
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