Come listen a while, you gentlefolk alle,
That stand this bower within,
A tale of noble Rhiban the Hud,
I purpose now to begin.
Young Rhiban was a princeling fayre,
And a gladsome heart had he.
Delight took he in games and tricks,
And guiling his fair ladye.
A bonny fine maide of noble degree,
Mérian calléd by name,
This beauty soote was praised of alle men
For she was a gallant dame.
Rhiban stole through the greenwoode one night
To kiss his dear Mérian late.
But she boxed his head till his nose it turn’d red
And then order’d him home full straight.
Though Rhiban indeed speeded home fayrlie hrathe,
That night he did not see his bed.
For in flames of fire from the rooftops’ eaves,
He saw all his kinsmen lay dead.
Ay, the sheriff’s low men that night visited there,
When the household was slumbering deepe.
And from room to room they had quietly crept
And murtheréd them all in their sleepe.
Rhiban cried out “wey-la-wey la-wey!”
But those fiends still lingered close by.
So into the greenwoode he quickly slipt,
For they had soon heard his cry.
Rhiban gave the hunters goode sport,
Full lange, a swift chase he led.
But a spearman threw his shot full well
And he fell as one that is dead.
~ the opening of part one
Tuck by Stephen Lawhead
How many out there enjoy watching Robin Hood when you were younger (or even now?). It brings back good memories for myself, whether it was the cartoon version or the actual movie. Not to mention I keep seeing Men In Tights in my head lol.. sorry..
And while I’ve grown up and put Robin and his merry men in the back of my memories, something has drawn it out again!
Remember I was mentioning I was waiting for a a book to read with my Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour?
Tuck by Stephen Lawhead?
I received it last week, after a few unseen circumstances at the border, but and finished it today! And let me say, I loved it.
First, I really enjoy Lawhead’s writing style. He had me from page one. He invited me into the novel and kept me hooked. I love the language he gave to his characters. And I really love that he gave the “sound key” for the Celtic language at the beginning of the book. It is so sumptuous and I love the poetry of it! It made me feel like I was sneaking a peek into their lives and had somehow received this special invitation to read it.
So what is Tuck about? Well, Tuck is the third book in the King Raven Trilogy. And if you haven’t guessed, Tuck, is the famous Friar Tuck from Robin Hood. It takes the tale of Robin Hood to the Welsh countryside and gives it a Celtic, medieval presence. Rhi Bran y Hud (Robin) and his “merry men” go through the country they make friends and foes and fight for their lives, and Robin tries to reclaim the throne that is rightfully his.
I found it really interesting to read the story from Tuck’s view. It is a refreshing change! And what’s more the image of Tuck being nothing more than a rotund little man with nothing but ale on his mind is changed here! I found Tuck engaging and an interesting fellow to get to know.
I like Lawhead’s choice of location, and it definitely brings new twists to the story that I wouldn’t have expected. The fact that Rhi Bran y Hud (Robinhood) it placed in the Welsh country instead of the traditional Sherwood forest, brings up new and intriguing imagery! I’ve read a few comments about Lawhead being extremely familiar with the Welsh, and while this is my first read of one of Mr. Lawhead’s books, I appreciate writers who write what they know; I mean why wouldn’t you? When I was a child I would change Robin Hood to fit into my backyard, and now I would fit him on the farm… so why wouldn’t I fit him into the country side I knew?
I think anyone who loves a good adventure will enjoy this book. I loved the transformation of Robin from theif to king, and even more so the kernels of truth planted in this book.
Now, hubby has stolen this book and wants to finish reading it, so I’ll conclude by saying I think we’ll be getting the other two books to see the whole story! Yummmmy!!
What are you reading these days?
Amydeanne Christian Fiction, books arthurian legend, celtic fiction, christian fantasy, Christian literature, dark, friar tuck, robin hood, sci-fi books, Stephen R. Lawhead, tuck
As I mentioned yesterday I loved this book! It was easy to devour, and I was totally blown away by the ending — Not what I was expecting at all!
Amazing Tales For Making Men out of Boys by Neil Oliver is full of chapters of history, and amazing examples of people who have overcome trials. It was encouraging and delightful to read this book. I like that he uses real heros, and real places. It’s the kind of book that boys can really get into! Oliver creates wonderful imagery and is a good storyteller. It has just what my son enjoys.. tales of war and rights, and astronauts to name a few. I think it is for probably 6-14 year olds, but honestly my son (who is 5) enjoyed a lot of these stories! (depends on how well they like to listen and sit!) I like that it is based on kids, and the language and attitude is kept as such. Oliver’s writing is clean and yet stimulating; it cultivates a lot of imagery and inspires!
Michelle Style: Celebrating the First Lady of Fashion, by Mandi Norwood is that. We get to meet Mrs Obama in a lovely way! It not based on her husband, but on her style. Just like Jackie O is known for her little pill hats and great taste, Michelle has been moving up the ranks these days as a first lady with great taste.
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