First Knight

     Possibly one of the most beautiful renditions of the famous Arthurian love triangle ever written. First Knight is a family favorite and has every element you would want in a film about Camelot. This had a more realistic and historic storyline-similar to how Ever After was done-and steers away from the magical aspect; Merlin does not appear in the story. While sorcery may be out of Camelot, no small amount of battles, swordplay, famed knights around the equally famous Round Table, maniacal villains, treachery, kidnapping, and of course the primary characters of noble, but aged King Arthur, roguish Lancelot, and beautiful Guinevere takes it place.

     After years on the throne of Camelot, King Arthur is now facing a harder battle. His age and lack of a spouse, which makes for the lack of an heir. He has brought peace and prosperity to Camelot, but peace is never certain anywhere. His former First Knight, Maleagant, has betrayed all that Arthur has instilled in his knights and his kingdom. Maleagant has begun to raid small towns and villages in hopes to gain power to eventually take over Camelot. 

     Refugees left over from Malegant's attacks travel to find safety in the small island kingdom of Leonesse which is partially ruled by the high spirited Princess Guinevere. Beautiful, but strong willed, Guinevere shows no fear in Maleagant's cruelty and will do whatever it takes to protect her kingdom. Even it means marrying a king twice her age. However, Guinevere has always put her duty above herself. She agrees to accept King Arthur's proposal of marriage, in the hope that by uniting Camelot and Leonesse, both kingdoms can withstand and take down Maleagant. 

      Meanwhile, a handsome swordsman, simply known as Lancelot makes his away across the countryside, living by his sword. He earns money by entertaining people not just with his brilliant skill and talent, but also his charisma and kindness. A loner since childhood, Lancelot lost everything as a boy when his family was killed in a raid by Maleagant himself. Since then, Lancelot has separated himself from the world in order to avoid heartbreak and loss. 

     While Guinevere is on her way to Camelot to prepare for her wedding, she and her party are attacked by Maleagant. She barely escapes, but is rescued by Lancelot who was just passing through the forest. Withholding who she truly is, Guinevere becomes intrigued by this mystery man who is knowledgeable in survival and wonders why, with so much talent, he isn't a knight. Lancelot is charmed by this young woman who seems so capable to fight for herself. Before they part, Lancelot promises that he and Guinevere will meet again. However, Guinevere has more things on her mind.

     Lancelot's promise to meet again comes true in a matter of days. As Arthur and Guinevere begin to find love for one another through the love of their countries and their people, Lancelot's love for Guinevere becomes his one true passion. Stronger than his skill with his sword, but more dangerous than Camelot's worse enemy. Time and again, due to Guinevere, Lancelot continues to appear most unexpectedly, impressing Arthur and the Knights with his quick thinking, daring and his swordplay. 

     Soon, Guinevere finds herself conflicted for her feelings for Lancelot and Arthur. She loves Arthur out of duty, but loves Lancelot out of true passion. After Lancelot saves her from Maleagant's kidnapping, he is made Arthur's First Knight. Now Guinevere has both men in her possession and her once iron will that has ruled her whole life begins to crumble as she wrestles with her fiery love for Lancelot. A love that could destroy all of Camelot.

    This movie is so so beautiful! I mean, that's the only word to describe it! It has your typical villain who is out to to destroy Arthur and Camelot (because that's the plot to all Arthurian stories, right?), a wise, formidable king, a loner who is also moral and compassionate, and a very complex, three dimensional young woman who doesn't stand around waiting for things to be done. With the rich costuming, beautiful settings and wonderful score, there is a simplicity in the story. It's about these three legendary figures and how war brings them together, but peace can tear them apart. Like with Ever After, the reality of the plot makes it so intriguing that one would wonder if there is some truth behind the mythology.

May God grant us the wisdom to discover right, 

the will to choose it, 

and the strength to make it endure.

- Arthur's Round Table prayer

  

Lovely Blog Party: Arthur & Gwen

      Considered to be one of the greatest, but most tragic love stories in literature. The dramatic, romantic, advantageous love story of the Once and Future King of Camelot, King Arthur and his enigmatic consort, Queen Guinevere, who would be the downfall of both Arthur and Camelot.

     In the BBC show Merlin (2008-2013), the writers took a very different approach to Arthur and Guinevere. Unlike the original story, where Arthur is taken by Merlin and raised as a ward in a loving foster home, in the show he's a spoiled and rash crown prince. Rather than Guinevere portrayed as a young princess from Lyonesse, she's a ladies maid to Princess Morgana. At first you would think that there is absolutely no hope of any possible relationship between these two. 

     The whole basis of Merlin is actually getting Arthur on throne. He needs Merlin to guide to him, Morgana to challenge him and of course Gwen to support him. As the show progresses in season 1, Arthur becomes somewhat influenced by Gwen's character. Her devotion to her work as a lady maid, her friendship with Merlin and her loyalty to the people she loves. He as a prince shows fear at the idea of becoming king, yet Gwen shows utter courage when it comes to facing death for a crime she didn't commit. While their relationship in the beginning is primarily master/servant, Arthur begins to see a person  that could rule beside him as a queen.

      Throughout the show Arthur and Gwen fight their feelings for one another due to their social status' in Albion. However, (with Merlin's help) they come to the understanding that for Albion to need Arthur, he is going to need Gwen. He needs her practicality, compassion and generous nature to balance out his stubborn and at times reckless personality. Through Gwen, Arthur begins to exhibit traits of a merciful and noble king. She is someone who can walk alongside him and he can walk alongside her. And no rules or laws will stop Guinevere from sitting on the throne next to him. 

     However, Arthur is not Gwen's first love. In season 1, she is swept away by the handsome and gallant Lancelot Du Lac. A brilliant swordsman who lives by his trade. He himself is taken with the lovely lady in waiting. Yet, Lancelot never stays for long and soon leaves Gwen, but with a possible promise of returning. When he does return later on in season 3, Arthur and Gwen are in an established relationship with each, which he fully supports. Yet Morgana finally reaches into the deepest recesses of her dark mind and uses their former love to tear apart Arthur and Gwen. 

     Gwen is put under an enchantment by a powerful bracelet and commits an affair with Lancelot the night before her wedding to Arthur in season 4. She is banished from Albion for her betrayal to Arthur. While Arthur tries to forget about Guinevere, he cannot undo years of friendship and love between him and the woman he hoped would one day be his future queen. 

     True love is only its truest when challenged at every turn. Whether by dark magic, lies, deception or even war. Arthur forgives Gwen and asks her to stay; while neither one of them ever knew about the enchanted bracelet or that is was Morgana who had plotted this tragedy. I was always annoyed at the fact that no one ever figured out that Gwen had been enchanted. Arthur and the rest of Albion may always see Gwen's infidelity as a slight against her character. Yet, it also shows Arthur's forgiveness for a personal crime against him giving his character growth and maturity as well. 

     

     He was a prince he needed someone to set him straight. She was a servant girl with the heart of queen. In most Arthurian tellings, Guinevere is usually written as haughty, vain and shallow. So seeing this Cinderella take on her character in Merlin was very different. I enjoyed it though. Arthur and Gwen's journey from master and servant, companions, friends, lovers and ultimately King and Queen of Albion is paramount to Merlin's own journey to becoming the legendary sorcerer. 

      Their love united a kingdom, strengthened a people, defeated an ultimate evil and was eventually left to the most unlikely person imaginable. Upon Arthur's death, Albion rests in the hands of a former servant girl, who possessed the goodness to look beyond a spoiled, young prince and call out the Once and Future King. 

Flashback Friday Post

In which I randomly select a year, a month and a post 

to look back upon

August 22, 2016

Matthew Crawley: Unexpected Heir, Everyday Hero

     There's Mr. Darcy, Mr. Rochester, Mr. Knightley, Mr. Thornton, Mr. Ferrers and then there is Matthew Crawley. The beloved hero of Downton Abbey took the world by storm as a lawyer turned heir who overnight had a great dynasty thrust upon his young shoulders. And that reason alone is what separates Matthew Crawley from the heroes of Jane Austen and the Bronte Sisters. The son of a upper middle class doctor and a former nurse, Matthew has lived a comfortable, very educated life in Manchester, England working as a city solicitor. He was not raised in a great estate home, with servants to do his bidding. He knows nothing about managing land or dealing with family traditions. At least he's willing to try...and as long as it doesn't change him.

     Matthew is given a lukewarm reception by the residents of Downton Abbey, when he and his mother arrive. He is most especially put off by snotty Lady Mary who believes that as the oldest, she should have Downton, not some distant stranger cousin. However, instead of buckling underneath the pressure of having to prove himself, Matthew goes above and beyond everyone's expectations. His once preconceived notions of how the wealthy live begin to change as Robert teaches him how to care for the tenants and protect the land. Mary, Edith and Sybil all have varied views of him, but all agree that he's worth keeping around. 

     The longer Matthew stays in Downton, the more he realizes how much of a difference he can make. Not much is spoken of Matthew's father, but it's clear that Matthew missed him dearly and finds a new father figure in Robert Crawley. While Robert loves his daughters immensely, he sees the son in Matthew he was never able to have. He sees an honest, good, and honorable man than any father would be proud of having and that any father would want his daughter to marry. 

     While Matthew holds the title of unexpected heir in the story; to fans he is simply an everyday hero. While hardly a brooding hero, people love him because he was a regular guy who went through extreme changes in his life, without himself being changed. 

     Matthew has always been a moral compass throughout his time on Downton Abbey. Yet, he was portrayed in a way that didn't make him too good to be true. Was he flawed, definitely? He could be judgmental, analytical, impatient and had difficulty getting over heady issues in the past. Yet, instead of these flaws demeaning his character, they made his character so much more real. Matthew wasn't always broodiness and hard work; he knew how to relax and have fun. There was also a sense of cluelessness about him that endeared him to the world. He didn't always know what was going on or how to handle things. What person ever does? 

     When Matthew died at the end of season 3, it did quite a bit of damage to the show. Many male Downton Abbey fans stopped watching the show, because for the first time, there was a guy that could relate too. That didn't have the perfect or unattainable qualities that girls always seem to want. Someone who was just as confused about love as they were. Matthew wasn't Mr. Darcy or Mr. Thornton who do could do no wrong; he was a lawyer who only wanted to do what was right. However, Downton Abbey survived for three more successful seasons, but really, the loss of Matthew was keenly felt through out the rest of the show. 

     From, lawyer to landowner, Matthew Crawley broke the mold for the romantic hero. A guy who could be understanding, but confused. Who could love deeply and lose greatly. A man who knew how to laugh, have fun and look beyond the boundaries of society.

 Thank you, Matthew Crawley for being the everyday hero the world needs right now.

I'm Pro-Life...but...

Very long post, but there are many things I need to write about.

     The world is at war with the debate of abortion. Nothing can tear a room apart faster than bringing up abortion and who has more rights, the mother or the child? With the signing of the New York Abortion Bill the pro-life and pro-choice movements are at an extreme intensity with one another. However, other states are fighting back. Such as the case with Utah with the banning of abortion for Down Syndrome babies.

     Down Syndrome babies are at a very high risk right now. In Greenland, any possible sign of an unborn child that could have Down Syndrome can be aborted. This is completely evil and inhumane. Any child right now with any disability are now seen as 'a strain on society,' and 'not worth the time and energy to care for.' As someone with a disability (as well as having a sister who is also epileptic and an autistic brother), this -supposed- ideology shocks me. The disabled are looked down on, seen as inferior and society simply seems Ok with the notion that 'the survival of the fittest,' is acceptable. 

     The mistreatment of the disabled was also what Hitler bellowed from his stage. When he started his ethnic cleansing of Germany and Europe, he didn't start with the Jews, he started with the disabled, the sick and the elderly. When Joseph Ratzinger - the former Pope, Benedict VXI - was living in Nazi Germany he remembered watching as his cousin with Down Syndrome was carried away from his family. As an epileptic, I would have been taken to the camps to be exterminated, because Hitler believed that I didn't belong in his Aryan dream. 

     I really can't begin to explain how reading all of those facts truly does terrify me. The fact that I was born different, that my mind functions differently and by no admission of my own, somehow makes me a target for death. While I am truly thankful that I did not live during that time, my heart breaks for the suffering the disabled went through and still go through today.

     Now, I'm pro-life. To the absolute extent. I believe that should never be any exception for the death of an unborn child. In this day and age, ***we have the programs, the charities, the support and funding*** for woman to have a baby and still have a successful and functioning life. We have the medical technology and medicine to ensure the safety of both mother and child. While never having been in the position of an unexpected pregnancy, I would never shy away from wanting to help someone seek help and aid for their own pregnancy.

     I am by no means telling a woman what to do with her own body. However, she has no right to harm another body, including the one inside of her. Science claims that a fetus is a human life. This isn't just religion, it's absolute scientific fact and truth. And by no means am I going to 'force' a woman to have a child. No one has the power to do that. In the end it is still the woman that has the decision to say yes or no. However, I will never see abortion as a merciful option. Abortion will never be a choice. 

      In situations of rape? Even then. While rape is abominable and evil, a child shouldn't be punished for the crimes of another. I don't believe that the rape survivor should be made to care for the child though. She certainly would not have the mental stability to care for herself. So, even on the case of rape, yes you should have the child, but there should be no expectation to raising the child. That's where adoption should be the surest choice. 

     Would I support a woman who had decided to have an abortion? That's hard for me to say. I can provide her with all the pro-life resources I have, but I'm not God. It's not my place to determine the choices and future of someone else and only He can lead a woman's heart to the right decision. I have heard stories from my former co-workers who had planned abortions and at last minute changed their minds. So, believe me, God controls it all. 

     While I appreciate how strong the pro-life movement in America has been getting, I'm also appalled at the utter hypocrisy as well. The article I posted above I had found on my Instagram page. I went to the comments to see what people had to say on Utah's Down Syndrome Abortion Ban and to be honest, I was shocked at what I read.

     The list can just go on and on. While there were several the seemed genuinely happy at the abortion ban, many were incensed at the idea that a disabled baby should have the right to live. The most shocking comments coming especially from those who claimed to pro-life, but...in the case of a child who was born differently...Utter hypocrisy at its lowest. 

You are not pro-life. You're a coward and have truly given in to the Eugenic belief of the extermination of the sick and the weak. To say that a disabled baby is a strain on the government and society further proves the point of your hatefulness and you do not stand for life at all. Just go and align yourself with Planned Parenthood and the rest of the pro-choicers.

     Now the liberal side is just as bad, but they are also good with their lies and deception. The liberal pro-choice agenda has never cared about the disabled at all. They may seem to have good intentions for the disabled, but their intentions are only for themselves. The liberal agenda or narrative uses the disabled for their own purposes. To appear compassionate, but in truth, they would rather see the disabled gone. Here's an example that I made several months ago.

     Modern day liberalism will cry and scream about ableism and how the disabled deserve respect and equal treatment, as long as they weren't born that way. Or the disabled are alright, but as long as they are controlled and we can still seem compassionate. No absolutely not. The liberal agenda stands on the backs of the disabled, looking good and saintly and compassionate, and then break the backs of the disabled when they give into the abortion of them. 

      Am I saying that all liberals are without compassion? No. Certainly not.

      Look at the Kennedy Family and the creation of the Special Olympics. Certainly not conservatives in their politics, but truly compassionate.

      However, the agenda or the narratives of liberalism -the belief system, not necessarily the people -  and those beliefs regarding the disabled conflict with one another. A disabled baby is a strain on the government and should be killed, but at the same time, we have to make sure we aren't ableist in out terms so as not to offend anyone or just so I can look like a saint. 

Tell me how these people born with Down Syndrome are a strain on society.

Frank Stephen's UN Speech

Collette DiVitto of Colletty's Cookies

Madeline Stuart - Down Syndrome model

Aditi Verma - Owner and head chef of Aditi's Corner in Mumbai, India

     These people aren't just doing alright, they are thriving and changing the world and how the world views them. So is the strain extra hours of schooling? Medication? Socialization? My question is, what gives you or any person the right to question the livelihood of another person? 

     Here's another idea, maybe if we stopped the funding of sex operations for 5 year old boys to become girls, when their own brains aren't completely developed, there might be some more compassion for the disabled. How much more of a strain on the government and society is the transitioning of one sex to another, with numerous surgeries and medications, than a child born with Down Syndrome?

     I don't wish any ill will on people that disagree with my beliefs nor am I trying to make people align with mine. Yet, there is no denying that has never been compassion found in abortion. Maybe 100 years ago when there were no charities and organizations, but in the 21'st century, woman and children should know that they are not alone.

     Normally I don't write about political issues, but ever since reading those comments, I felt like I had to write something! The only thing I can do now besides writing is to support pro-life ministries and organizations the best that I can.

***Here's a list of websites and organizations you can visit

Crisis Pregnancy Center

Live Action

Stork Bus

Save Down Syndrome

We Love Shakespeare Week: Tales From Shakespeare Book Review

     I picked this treasure up at the bookstore I was volunteering at and was floored to discover that it was a vintage find and dates all the way to the 1870's! I've never been a big Shakespeare reader, although I love what stories I grew up knowing about. And while the book was written for children, I found it very accessible into the entry into the world of Shakespeare.

     The Lambs' took Shakespeare's most popular plays and translated them into prose form. The primary reason was to introduce young children at the time to the works of Shakespeare with less difficulty. It certainly helped me to understand his plays better. 

     Original text: 

BASSANIO In Belmont is a lady richly left; And she is fair, and, fairer than that word, Of wondrous virtues: sometimes from her eyes I did receive fair speechless messages: Her name is Portia, and she owns my heart. Nor is the wide world ignorant of her worth, For the four winds blow in from every coast Renowned suitors, for her sunny locks Hang on her temples like a golden fleece, And many Jasons come in quest of her — Great lords, with rich and lustrous gifts, And here I am with nothing but myself — Less! — myself minus all my debt. O my Antonio, had I but the means To hold a rival place with one of them, Then I believe she favors me enough To sweep the rest away, and give me joy. 

ANTONIO And yet, without thy debt, thine own estate Is bountiful enough that it would serve. 

BASSANIO Here’s my hope, that, seeing how I’m changed, You’ll lend enough for me to pay my debts. You’ll have it back when Portia marries me, Or if she loves me not, then year by year.

ANTONIO Thou know'st that all my fortunes are at sea; Neither have I money nor commodity To raise a present sum: therefore go forth; Try what my credit can in Venice do: We’ll wring it dry to furnish you for Portia. Go, presently inquire, and so will I, Where money is, and what I borrow now, I trust I can repay when my ships come in, And you I trust to pay me next in turn. 

Charles Lamb's translation:

     One day Bassanio came to Antonio, and told him that he wished to repair his fortune by a wealthy marriage with a lady whom he dearly loved, whose father, that was lately dead, had left her sole heiress to a large estate; and that in her father's lifetime he used to visit at her house, when he thought he had observed this lady had sometimes from her eyes sent speechless messages, that seemed to say he would be no unwelcome suitor; but not having money to furnish himself with an appearance befitting the lover of so rich an heiress, he besought Antonio to add to the many favours he had shown him, by lending him three thousand ducats.

     Antonio had no money by him at that time to lend his friend; but expecting soon to have some ships come home laden with merchandise, he said he would go to Shylock, the rich money-lender, and borrow the money upon the credit of those ships.

     Now of course the language for the translated edition is dated and I normally don't read classic literature because of I have a difficult time understanding the writing. However, I was able to understand what the general storyline was even though I had to read through it again. Upon finishing reading Tales From Shakespeare I've discovered several favorite stories such as Twelfth Night and The Merchant of Venice, however I wasn't overly fond of A Comedy of Errors. I understand it was meant to be confusing, but it made my mind dizzy!

     I believe Tales From Shakespeare is a perfect introduction to the creative genius of Shakespeare. Once you can understand the meaning of the story, you can read the original works and truly construct and grasp his language.

Happy Valentine's Day!

But a good heart, Kate, is the sun and the

moon; or, rather, the sun, and not the moon; for it

shines bright and never changes, but keeps his

course truly.

- Henry V

The Hollow Crown: Henry V

Come and gather 'round!

And let The Chorus (storyteller) tell you a tale of the good King Harry!

The King - once the rash and reckless Prince Hal - who upon his father's last breath rose and become so just and wise ruler of England! 

Brave King Henry who fought the Battle of Agincourt  on St. Crispin's Day with his outnumbered army, his Happy Few, his Band of Brothers.

Darling King Henry who could raise his sword to Heaven and show no fear, but found himself hopeless on the wooing of the Princess Katherine of Valois. 

Great King Henry who was born of the blood Edward III and Edward, the Black Prince of Wales, yet would never see his own blood be born.

Henry V

by William Shakespeare

Setting: England, 15th Century

Primary Characters

King Henry V: Former Prince Hal, Prince of Wales. Passionate for his country. Christian. Noble, wise, temperamental. Fierce warrior. Loves his countrymen dearly.

The Chorus: The storyteller. Told from his childhood memories. Fought at Agincourt. Honored King Henry. 

Exeter: One of Henry's most trusted counselors. Skilled diplomat. Provides the king with sound and honest advice.

Edward, Duke of York: Another of Henry's trusted counselors. Devoted to the King and England. Skilled soldier. Bold and unafraid of war or any man. 

Louis, The Dauphin: Spoiled and selfish, son of the King Charles of France. Made the mistake of insulting King Henry and therefore, England.

Princess Katherine of Valois//Queen of England: King Charles' youngest, beautiful daughter. Lively, intelligent, curious about England, especially Henry. 

~ ~ ~

     Several years after assuming his father's throne, the once reckless and rash Prince Hal has become the respected and revered King Henry V of England. His sudden change of character, that can be measured from the moment of his father's death, is a shock to everyone. Some believe that from the wildness of his youth he learned wisdom in judgement of character. And his own character is certainly being judged on all sides. 

     Henry has ruled England well up to this point, but now he wants to strengthen his country and extend her borders. All the way to France. Having a claim to the French throne, Henry is persistent that he take the Crown of France, by hopes of diplomacy and agreement. King Charles and the French court seriously misjudge Henry's character, believing him to still be the irresponsible youth from years before. A dangerous error on their part. When Henry receives an insulting gift from Louis, the Dauphin (the Crown Prince), he is enraged. This is not only an insult to the king, but to England as well. And now Henry is more determined than ever to take France as his own; even if it means war.

     England recruits all the able bodied men and young boys that can go. Henry knows that he has an army that is severely outnumbered by France's own military. He tries not to despair and gives his hope to God that they will be victorious. Despite their small number, the English army manages to easily invade France and set out to the battle of Agincourt.

     King Charles of France, now tries negotiation to avoid war; even offering his daughter, Katherine and her substantial dowries in marriage. However, Henry is pass negotiations. Yet, Princess Katherine seems interested in leaving her insufferable father and brother and going to England as Henry's wife. She tries to learn English the best that she can; revealing her character to effortlessly sweet and charismatic, and possessing a nature that can stand head to head with the young King of England. 

      On the day of the Battle of Agincourt, also St. Crispin's Day, Henry rallies his military with a rousing speech of courage, honor, sacrifice and the future generations they are fighting for. His speech clearly worked, for Henry and his men defeated the French army, who lost over 10,000 men, while England lost only 25. Of these 25 losses, Edward, the Duke of York, King Henry's counselor and closest friend was murdered, which sends Henry into a rage toward France. 

      After a year of negotiating between France and England, Henry decides to finally pursue Princess Katherine and marry her. This leads into one of the most enduring fumbling attempts of wooing ever written. Through broken English and French, more than a few laughs and one soul stealing kiss, Katherine happily agrees to marry the King of England, therefore uniting their two great countries. 

       Their happiness, however, is cut short when King Henry dies of dysentery two years later. He never got to see his own son. His death caused imminent turmoil between England and France afterwards, separating the two countries and deepening the 100 Year War. Queen Katherine and all of England mourn the death of the young king. But as The Chorus says in the end:

For their sake and in your fair minds,
Let this acceptance take.

The Hollow Crown: Henry IV - Part I and Part II

     Redemption is truly a theme in this continuing story of Henry Bolingbroke, now the crowned Henry IV. King Henry seeks redemption from wrongs committed years ago. Meanwhile, his careless son must learn how to redeem his seedy life if only to make his father proud of him. Fathers and sons do play a strong part in The Hollow Crown. Some relationships are close, while others are stormy and complicated. One son carry's his family honor with fire, while another disregards it. One father wrings his hands in despair, while another glows with pride. 

     Fathers and sons. The never ending story of the past vs. the present, with no assurance of a hopeful future.

Henry IV - Part I

by William Shakespeare

Setting: England, 15th Century

Primary Characters

King Henry IV: Formerly Henry Bolingbroke. A wise king. Loving father. In despair for his eldest son's behavior. 

Prince Henry//Harry or Hal: The unruly Prince of Wales. Disrespectful of his father and the throne. Prefers to spend his time at The Boar's Head, a shady tavern in Cheapside, London. Heavily influenced by John "Jack" Falstaff. Fears becoming king.

Henry/Harry "Hotspur" Percy: A nobleman well known for his fierce fighting. Temperamental. Passionate. Close to his father and family.

Sir John "Jack" Falsaff: A former nobleman turned lowlife. Drunkard, philanderer and gambler. Friends with Prince Hal. 

~ ~ ~

     Ten years after assuming the crown and throne of England, Henry IV, formerly Henry Bolingbroke has ruled well. However, he feels his age slowly coming upon him and is unsure as to where the future of the throne is going. His oldest son, Prince Henry or known as Hal/Harry is wild, rebellious and wastes his time at The Boar's Head in Cheapside. While Hal is by no means cruel or malicious, his recklessness is becoming his father's bane. Hal has the charisma of a young prince, but lacks the wisdom and responsibility of a true king. His younger brother, John, is becoming a better candidate for the throne for than himself.

     Meanwhile, another son is beginning to make a name for himself. Harry "Hotspur" Percy, son of Northumberland lands himself in trouble with King Henry. Harry Percy demands that the king do right by his own family and pay off his cousin's debt. King Henry refuses and therefore sets off both Hotspur and his father. Despite Harry Percy's rage against him, Henry can't help but admire his devotion to his family and is envious that Northumberland should have so loyal a son, while his own, the future of England, brings nothing but shame.

     Hal is unfortunately under the influence of Sir John Falstaff. An amoral drunkard who enjoys fun, revelry and no small amount of illegal activity. Around Falstaff, Hal shows nothing but contempt and disrespect toward his father and the throne. Finally Henry has had enough with  Hal and says that he  believes Harry Percy to be a better and more noble son than his own. Enraged by this confession, Hal swears to his father and before God that he would go to battle and fight Harry Percy himself, if only to win his father's respect

     Soon, Henry and Hal set off to fight Harry Percy and Northumberland. They are unexpectedly followed by Falstaff, who actually shows some moderate skill in battle. Hal and Percy finally fight off against one another; and while Hal defeats him (despite a a deep shoulder injury) he is saddened that his victory should come at Percy's death. The King and the Prince of Wales reunite in their victory together, but Henry now knows that his days on the throne are beginning to diminish. 

End of Part I

~ ~ ~

Henry IV - Part II

     After the defeat of Hotspur, Prince Hal is now starting to see his former life in a very different light. His wasteful years in the taverns and not in the throne room, his admiration for Falstaff instead of his own great father and his running away from his birthright instead of preparing for it. Slowly Hal begins to distant himself from the people of Cheapside and gives a good deal of time and attention to bettering himself for his future on the throne.

     Hal's change couldn't come at a better time. Henry's health is getting worse and he is trying to hold out long enough for Hal to finally be ready to assume his rightful role as king. If Henry could die in peace, knowing that his son is ready to be king, then all has been made well in life. Meanwhile, Falstaff is honored and rewarded for his duty in battle and wastes no time in prancing about Cheapside. He begins to cause trouble among the residents of The Boar's Head and eventually throughout the countryside. 

     In his last final hours, Henry converses with his oldest the duty and responsibility of being king. How heavy is the head that wears the crown. Although frightened and unsure, Hal is more determined than ever to make his father proud. Upon King Henry's death, the young prince Hal has grown up and takes the title of Henry V, King of England. He cuts all ties with Falstaff and begins to clean up his country starting with the raiding and arrests of The Boar's Head Tavern and ending its illegal activity.

(There were several other stories going on including the aftermath of Harry Percy's death and some brave deeds done by Prince John, Hal's brother, but I wanted to focus on the primary story of King Henry and his son)

The Hollow Crown: Richard II

     So...for Shakespeare Week, I have decided to tackle The Hollow Crown miniseries which premiered in 2012. Starring Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear, Patrick Stewart, David Suchet, Jeremy Irons, Tom Hiddleston, Julie Waters, Alun Armstrong, Joe Armstrong, Simon Russell Beale, Michelle Dockery and the late John Hurt, to name just a few of the extraordinary talent! Being not too familiar with Shakespeare or his historical interpretations of the royal history, my reviews will be more of a general overviews the stories. 

Richard II

by William Shakespeare

Setting: England, 15th Century

Primary Characters

King Richard II: Current King of England. Cold, arrogant, incompetent. Has a holiness complex. Despite his narcissistic personality, he is very loving toward his wife, Queen Isabella of Valois.

Henry of Herford/Bolingbroke: Richard's cousin. Upright, moral, devoted to his father and his country and believes he has a right claim to the throne.

John of Gaunt: Richard's uncle and Henry's father. Noble, strong, wise. Loves his son very much. Critical of Richard's role as king.

Duke of York: Enigmatic and ruthless in his beliefs. Unsure of where he stands. Refuses to have blood on his hands.

~ ~ ~

     King Richard the II has been called upon to settle a dispute between his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mobrey. Henry has accused Thomas of stealing funds from the king and using them for his own purpose. Richard, not really caring about any of this, decides that they should duel it out with one another. However, at last moment he changes his mind and decides to banish both of them.

     This is a hard hit for everyone, especially Henry's aging father, John of Gaunt who loves his son dearly. Henry himself is popular with the people and genuinely desires to want to better his beloved England. Shortly afterwards, John dies either from old age or heartbreak, but Richard has little care for his uncle and would rather focus on traveling to the Ireland for battle. Unbeknownst to Richard though is that Henry has secretly been smuggled back into England. The feisty Bolingbroke wastes no time in gathering an army to fight Richard and depose him from his throne.

     It is soon discovered that Richard has been misusing money from the royal treasury of which can be seen as treason among his people. Henry manages to entrap Richard and prepares for battle, however, Richard surprises everyone by peacefully surrendering. Possibly to avoid bloodshed. Richard is then taken to the throne room in England where he claims he is willing to surrender his crown to his cousin. Yet, his solemn words suggest otherwise. He knows he has failed his people with his insufferable arrogance and pride, and believes God to be punishing him. Eventually he surrenders his crown to his cousin and is sent up to the London tower for his imprisonment.

     While Henry may have had many followers, Richard still has a handful that are devoted to him. One goes so far as to prophecy that Henry's rule will be marked with strife and war. While Henry is revered on his coronation day, Richard is reviled and abused in the cold and drafty Tower of London. After a plan is revealed to assassinate Henry and free Richard, the new King Henry IV wastes no time in hunting down and killing Richard's followers. His rule marred with strife and war begins.

     Richard himself is murdered in the Tower by his own cousin, Aurmerle who had sworn to protect him, but to save his own life, he murders the former king. The young Richard passes away in what he believes to be a true and holy martyrs death. When King Henry learns of Richard's murder, he is grieved at such an act toward a once holy anointed king.

     King Richard's death would haunt him for the rest of his life.