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The Shardana
In honor of “Talk Like a Pirate Day” I have decided to write a story about the Shardana, a race of ancient pirates. In order to talk like them you would have to learn a long dead language, I am afraid.The Shardana, or the Sherden, didn't exactly leave behind anything for us to definitively talk about who they were or what they are about. The first possible reference to them was in a letter from an Egyptian mayor, a guy named Rib-Hadda, to the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, wherein he refere [...]
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THE SONG OF ROLAND
The song of Roland (La Chanson de Roland) is a poem written in the 8th century about King Charlemagne and the battle of Roncevaux in 778. It tells of Charlemagne’s fight with the Muslims in Spain and the Muslim king Marsilla. There is one last city left to fall, the city of Saragossa. Marsilla is aware of Charlemagne’s huge army and fearing he is about to lose he decides to strike a deal with the Emperor. Marsilla sends out his messengers to Charlemagne and his army of Franks and offers all his treasure and a promise of his conversion to Christianity if only they leave the city and return to…
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THE DEATH OF THE BLACK PRINCE
Edward was born on 15th June 1330 at Woodstock in Oxfordshire. He was the eldest son of Edward III and as such was held the title of The Prince of Wales. During his lifetime he was a key player in his father’s military campaigns in France. When he was just sixteen he was heralded for his involvement in the Battle of Crecy and the defeat of the French army. After being appointed his father’s lieutenant he led another victory against the French at Poitiers and took the French king prisoner. In 1362 Edward married Joan of Kent. There is a love story attached to their coming together in that another…
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Ramesses the Great
I am going to tell you a story today of a child who became a god, and this story is entirely true.Once upon a long time ago, a baby boy was born. His father and his father's father served in the godking's army so loyally and faithfully that the godking himself appointed the boy's grandfather a position in his court. When the godking died without heirs, his grandfather was elevated to deific status and became the godking of the great kingdom. When his grandfather died, his father was also elevat [...]
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Tir na nOg – Oisin and Niamh
Irish Folklore tells the story of Oisin, son of Finn, of the Fianna, who fall in love with the fairy Princess Niamh from the mystical island of Tir na nOg, the Land of Perpetual Youth. For many centuries the fabled island has been sought, which legend says lays off the coast of Ireland. In the twelfth century Giraldus Cambrensis told the story how one day a strange island appeared off the west coast of Ireland, but when the people made out for in in a boat, it vanished as they drew near. Later, as it reappeared, another group attempted to reach it again, and when they were within range, fired…
