Morning, afternoon & evening all
For most of the challenge, I have found myself in the medieval period
where there is a wealth of stories and legends. Of course, many are famous and
ingrained in our psyche, particularly if we were born in the UK. Who has note
been regaled by stories of Arthur & Merlin, Robin Hood and his Merry men
and countless others
During medieval times, heroic deeds and acts of
chivalry carried out by the great and the good of the land were regaled in
ballads sung by the bards. Because of this, for my last post of the “Sweet Sixteen”
challenge I thought I might tell you all such a story. Like a bedtime sort of story so you'll probably fall asleep
The actions of one of
Wales’ greatest knights though once prominent and in those days on the tip of every bard’s
tongue somehow became lost until its recent discovery. Thus we arrive at the
Ballad of Sir Creshan of Deheubarth. So
join me if you will by the fire, pull up a chair and close you eyes and
imagine. (Er On second thoughts it’s probably best that you don’t close your
eyes as you won’t be able to see the pictures which would defeat the whole
object)
In days of old
when knights were bold…
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| The Bard Gerald of Wales will help us recount the tale... |
Behold Sir Creshan and his trusty squire - Pod |
| Sir Creshan has no lord, he's a hedge knight and is sleeping under one |
Sir Creshan is on his way to a tourney where he plans to earn fame and fortune by winning and so marry the love of his life, Lord Lucan's elder daughter Lucretia who will no doubt be unable to avoid his advances should he win and so become a knight of renown |
| She's on the right wearing blue |
Of course one of the reasons he wants to marry her is because she has big chests |
| What were you thinking, take your mind out of the gutter, these chests are full of money |
Anyway I digress....
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| This is Sir Creshan's old squire, Hodor, but he had to let him go... |
At the last tournament on the circuit
though Sir Creshan had been victorious he had somewhat unfortunately be the
source of much jest and mirth because of the unfortunate well stupid actions
actually of his then Squire Hodor. Now Hodor wasn’t the sharpest tool in
the box and when asked to repaint Sir Creshan’s shield with his Leopard
heraldry misconstrued or misheard and a dreadful scene followed " I said paint a Leopard -L -E - O-P-A-R-D - there's no T in Leopard you stupid boy.
Fighting with a leotard on your shield is not really the way to garner favour with lords and ladies
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| This is Pod, Sir Creshan's new squire |
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| Being a squire is hard work |
The day hasn't started well because they slept late and its worse when they get to the bridge where's there's obviously an ye olde traffic jam where carts are piled up waiting to cross
"Pod, I'm in a hurry, tell those peasants to get a move on as I'm an important man you know"5 mins later - "well? "
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| "He's signaling sir - I think he's saying it will take 2 hours to cross" |
It soon become apparent what the trouble is and Sir Creshan springs into action |
| A river troll it seems |
Finally Sir Creshan is victorious
On with his journey and into the forest.....
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| Ni, ni, ni - you shall not pass... |
 |
| Thank goodness for the shrubbery, not too expensive |
If that's not bad enough, a few miles on and another says Sir Creshan shall not pass....
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| The dreaded Black Knight.. |
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| Call it a draw? |
Meanwhile with his back turned and horse left unattended it looks like some thieving sod has made off with his horses hooves and shoes ( The current practice of stealing car wheels and leaving the car on a pile of bricks originated in Medieval times)
Off to the blacksmith
Then there was the matter of that magic sword
 |
Arthur you little sod, come here. Where did you get
that sword, you could get someone’s eye out with that, You wait till your
father gets home he will brain you for stealing that sword – now take it back
to where you find it and not only that if his lordship finds out you’ll be on
one of those boats to Australia |
Next off to see the Mad Bishop at the church for a blessing
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| Nobody was expecting this |
At the tourney Sir Creshan's first opponent was disqualified for wearing a dress and being improperly dressed and his second was a little odd
But look behold
Unfortunately not all medieval tales have an happy ending....
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Poor Sir Creshan, all hot and melted.....
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Apologies a mad rush and only just in
So In summary - 455b p0its in foot and horse, 3 wagons and a troll and dragon
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Wow, amazing work and such a rollicking story, Kerry! I loved how the saga of poor Creshan (it's all very Welsh, you know) allows us to have a wonderful tour of your collection, both new and old. So much to take in. Of the group, I especially like the jousting knights and, of course, the red dragon. Amazing brushwork and all beautifully photographed amongst your stupendous terrain. Bravo on this final parting volley, Kerry! I look forward to seeing you with us next winter for Challenge XVII.
- Curt