In RLA, we have been writing Greek myths. We learned how to slow down the important moments and 'zap' our verbs. These skills add a lot of detail to the myths. I think I worked really hard on adding different types of detail like sensory detail (see, touch, smell, hear, taste). I also focused on slowing things down by using short sentences and using paragraphing to show suspense. Without further ado, here it is:
The Box of Deceit
A long time ago, there was a brave king named Agapios, ruler of the kingdom Thasos. The people of Thasos highly esteemed Agapios, as he was a brave warrior and a good leader. He was also a fine looking king– with smooth yet brave looks, and a thick brown beard. Agapios had everything he needed: an abundance of riches; love from his people; and admiration from people of other lands. But alas, the one thing King Agapios longed for was his true love Andreanna, who he loved more than life itself. She had been just like Agapios, which is why he adored her so much. She was brave and very adventurous– always seeking one or another quest to go on.
One day Andreanna got word of the demon Hypatos, who had been created by the god of the underworld, Hades. Hypatos guarded a special diamond, worth millions. Andreanna was immediately riveted by the idea of going to get the diamond of Hypatos. For her, it wasn’t about the money, it was about the thrill of the adventure. Even though Hypatos, a notorious demon, had slaughtered many powerful kings, Agapios did not want to go against Andreanna. So, he let her go, reminding her to be careful. But days went by, and Andreanna did not return. Agapios was fearful, but he also felt that Andreanna had to have succeeded, knowing her capabilities. As the people of Thasos began to get anxious about their queen, so did King Agapios. After many days, Agapios decided to go find Andreanna. When he entered the cave of Hypatos, Andreanna’s slewn body lay in front of him. He brought her body back to Thasos, and for three weeks the people mourned her death. But Agapios was infuriated. He wouldn’t enable someone to steal his love and get away. So, he called for all of Greece’s finest warriors to slay the beast, and all were in favor, after hearing about the brave Andreanna’s death. The band of warriors were victorious in their battle, and Agapios put the remains of Hypatos into a large chest, and kept it in a corner of his bedroom.
But Agapios still yearned to be with Andreanna because there was nothing that could replace her in his life. Everyday, as he observed all the gold and riches he had in the large palace of his, he couldn’t help but remember Andreanna. ‘I must go to Hades,’ Agapios thought at once, ‘to get my dearest back from the dead.’
Agapios thanked Charon, ferryman of the underworld, for taking him across the River Styx, and made his way to Hades’ palace.
Fingers trembling, he stared in awe at the dark, deadly palace. It made him nervous, but he would do anything for Andreanna. Anxious yet fearless, Agapios walked into the palace, and bowed down to the god and asked, “Oh Hades, I have lost my wife, Andreanna, and can not live without her. Please bring her back to me!”
Hades nodded, keeping a very solemn and calm look on his face. “Yes, Agapios. I will grant you Andreanna, under one condition.”
Agapios was delighted to hear that Hades had complied just like that; it filled him with an immediate excitement. Smile broadening, he speedily asked, “Yes, dear god. What must I do?”
“Open the box of Hypatos’ remains, and leave it open for a day. On the next night, I will give you Andreanna.”
At once, Agapios was thrilled to hear this. The gods’ conditions could be odd, however knowing how uptight the gods could be, he couldn’t believe it, and the condition seemed easy. Agapios skipped back to the palace, and the moment he returned, he unlocked the chest and threw it open. That night, he went to sleep anticipating being with his wife the very next day, but little did he know that would not happen.
The next day, Agapios behaved in a joyous fashion. He decided to throw a party in the plateia for the return of his wife, and all the people of Thasos were invited. They drank, feasted, and danced. The sound of people singing, and dancing filled the air. But in the early evening, just a few hours before Andreanna was to return, BOOM! An ear-splitting crackle of thunder silenced the celebration. Sea splashing waves onto the festivities, the people cried out in fright.
“BRACE YOURSELVES,” someone shrieked.
The smell of doom filled the air. The gods Zeus, lord of the skies, with a lightning bolt in his hand, and Poseidon, with a trident, hovered down the party. The sense of their power left everyone with fearful expressions.
“AGAPIOS,” Zeus roared, as he soared down from the skies.
Agapios stared blankly at Zeus, wondering what the gods were upset about.
“DARE YOU DISTURB THE GODS OF OLYMPUS?” Zeus yelled, louder this time.
“D-disturb the g-gods?” Agapios stuttered back.
“YES, DISTURB MY BROTHER AND I!”
“I don’t recall doing anything of the sort,” Agapios replied, utterly confused now.
“YOU CAME TO OLYMPUS, AND BEGAN TO INSULT POSEIDON AND MYSELF, AND BOTHER US, YOU MERE MORTAL,” Zeus explained.
“But, dear god, with all due respect, I couldn’t have been disturbing you, as I was here with my people.”
Zeus chuckled sarcastically, and replied, “We know how cunning you mortals can be.” He continued, “Such an offense deserves none other than a death penalty,” and withdrew his lightning bolt.
The people of Thasos all gasped in astonishment. Agapios was still confused, but kept a straight and strong face at the god’s words. A sturdy hand at the ready, Zeus, prepared to slash at Agapios, taunted, “Any last words?”
Agapios cleared his throat and announced in a clear, proud voice, “I do not understand what I have done, but if the gods beseech a death penalty, then I am ready. It is almost night and my dear Andreanna has not returned, so if she is dead, I am ready to die to be with her.”
The people of Thasos wept at Agapios’ beautiful words, but Zeus killed him in an instant.
When Agapios materialized in the underworld, and made his way to Hades’ palace once again, the smell of death in the air filled Agapios’ nostrils and once again. The sound of deadly creatures attacked his ears.
He then enquired with the god about what had happened to their deal.
Hades chortled, and in a in a sly tone, said, “Well, now that you’re dead anyway, I might as well explain to you what happened.”
Agapios, surprised, questioned, “What did happen?”
“I created that demon before the making of mankind, which is why no human knows the cause for my creating Hypatos.”
Agapios raised his eyebrows. He was stunned. But then, Hades spoke.
“When my brothers were distributing the powers, I was given god of the underworld. I created Hypatos to bother my brothers because I was furious at them. The beast was supposed to take the form of the last being it saw when it bothered Zeus and Poseidon. But, when it came to earth, it got attached to that silly diamond, and wouldn’t do what it was created to do.”
Mentally, time froze for Agapios. He had finally deciphered it all. Hades had tricked him. Opening the box created Hypatos again, and the gods thought that it was him who was provoking them, not the demon. He had done it all for Andreanna. But somewhere–somewhere, he had messed up.
“What about Andreanna?” Agapios questioned, regretting being so hasty with Hades earlier.
Hades stared out for a few seconds and said, “She’ll be departing to earth in a few minutes from now.”
Agapios dashed out of Hades’ palace as fast as he could and saw his beloved, whom he had endeavored so much to get back, standing in front of him.
Andreanna gave him a smile and called, “Goodbye, my love.”
Agapios ran towards her, but by the time he got close enough, she was gone. Not dead, but gone.
