Rache Writes

The story that captured my attention the most in this section is the Witch of Endor from the King James Bible . In this story, Saul is trying to figure out how to defeat the Philistines in battle. He has forbidden witchcraft in Israel but disguises himself and seeks out a witch to get advice. She summons the ghost of Samuel, and then she realizes that Saul is the king. The ghost of Samuel predicts that Saul will die with his army the next day. What really struck me about the story is that even though Saul forbade witchcraft and tricked this woman into seeking out a spirit for him in disguise, she takes pity on him and makes him a meal before he leaves. ( The Witch of Endor by Adam Elsheimer )

I decided to watch the Crash Course videos on Mythology for this week's StoryLab. I really like how the first video starts by defining myths as story rather than truth, even though they may also be true. I also like thinking about what makes a story significant and have lasting power, whether it be about the story's moral lesson or the story's explanatory power. It's interesting to know that the correlation between myths and lying began all the way back with Plato, for some reason I figured that interpretation would've happened later. I was also surprised that mythology lived in practice wasn't studied until anthropology gained prominence in the 20th century. The monomyth was also really helpful to dissect. Seeing how most hero myths have so much structural similarity will help organize my own thoughts when I'm writing. (Crash course logo. Source .)

The story of Rebekah from Genesis 24 and 25 in the King James Bible In this story, Isaac sends a servant to find a wife for him. He waits by the well to see who will not only give him drink but his camels as well. Rebekah comes and does just this. She allows the servant and his camels to stay with her family for the night, and then returns with the servant the next day and marries Isaac. (Isaac's servant tying a bracelet on Rebekah's arm. Source .)