Dear Diary,
I've been with the princess down under the sea for a few years now. The turtle saved me when I was swallowed by the sea. He owed me a favor because I saved him when he was a young, small turtle. Anyway, time has been going by very fast. The princess is lovely, and the palace is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Every day is an adventure and I love my new life. My parents are probably worried about me, as I am there only child. Although I miss my parents, I don't know how to tell the princess that I want to leave the palace to go visit them.
-Uraschimataro
Page 2
Dear Diary,
Life has continued to be wonderful down here. I can barely remember my old life. I still miss my parents and I hope they're doing well without me. I worry because I was the focus of their whole lives. I've been rather sad lately, and the princess has noticed. I think she realizes I miss my family, but she doesn't want me to leave her. I guess I will just have to confront her and tell her my concerns. After all, I plan to visit my parents but I will return to her shortly after.
-Uraschimataro
Page 3
Dear Diary,
I'm finally going to visit my parents! I leave in a few days. How did the conversation go with the princess? Rather well, actually. She was very reluctant, but finally encouraged me to go. She also gave me a box to take with me, but her she told me to never open it. I'm not sure why, but I will obey her wishes. The turtle is taking me on the three day journey back home, and I'm very excited. He will wait for me at the shore until I'm ready to return to the princess under the sea. I will update next when I make it back to my home.
-Urachimataro
Page 4
Dear Diary,
This whole trip has been a disaster. I arrived back home, but everything has changed tremendously. My old home has a new family in it. I couldn't find my parents and I didn't recognize a single neighbor or person in town. I finally went to the cemetery and sadly, I found my parents headstones. They had died shortly after I disappeared. I'm devastated and distraught. I found out that 300 years have passed since I have left, but I haven't aged a bit. I think I am going to open the box. I have a feeling it has to do with my parents. For now though, I'm going to get some sleep.
-Uraschimataro
Page 5
Dear Diary,
I opened the box and a purple vapor poured around me, preventing me from seeing anything. It took me back 300 years to the very day that I disappeared! I'm back home and my parents are alive and well. I don't go out to see fishing anymore, and I never saw the turtle or princess again. I guess that's why she asked me not to open the box, because when I did, it was a choice for my old life over the new one. This is my home and where I belong. I miss the princess and the palace, but I'm happy being back where I'm supposed to be. Maybe one day I'll see them again.
-Uraschimataro
Bibliography: Uraschimataro and the Turtle from The Pink Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
Author's Note: In the original story, Uraschimataro is an only child who goes further out to see than anyone else dares. He is warned by many that the ocean may swallow him, but he continues doing it. One day he finds a small turtle among the fish he caught. He wants to keep it, but the turtle begs to be set free and he will return the favor some day. He sets the turtle free and goes about his day. Years later, when he is out at sea his boat is destroyed and he is almost out of luck, until the turtle, now much bigger, saves him. He takes him deep down into the ocean to a palace where he meets a princess. He's very happy here, but eventually longs to see his family. The princess notices and wishes for him not to leave her. He promises he will visit his parents and return to her after. She gives him a box, but warns him not to open it. When he makes it home, he realizes his parents have died and 300 years have passed. He thinks the box will make everything right, but when he opens it, he turns into a very old man. He tries to call the turtle at the sea, but nothing happens. Shortly after, he dies and is set free. For my story, I wrote a diary from Uraschimataro's perspective. I told the same tale, but changed the ending. He opens the box, and time is reversed. He never sees the turtle or princess again, but he has his old life and parents back.
Uraschimataro and the Turtle
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hi McKenna
ReplyDeleteI really like the concept of doing a diary to tell the story! I think that’s so creative and refreshing to read the story in increments like that! And I like the change you made to the ending, because it’s a much happier one! I thought the original ending was pretty depressing, so the change you made was awesome! Good job!
Hi McKenna!
ReplyDeleteThe format of your story is so unique and different. The format does a good job of grabbing the reader’s interest and making your story fun to read. In the first story, when I read the part about the turtle I was so confused to why that was in there. But at the end of the post it all made sense.
Hi McKenna!
ReplyDeleteThis story set up is very creative and unique! I read your author's note first so that I could better understand your story! In your author's note you wrote see instead of sea, which is a common mistake and an easy fix!
The way you broke up your story also makes it easier for the reader to read the whole thing. You did a great job of shower your character's emotion and thoughts on her journey. Thank you for sharing!
Hi McKenna,
ReplyDeleteIt's so cool that you retold this story as a series of diary entries! I haven't seen anyone else do that yet, and it's such a unique way of telling a story. It worked well for this story because Uraschimataro's changing feelings are important to the plot. I like that you changed the story to give it a happy ending that was still believable. I especially like that you said opening the box was a choice to go back to the past. Great job!
Hi McKenna,
ReplyDeleteNice job with the story! The diary format was really good for starting the story in the middle and showing how it unfolded gradually. I'm glad he was content with the ending. Was fishing his livelihood or did he just watch it for fun? Have a great Thanksgiving break!