Showing posts with label King Raven. Show all posts
Showing posts with label King Raven. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

BLOG TOUR - DAY 3

King Raven - Robin Hood with a Secret Identity



Tuck
by Stephen Lawhead

Stephen Lawhead's Web site - http://www.stephenlawhead.com/


(Click book for Amazon link) or


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Rhiban Hud, or Bran, became King Raven earlier in the series after a comment by Angharad that Bran was indeed King Raven. He kept up the persona as a way to hid his identity and to strike fear in the hearts of his enemies. King Raven represented a dichotomy of sorts. To those he fought against, and who cheated the poor and weak, King Raven represented a dark spirit who struck swiftly and silently. To the poor and needy, King Raven represented someone who fought for them and brought aid to fill their need.

I liked the King Raven idea. Like superman's secret identity, King Raven was the mysterious persona Bran became when in costume. This is in stark contrast to the old Robin Hood versions where Robin and his Merry Men ran around in bright green tights. The black King Raven headdress blended well into the shadows of the Welsh countryside. Bright green leggings just don't strike me as very good camouflage, even in a tree filled forest. The black costume may have represented unvoiced fears of the opposition. Bran's costume allowed him to appear suddenly, as if from thin air. Bran's haunting call echoing through the forest must have struck fear in his enemies. The description reminded me of a trumpet of judgement from Revelation.

A king must have the wisdom to follow wise judgement. Thanks to the counsel of Tuck and Angharad, Rhibran made wise choices. Thanks to fervent prayer, Tuck and Angharad gave Bran wise advise. Robin follows this advice, and leads the group to many small victories. King Raven also represents the two sides of man's choice. He would follow God's word, but a wish for expediency tempers his action. Bran sees peace only after a great war is fought. Tuck sees the potential for peace through personal contact with the enemy. Even after failing more than once to reach a peaceful agreement, Tuck doesn't give up hope but continues in his attempts.


This encouragement to continue in what is right, though things don't work out, is a theme that runs through the story. Don't give up hope in following the right path, instead persevere for one day all will receive the reward they have earned.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

BLOG TOUR - DAY 2

Finding Faith in a Forest




Tuck
by Stephen Lawhead

Stephen Lawhead's Web site - http://www.stephenlawhead.com/


(Click book for Amazon link) or


Amazon Link:



Friar Tuck is a man of simple pleasures serving God, helping others, food, and drink - in that order. Tuck would have peace if at all possible, and tries to provide others with an out to this continual fighting; if they would but take it. Early on, Tuck attempts to craft a peace between Bran and the evil Abbot Hugh. Tuck sees the peace accord as an end to the fighting and loss of lives. The Abbott sees it as an attempt to wrest away control of his lands and goods.

Throughout Tuck, the good friar remains a firm believer in the power of prayer, even in their darkest times. Tuck's compassion extends to their enemies, the Ffreinc. Before going into battle, Tuck exhibits his concern for those who spitefully used him by offering to hear confessions before the battle begins.


When a cunning plan requires Tuck to pose as a high ranking official, he enjoys the food but misses his simple accommodations back home. Tuck enjoys the simple things in life and makes no pretense of show to become the center of attention, or gain man's praise. Even when working alone, Tuck occupies his mind by reciting the Psalms and dwelling upon the Gospels. Before each battle Tuck prayed frevantly for divine guidance and intercession that peace and truth might prevail.

One character of faith, Angharad, led the King Raven and his band in following the path of the Good Lord. Bran met Angharad earlier in the series when she healed both his body and soul. She was called the banfaith, and known as the last true Bard of Britain. Even Tuck deferred to Angharad's wise leadership and counsel as both sought to bring peace to the land once more by restoring Rhiban Hud to his rightful throne.


Tomorrow's Blog, Robin Hood ruled in Sherwood Forrest, but King Raven ruled in Wales. How King Raven expands the legend and deepens the character.


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