OK. So, I kinda nearly broke my hand doing it; it took up 40+ pages (and it was handwritten), even though I had all term (since the end of December actually) to do it.
It’s kind of a story + historical stuff + creativity + tons of investigation + a set of skills that I didn’t even know I had.
Just in case you want an overdose of History (of History Poisoning) you might want to read it. When I finish this lot of exams (yes, I’m in the middle of them), I’ll type them up here (It’s gonna take me some time, so I won’t be able to post it all in one go).
Spoilers before I start writing (basically before I finish my exams):
- There’s characters
- The assignment required us to be invincible (practically), which means the story starts in 711 AD and ends in 2026 (I never understood the purpose of this assignment TBH, BTW)
- It’s divided into 7 chapters.
- It’s a bore (there’s a Spanish saying that goes (translated) “It even bores the rocks” (“Aburre a las piedras”) and this is a clear case of this)
- You probably won’t like it
- I don’t know why I am doing this
- You will start hating History more than ever (if possible)
BTW, I managed to get a 10/10 just in case you’re interested (which in this case you shouldn’t)
The Chronicles of Ataulfo
[Insert picture of cover here. Am at school so can’t do so rn. Maybe later]
Chapter 1
In the Year of our Lord 710, I, Ataúlfo, son of Rodolf and Ostrogotha, will now, on these pages, recount my story.
After many dangerous roads, I find myself and my family in the northern mountains. We fled Toletum because, when king Witiza died, a war broke out between his possible successors. Furthermore, one of them, named Agila, has asked the Muslims for help. We were scared, and don’t know what will happen, which is why we left.
I am of noble blood, as my father comes from a family of Christian landowners. My mother is also highborn, and I have a brother, Erwig, and three sisters: Flavia, Clotilde and Theodosia, who each live in different parts of Hispania. I also have many cousins.
Both my parents are involved in the running of Kangas, where we live. My father holds a prominent political role, and has significant influence in the civil and criminal jurisdiction of the village. My mother also helps run the estate, arranges marriages, and directs the Los Hitos monastery in Toletum. She also supervises our education.
We are happy in our new home in the North, but a few days ago, we lost our maternal grandfather. Everyone was sad to see him go, because he was highly respected, and such a kind, considerate person. In order to honour him, we took his body to the Dolmen of the Holy Cross, a burial site, which consists of five large slabs, and two smaller ones. The biggest of them all forms the tomb headstone, which is beautifully carved and probably twice my size. We buried my grandfather there according to our Christian rituals: head facing West, and feet to the East, because we believe in resurrection. In his grave, we also put his wedding ring – his most prized possession – along with his knife.
My mother was sad that he could not be buried at Los Hitos, also a burial site. Seeing her so sad, my father has decided to talk to other noblemen about building an actual church where the dolmen is. This will take many years, but I think it is a great idea.
End of chapter. I’m afraid that that’s it for now, I don’t have much more time for now. That’s approx. 3/45 pages ☠. Also, I tried to insert an image of a Visigothic letter I for the beginning, but it didn't really work so I had to put a normal I in the end.