Thomas Becket’s Death Sends Tremor Through Europe
Misses Mordena
Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was killed recently this December (1170). His body now lays in the Cathedral as many people are currently ripping pieces of his clothes off, and are dipping it in his blood for "good luck". Once the pope had heard the news, he quickly made Thomas a saint. Thomas was killed by the four knights who were sent out on a mission of murder by Henry II. Yes, Henry II and Thomas were the closest of friends, until royalty came in between them. Henry II used to have complete trust in Thomas. He allowed him to be his chancellor, and to take over England while he was in France for a couple of weeks. But, everything had changed when Henry II appointed Thomas to be the Archbishop of Canterbury. At first, Thomas had refused to take the job. But later, Henry had convinced Thomas that it was an excellent position for him to take. The truth was that Henry actually wanted Thomas to change the rules of the church courts, and give harsher punishments than they were already giving to criminals. Henry had wanted the church courts to be just as cruel as the royal courts. But instead, Thomas decided to act as a kind man. He’d give his expensive clothes and food to the peasants, and he wore and ate food that wasn’t the finest he could afford. Because Thomas had refused to do what Henry had ordered him to do, the first sign of split between Henry and Thomas came out in 1164. Afraid of Henry’s temper, Thomas fled from England and hadn’t returned until six years later. But when Thomas returned to England, he immediately asked the pope to excommunicate (to take out of power) the Archbishop of York, who had taken sides with Henry. When Henry had heard what Thomas had said, he sent out four knights to murder Thomas. A sword’s crushing blow took the life of Thomas Becket in the Cathedral. His body lay, as many people came to see him for good luck. Later that night, Henry had asked for forgiveness from the pope, and had walked barefoot to the cathedral in order to pray, but monks had whipped him as he worshipped. |
Hospital Opening Causes Chaos Around Europe
Misses Mordena Just yesterday, in Paris, France, a hospital had opened and the news had spread around quicker than ever. The hospital is meant to treat and cure all injured people from all around. Unfortunately, professional doctors are being overwhelmed by the many patients coming into get treated. “We’re running out of supplies and medicine,” one doctor said. “People are crowding up the whole hospital, and people are already throwing fists at each other, no matter how badly they are hurt”. About 25% of the patients in the hospital actually live in Paris. The news spread so far people are driving all the way from England just to be treated by the hospital’s best. Sadly, many people are losing lives from the harsh fights or for waiting too long. Most of the people have injuries from jousting, but doctors are kicking people out with minor injuries, just because they don’t need to get treated as badly as others. So, if I were you, don’t drive all the way to Paris to get treated. I guarantee you you’ll get hurt much more than you already are. Local hospitals have long lasting supplies, and have very well trained doctors as well! |
Soppho reveals her pastMisses Mordena Q: Good Evening Sappho, it is an honor to talk to you today. Thank you for taking some of your time to be here with me today. To start off, can I know a little about your childhood? A: No problem, misses Mordena. Well, I was born in 620 B.C, to an aristocratic family on the island of Lesbos. I have many brothers and family members that I do not know of. I’ve had a very tough childhood, and my native name is actually Psappha. Q: I’m very sorry to hear that. You live a tough life. But I have heard many of your love songs. Can you recite some of the lyrics for me? A: Of course. One of my most famous poems is about how love is more significant than military pursuits. “Some say an army of horsemen or footmen or rower is the most beautiful thing over the coal-black earth, but I say it is that thing, whatever it is, that one loves and desires... Now my Anactoria is too gone and I would rather see her supple walk and the bright sparkle of her face then all the chariots of hydia and foot-soldiers in arms”. Q: Wow, that was so powerful. You are truly an amazing songwriter. Could you tell me what inspires you to write these kinds of lyrics? A. My songs are often more from the heart. These lyrics usually come to me when I’m feeling down, sometimes when I’m really happy too. Although I usually write about my own suffering, I do occasionally write some happy songs, but I’m more into the bittersweet blues. Like two of my favorite songs explain the life of slavery, and heartbreak. Q: Well I certainly think that the bittersweet blues is a truly touching type of music. But there are some rumors going around that you are in fact lesbian. Tell me, is it hard being lesbian? A: It’s very hard. It’s unbearable, and I cannot control my true emotions from coming out. I receive many threats and dirty looks day by day from people whom I thought were my family and friends. I’ve also received dozens of death threats from different christian churches, who tell me to stop songwriting. Everyone thinks I am a bad influence on our culture and society, and very few people support me. Q: Are you going to stop writing? A: I refuse to. Writing is my passion and it always will be. I might get a lot of criticism from strangers and people who I barely know, but I do have a couple people who like my songs, and support me. Top philosophers from all over want a chance to share some thoughts and ideas with me, and they are very proud of my work. Q: Wow, you are one brave girl. Could you tell me who is this girl who you write all your love songs about? A: I don’t want any harm done to her, therefore I cannot reveal her name. Q: Well, thank you for your time. Are you going back home to continue writing? A: Yes, thank you. |
Arranged Marriages Leaving Couples Heartbroken
Misses Mordena
When a couple has a baby, it is such a joyous blessing. You’re already thinking of their future, and how that young boy or girl might soon turn into a great knight, or your daughter might just marry a wealthy prince. But, do your dreams and your plans really matter to your child? Everyday, thousands of children are born, and as soon as they are, their life is planned and set in their parents eyes. Why can’t our children just marry who they want? Young children can easily set their eyes on someone with a charming personality. They can easily fall for someone who they think is right for them. Whether it’s their looks, or something about that certain someone that makes them different from others. Our children want to love people who make them happy. About 80% of arranged marriages aren’t healthy. Couples fight, and show hatred towards each other. There are also a lot of trust issues when it comes to arranged marriages. Husbands and wives cheat on each other all the time without either of them finding out. So why should we keep having our children getting married when they won’t be happy with the person they are supposed to spend the rest of their lives with? If we let our children marry who they love, their will be less hatred in our world. No more divorces, or excommunication, or even crimes. Love brings peace, and we need to stop the brutal fights between husband and wife. No one should have to get hurt because they can’t love the person his or her parents want them too. We need to stop arranged marriages, in order to bring peace in Europe. |
Comic SectionThe Queen and the ChancellorYoung Yet Brave |