Author: lazaruscarpenterauthor

Lazarus Carpenter I have lived in Wales for over twenty five years. Born in North Yorkshire, I am now an author, actor, musician and song writer, previously being a therapist, trainer and researcher, specialising in mental health. He was educated in Middlesbrough, Sheffield and Cambridge. With a fascination for Welsh History, I create worlds within worlds; magical, haunting, spirituality permeating sound moral codes of life. I live quietly with Debbie Eve (also my illustrator and our dog, Noodle in a small cottage surrounded by the beauty of the Brecon Beacons in the Valleys of South Wales.

The Magic Crucifix’s

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In the heart of ancient Babylon, beneath the sprawling ziggurats and bustling markets, a pair of crucifixes lay hidden, each imbued with mystical powers. These artefacts, forged when magic and the divine intertwined, were said to grant their bearers extraordinary abilities—healing, knowledge, and the gift of tongues.

The first crucifix was discovered by a humble healer named Isha. While searching for rare herbs in the sacred gardens, she stumbled upon the crucifix half-buried in the earth, its surface glimmering with an otherworldly light. As she picked it up, a surge of energy coursed through her, and she felt an ancient wisdom fill her mind. From that moment, she could mend wounds with a mere touch and cure ailments that had plagued her village for generations. Word of Isha’s miraculous abilities spread like wildfire, drawing the attention of kings and scholars alike. With her newfound power, she travelled far and wide, teaching others the art of healing and sharing the knowledge that flowed through her. Yet, she remained grounded, using her gifts to uplift her community and protect those in need.

Meanwhile, the second crucifix found its way into the hands of a wandering scholar named Kadir. He stumbled upon it in the ruins of a forgotten temple, hidden among dusty scrolls and crumbling stones. As he lifted the crucifix, he felt an immediate connection to the world’s ancient languages. Words flowed into his mind, enabling him to understand and speak any tongue. With this gift, Kadir travelled to distant lands, bridging cultures and sharing his stories.

The paths of Isha and Kadir eventually intertwined when they met at a great festival in Babylon, where people from across the known world had gathered. Recognizing the power they both held, they formed a bond, vowing to use their gifts in harmony. Together, they created a sanctuary where knowledge and healing could flourish, teaching others the importance of understanding and compassion. As the years passed, the crucifixes changed hands many times, each new bearer adding to their legacy. They were passed down through generations, from a wise queen who united warring tribes to a brave warrior who healed his comrades on the battlefield. Each bearer, touched by the crucifixes’ magic, spread the gifts of healing, knowing, and language far and wide, transforming lives and connecting disparate cultures.

However, the crucifixes also attracted the attention of those with darker intentions. A powerful sorcerer sought to claim them for himself, believing that he could dominate the world with their magic. He unleashed chaos across the land, causing fear and division. But the bond between those who held the crucifixes—now a lineage of healers and scholars—remained strong. With courage and unity, they faced the sorcerer, combining their powers. Isha’s healing light and Kadir’s eloquence inspired the people to rise against the darkness. In a climactic battle, the sorcerer was defeated, his ambitions thwarted by the gifts he sought to control. The crucifixes, glowing with renewed energy, restored balance to the world.

As centuries passed, the story of the crucifixes became a legend. They were a testament to the enduring power of compassion, knowledge, and connection. Though the artefacts themselves faded into myth, their essence lived on in the hearts of those who believed in the magic of healing and understanding, reminding future generations that true power lies not in domination but in unity and love. 

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

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Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) was an English poet, literary critic, philosopher, and theologian who was a key figure in the Romantic movement in England. He is best known for his poems “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” and “Kubla Khan.” Coleridge was a close friend of fellow poet William Wordsworth. Together, they published a collection of poems called “Lyrical Ballads” in 1798, which is considered a seminal work in the Romantic movement. Coleridge’s poetry often explores themes of nature, imagination, and the supernatural.

In addition to his poetry, Coleridge was a prolific prose writer, including literary criticism and philosophical works. He is known for his literary theory, especially his concept of the “willing suspension of disbelief,” which suggests that readers should temporarily suspend their critical faculties to fully engage with fiction. Coleridge’s influence on English literature and poetry has been profound, and his works continue to be studied and celebrated for their beauty, depth, and complexity. 

The Tale of William Wanderlust

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Once upon a time, in a quaint village, there lived a man named William Wanderlust. William had a restless spirit, constantly yearning for the promise of tomorrow. He dreamed of grand adventures, distant lands, and a life full of excitement, yet he never seemed to find the time to pursue his dreams. Instead, he spent his days planning and wishing while his nights were filled with longing for a future that remained just out of reach. One day, driven by an insatiable urge to chase his dreams, William embarked on a journey. He wandered through lush green forests, crossed sparkling rivers, and climbed steep mountains, all the while imagining the wonders that awaited him at every turn. But as each day passed, he found himself in the same cycle: dreaming of tomorrow while doing little to shape it. As his feet trod their path, all the beauty of the now evaded him, and his thoughts remained focused on the next step.

One afternoon, as he rested by a serene lake, William encountered a wise old monk sitting quietly on the shore. The monk’s presence emanated a calm that intrigued him. William approached the monk, sharing his dreams and desires and lamenting how he never seemed to achieve anything. The monk listened patiently and then smiled gently.

“William, you are like a bird perched on a branch, always looking at the horizon. You spend so much time dreaming of flight that you forget to spread your wings.”

Confused, William asked,

“What do you mean? I want to soar into the sky of tomorrow!”

The monk replied,

“Tomorrow is a beautiful illusion, but it is today that holds the key. You can only embrace tomorrow if you take action today. What steps have you taken towards your dreams?”

William realized he had been so focused on the future that he had neglected the present. The monk continued,

“Every journey begins with a single step. If you wish to explore the world, start by exploring yourself. What do you truly desire? What small actions can you take today?”

Inspired by the monk’s wisdom, William began to reflect. He understood that he needed to set achievable goals and take small steps toward them. He started by learning new skills, meeting people along the way, and immersing himself in the beauty of the present moment. As days turned into weeks, William found himself transforming. He learned to savour each experience, whether it was the taste of fresh bread from a local baker or a conversation with a fellow traveller. He no longer felt the weight of unfulfilled dreams; instead, he felt invigorated by the progress he was making. Eventually, William understood that tomorrow would always be there, but it was today that mattered most. With each small step, he navigated through life with purpose and passion. The adventures he once only dreamed of began to unfold before him, not as distant fantasies but as tangible experiences.

Years later, William returned to the lake where he first met the monk. He sat down in the same spot, reflecting on his journey. The monk appeared once more, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. William smiled, grateful for their encounter.

“Thank you for showing me the way,” he said. “I no longer lust after tomorrow. I cherish today and all that it brings.”

The monk nodded,

“Remember, the journey is not about the destination but the experiences along the way. Continue to embrace each moment, and tomorrow will take care of itself.”

With a heart full of gratitude, William Wanderlust had finally found what he had been searching for—not just the thrill of tomorrow but the joy of living fully in the present. And so, he continued his adventures, a man transformed by the wisdom of a simple yet profound truth. 

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Thomas Mann

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Thomas Mann was a renowned German novelist, short story writer, social critic, philanthropist, essayist, and the 1929 Nobel Prize in Literature laureate. He was born on June 6, 1875, in Lübeck, Germany, into a wealthy merchant family. Thomas Mann is best known for his complex and symbolic novels that explore themes such as the nature of art, the complexities of human psychology, and the moral dilemmas of modernity.

Some of his most famous works include:

1. “Buddenbrooks” (1901): This novel, his first major work, is a family saga that traces the decline of a wealthy merchant family over several generations.

2. “Death in Venice” (1912): A novella that explores themes of beauty, decay, and the nature of artistic inspiration, set against the backdrop of a cholera epidemic in Venice.

3. “The Magic Mountain” (1924): This novel is perhaps Mann’s most famous work. It tells the story of a young man who visits a sanatorium in the Swiss Alps and becomes embroiled in philosophical and intellectual debates with the other patients.

4. “Joseph and His Brothers” (1933-1943): This tetralogy retelling of the biblical story of Joseph is set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt. It is considered one of Mann’s most ambitious and monumental works.

Thomas Mann’s writing often grappled with the tensions between the individual and society, the conflict between traditional values and modernity, and the nature of creativity and the artist’s role in society. He was also known for exploring themes such as sexuality, mortality, and the nature of evil. Mann’s works have had a lasting impact on literature and continue to be studied and admired for their depth, complexity, and insight into the human condition. Thomas Mann died on August 12, 1955, in Zürich, Switzerland, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that continues to be celebrated and studied. 

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Leo Tolstoy

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Leo Tolstoy was a Russian writer regarded as one of the greatest authors ever. He was born on September 9, 1828, and died on November 20, 1910. Tolstoy is best known for his novels, including “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina,” considered masterpieces of world literature.

Tolstoy was a novelist, moral philosopher, and social reformer. He wrote extensively on nonviolent resistance, education, and the need to live meaningfully. His ideas on nonviolent and passive resistance significantly influenced figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

His works often explore themes such as love, family, society, and the search for meaning in life. His writing is known for its realistic portrayal of characters and its deep psychological insight. Tolstoy’s contributions to literature have had a lasting impact, and his works continue to be studied and admired worldwide.