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.

Heyoka named Wíiyokiya

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Once in a time long ago, in the vast plains of the Dakota territory, lived a Heyoka named Wíiyokiya. He was known as the “sacred clown,” a figure of humour and wisdom within his Lakota tribe. Unlike others, Wíiyokiya embraced the role of a trickster, using laughter and unconventional behaviour to teach important lessons about life. One day, the tribe faced a severe drought. The rivers ran dry, and the once-bountiful land turned to dust. The people grew anxious, their spirits dampened by the relentless sun. The elders gathered, seeking guidance on how to restore balance to their world.

Wíiyokiya, seeing their despair, decided to act. He painted his face with bright colours and donned his most outrageous attire—clashing patterns and mismatched feathers. He danced through the village, mimicking the movements of the animals and poking fun at the seriousness of the elders. The people watched, confused at first, then began to chuckle. Laughter spread like wildfire, lifting their spirits. As he danced, Wíiyokiya began to chant a playful song that told the story of the sky and the earth’s love for one another. His antics reminded the tribe of their connection to nature and the importance of unity during hard times. The more they laughed, the more they remembered their resilience.

As if in response to their newfound joy, dark clouds suddenly gathered overhead. Thunder rumbled, and rain began to fall—gentle at first, then pouring down in joyous torrents. The tribe celebrated, dancing alongside Wíiyokiya, who twirled and leapt, splashing in the puddles that formed. The earth soaked up the water in the following days, and life returned to the plains. Crops began to sprout, and the rivers flowed once more. The people, grateful for the rain, recognized Wíiyokiya’s wisdom. They understood that they had summoned the very forces of nature through laughter and joy.

From that day forward, Wíiyokiya was seen as a trickster and a vital part of the tribe’s spiritual fabric. He taught them that humour and joy could be powerful tools for healing and community in times of hardship. His legacy lived on, reminding them to embrace the lightness of life, even in the darkest times. And so, the tale of Wíiyokiya, the Heyoka, became woven into the fabric of their stories, a timeless reminder of the strength found in laughter and the bonds of community.

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Guy Fawkes

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Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot are infamous events in British history that took place in 1605. The Gunpowder Plot was a plan by a group of English Catholics led by Robert Catesby to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London, the seat of the British government. The plot was an attempt to assassinate King James I of England, a Protestant, and his government to restore Catholic rule in England.

Guy Fawkes, also known as Guido Fawkes, was one of the conspirators involved in the Gunpowder Plot. He was a soldier who was put in charge of guarding the gunpowder that was to be used to blow up the Parliament buildings. However, the plot was discovered on November 4-5, 1605, when authorities found Guy Fawkes in a cellar beneath the House of Lords with barrels of gunpowder.

Fawkes was arrested, tortured, and eventually confessed to his role in the plot. He and his co-conspirators were tried for treason, found guilty, and sentenced to death. Fawkes was executed by hanging on January 31, 1606. To this day, Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, is celebrated in the United Kingdom on November 5th each year with fireworks and bonfires to commemorate the failure of the Gunpowder Plot. Guy Fawkes has become an iconic

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Alexandre Dumas

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Alexandre Dumas, also known as Alexandre Dumas père (father), was a French writer born on July 24, 1802, in Villers-Cotterêts, France. He is best known for his historical novels, including “The Three Musketeers” and “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Dumas’ father, Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, was a general in the French Revolutionary Army and the highest-ranking person of African descent in a European army at that time. Alexandre Dumas grew up in poverty after his father died in 1806 and was largely self-educated.

Dumas began his writing career as a playwright and then turned to writing novels. His works often featured themes of adventure, romance, and historical events. Some of his most famous novels were written in collaboration with other writers, including Auguste Maquet. Dumas was known for his extravagant lifestyle and spending large sums of money, which led to financial difficulties later in his life. Despite his financial troubles, he continued to write prolifically until his death on December 5, 1870, in Puys, France.

Alexandre Dumas’ works have had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture, with many of his novels adapted into films, television shows, and stage productions. He remains one of the most widely read French authors in the world. 

A Tale for Christmas – The letter

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Once upon a time, a dense forest blanketed in snow stood in the heart of a winter wonderland. The trees were adorned with glistening icicles, and the ground was covered in a pristine layer of white. On a chilly Christmas Eve, as the snowflakes gently fell from the sky, a young girl named Lily was taking a walk through the forest. She loved the peace and serenity of the winter landscape and the way the snowflakes sparkled in the sunlight. As she wandered deeper into the forest, Lily noticed something unusual lying in the snow ahead. It was a weathered envelope, slightly crumpled and partially buried in the powdery snow. Curious, she picked it up and brushed off the snow to reveal an old-fashioned letter inside. The letter, addressed to Santa Claus and written in a child’s careful handwriting, began with

“Dear Santa, I hope you are well…” and went on to list a series of heartfelt wishes and dreams for Christmas.

The words on the page were filled with innocence, hope, and a touch of sadness. Moved by the letter, Lily knew she had to do something to help fulfil the wishes of the child who had written it. She decided to take the letter home, carefully preserving it from the cold and dampness of the forest. That night, as snowflakes continued to fall outside her window, Lily penned a letter of her own to Santa Claus. She shared the story of finding the lost letter in the forest and asked Santa to help make the wishes come true. With a flicker of hope, she placed both letters by the fireplace and went to bed, dreaming of Christmas magic.

On Christmas morning, Lily awoke to a wondrous sight. Underneath the twinkling tree, she found a pile of beautifully wrapped gifts, each bearing the name of the child who had written the letter she saw in the snow. Tears of joy rose in her eyes as she realized that Santa had indeed heard their wishes and brought them to life. From that day on, Lily believed in the power of Christmas magic and the importance of spreading kindness and joy to others. As she looked out at the snowy forest, she knew that miracles could happen even in the most unexpected places, especially during the most magical time of the year. 

Victor Hugo

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Victor Hugo (1802-1885) was a renowned French poet, novelist, and playwright who played a significant role in the Romantic literary movement. His works often explored themes of love, politics, and social injustice. Hugo was born on February 26, 1802, in Besançon, France. His father was a general in Napoleon’s army, and his mother was a royalist and supporter of the Bourbon monarchy. He showed early literary talent and published his first book of poetry at age twenty. Hugo married Adèle Foucher in 1822, and they had five children together.

Notable Works:
Les Misérables (1862)
One of Hugo’s most famous works, The Life of Jean Valjean, is a sprawling novel that follows the lives of several characters, including the ex-convict Jean Valjean, against the backdrop of social and political upheaval in 19th-century France.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1831)
This novel tells the story of Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bell ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, and Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy girl. The book explores themes of love, fate, and social injustice.

Les Contemplations (1856)
   This collection of poetry is considered one of Hugo’s masterpieces. It reflects his personal experiences, including the death of his daughter, Léopoldine.

Victor Hugo was also known for his political activism. He was a staunch supporter of republicanism and opposed Napoleon III’s authoritarian rule. Due to his political beliefs, he was exiled from France in 1851 and spent over 15 years in various countries, including Belgium and the Channel Islands. Returning to France in 1870 after Napoleon III fell from power, he continued to write and be involved in politics until his death on May 22, 1885, in Paris.

Victor Hugo’s works have had a lasting impact on literature and continue to be studied and celebrated today. He is regarded as one of the greatest French writers, known for his lyrical style, social commentary, and passionate storytelling. Hugo’s life and work exemplify his commitment to art, justice, and human rights, making him a towering figure in French literature and culture. 

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