The gut-wrenching sobs coming from her room made me slam shut the laptop and race in– despite my usual reluctance to give up my precious "naptime" alone/work/sanity time. I found her with her head buried under the pillow, shoulders shaking and feet kicking the mattress in agonies of despair.
Oh my word, I thought, what in the world happened??
She wouldn't talk and I couldn't find a scratch on her, so I just held her till she could choke out the words, "H-hhe diiiiied…" Whaaa? And then I noticed on the bedside table the book she had taken to bed:
Aaaah! Lightbulb moment! Quick, ditch historical accuracy and comfort the heartbroken child!
"Noooo, sweetie, he didn't die."
"He didn't?" (hiccup, sniff, sob)
"No, honey, he didn't. Did you finish the story?"
"Noooo, it was too saaad, he got stabbed and he diiiiiiied… (fresh sobs)"
"Sweetheart, he didn't die, he went back to the Lady of the Lake and got healed and there's a legend that says that someday, when England is in her hour of greatest need, King Arthur will return to rescue his beloved country"
"Really…?"
"Really."
It never ceases to amaze me the efficacy with which myths and legends throughout the centuries have communicated ideals of nobility, and even the Gospel itself, across cultural and language barriers. I highly recommend this version of the legends of King Arthur. The language is simple enough for even a six-year-old reading on her own to be struck with the essential meat of these stories. That is, the nobility and heroism of a leader who dies (or doesn't– not really) in defense of his people and will someday return to defend them once again!
The illustrations are an awesome mixture of animation and realism. Simply beautiful– perfect for young children through middle school.
What better way to start a conversation with your child about Christ's sacrifice for us?
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Elisa reads, writes, crafts, brags about her babies and occasionally waxes eloquent about life and other important stuff at her personal blog, Herb of Grace.
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wow I am amazed to read this,I always was captivated by all Arthurian Legends,and when I became an adult it was King Arthur(to make a long story very short)that lead me to Christ,
I just find the post amazing that it is used for a child,thanks!
Oh wow, I'd love to hear that story! I've always been an advocate of using myths and legends to speak about Christ. Glad to hear there are others who agree with me!
Oh my goodness, that brought tears to my eyes. She is feeling the Thorn that the Sheperd King plants in every heart! He loves her so much.
Good for you for taking the time to shut your laptop and go in there and talk to your daughter about it. What a great opportunity it was/is for you to prepare her heart for an even bigger and better love story.
Thanks for the recommendation…I'll keep my eye out for it too!
Melissa aka Mel's World
PS – Thankfully we've found our King!
Thanks for reading, Polly, what a great analogy…
Mel, isn't it an awesome responsibility we parents have to "prepare their hearts"? You are so right!