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HE-MAN is a fictional superhero and the flagship character of the sword and sorcery-themed Masters of the Universe franchise, which includes a toy line, several animated television series, comic books and a feature film. He-Man is characterized by his superhuman strength. In most variations, he is the alter ego of PRINCE ADAM.[1] He-Man and his friends attempt to defend the realm of Eternia and the secrets of Castle Grayskull from the evil forces of Skeletor.[2] In France[3] and the francophone countries,[4] this character[5] is known as _Musclor_.

Origin

In 1976, Mattel's CEO Ray Wagner declined a deal to produce a toyline of action figures based on the characters from the George Lucas film _Star Wars,_ due to the $750,000 license required up front.[6][7] Following the commercial success of the original _Star Wars_ trilogy and its related merchandise during the next few years, Mattel launched several successful competing toylines which captured the public's imagination and significantly influenced the toy market.[8]

Toy designer Mark Taylor explained that the original design of He-Man in a series of sketches while working for Mattel was inspired by Cro-Magnon men and Vikings. Furthermore, his original design of Beast Man was rejected by Mattel for looking too much like Chewbacca.[9]

In the race to design the next popular action figure, Roger Sweet (a lead designer working for Mattel's Preliminary Design Department during much of the 1970s and 1980s) realized that simplicity was the key to success.[10][11] According to his 2005 book _Mastering the Universe: He-Man and the Rise and Fall of a Billion-Dollar Idea_, Sweet knew that if he gave the marketing department something it could sell, he had won 90 percent of the battle.[12][13]

According to Roger Sweet, “The only way I was going to have a chance to sell this [to Wagner] was to make three 3D models - big ones. I glued a Big Jim figure [from another Mattel toy line] into a battle action pose and I added a lot of clay to his body. I then had plaster casts made. These three prototypes, which I presented in late 1980, brought He-Man into existence.”

I simply explained that this was a powerful figure that could be taken anywhere and dropped into any context because he had a generic name: He-Man![14][15]

During the 1980s, rumors claimed that Conan the Barbarian was a source of inspiration for the He-Man character.[16] According to this rumor, Mattel had a licensing agreement to make action figures associated with the 1982 film of the same name starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Apparently, such an idea had to be modified in order to avoid objections from parents concerned that a toyline for children was promoting a film containing nudity and brutal, graphic violence.

Sweet refuted the rumor, saying that he conceptualized and developed the He-Man/Masters of the Universe franchise in late 1980 (two years before the release of the Universal Pictures film). The toyline existed prior to the film, beginning production in 1981 and marketing in 1982. At that time, Mattel did not have a license with Universal to make toys for the film, which resulted in Conan Properties International suing Mattel over copyright infringement, due to He-Man's similarities to Conan.[17]

From the lawsuit of CPI vs. Mattel:

Mattel won the lawsuit against Conan Properties, retaining the rights over He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.[18]

Originally, He-Man was presented to Mattel executives not as drawings and wax models, but in the form of the He-Man Trio: three figures of three-dimensional prototype models depicting He-Man as a barbarian, a soldier and a spaceman. Out of the three concepts, the barbarian version was chosen to be the basis for the toyline. Considering that the Conan character was created almost 50 years before the development of the He-Man franchise, it is possible that the Masters of the Universe borrowed many aspects from Conan; however, it was not intended to be a toyline for the film after legal agreements were dissolved.[19] Additionally, Roger Sweet has also claimed that he was “really impressed” by the paintings of fantasy artist Frank Frazetta when creating He-Man.[20] Expanding further on the barbarian theme, Mattel hired comic-book writers and artists such as Donald F. Glut and even Earl Norem and Alfredo Alcala (who were both still working on the _Savage Sword of Conan_ comics since the mid-1970s) to create additional characters (along with their back stories), posters, package inlays, box art and mini-comics for distribution with the action figures. According to Roger Sweet:

Appearances in media

In comics

In the illustrated books released with the first series of toys,[21] He-Man was a barbarian from an Eternian tribe. The planet's inhabitants were dealing with the aftermath of the Great Wars, which devastated the civilizations which once ruled supreme. The wars left behind advanced machinery and weaponry, known only to select people. An early incarnation of the Sorceress of Castle Grayskull gave He-Man some of these weapons, and he set out to defend the secrets of Castle Grayskull from the evil Skeletor.

He-Man possessed one-half of the Power Sword; Skeletor had the second half, and used it as his main weapon. When joined, the two halves of the Power Sword will provide the key to Castle Grayskull (this is why the two figures' swords could combine into one, when the action figures were initially released). In one early illustrated story, He-Man and Skeletor united their two Power Sword halves to form the true Power Sword, defeating a common enemy (Trap Jaw).[22]

_He-Man and the Masters of the Universe_ (2012)

In June 2012, DC Comics began publishing a six-issue limited series, _He-Man and the Masters of the Universe_, alongside the weekly digital first series _Masters of the Universe_.[23][24][25]

The series was followed by three more, lasting a total of just over two years and ending in June 2015.

In television

_He-Man and the Masters of the Universe_ (1983)

[Prince Adam, from the Filmation cartoon in which John Erwin provided the character's voice.] By the time the animated series was developed, He-Man's origins had been revised: his true identity was Prince Adam of Eternia, son of King Randor and Queen Marlena (an earthling), who ruled the Kingdom of Eternia on the planet of the same name. The Sorceress of Castle Grayskull endowed Prince Adam with the power to transform into He-Man, which Adam did by raising his Power Sword and proclaiming, “By the power of Grayskull...” Once the transformation was complete, he would continue, “...I have the power!”.[26] He also is able to return to his former form by saying, “Let the power return.” This is seen in episode 33, “The Problem With Power”. The differences between Prince Adam and He-Man were minimal; He-Man had a slightly deeper voice, a different wardrobe (soldier armor and boots), and slightly darker skin and hair.

Prince Adam's pet was a cowardly green tiger named Cringer. When Adam became He-Man, he transformed Cringer into a brave armored green tiger named Battle Cat by pointing his sword at him – an ability Adam discovered accidentally during one of his transformations into He-Man. Cringer, naturally, cowered in fear at seeing what Adam had become; while reassuring him that nothing had really changed, Adam pointed the sword of power at Cringer, which sent a bolt of energy toward the tiger and transformed him. Battle Cat served as He-Man's steed and fierce fighting companion ever since.[27] Cringer's name is thought to have come from the cat's cowardly nature.

Adam was friendly with the beautiful, strong-willed Teela, who (unbeknownst to her) was the daughter of the Sorceress. Teela was adopted by Prince Adam's mentor, Man-At-Arms (whose proper name was Duncan). Adam and Teela grew up together and now, as Captain of the Guard, she was entrusted to protect the prince. Unaware of his alternate identity as He-Man, she saw Adam as lazy and cowardly, an act he keeps up to prevent people from discovering his secret identity.[28]

Man-At-Arms was He-Man's closest companion and the Eternian royal family's innovator of technology and weapons. In many episodes, Man-At-Arms unveiled new and fantastic weapons or devices which helped He-Man and his friends. Castle Grayskull was the source of He-Man's powers. Inside the Castle lived the Sorceress, who granted Prince Adam his transformative abilities and communicated telepathically with He-Man. To protect his family He-Man kept his double identity a secret, sharing it only with Orko, Man-At-Arms, Cringer/Battle Cat and the Sorceress.

The spin-off cartoon series _She-Ra: Princess of Power_ later revealed that Adam had a twin sister: Princess Adora, a leader of the Great Rebellion against Hordak on the planet Etheria. Adora, like Adam, was given the gift of the power of Grayskull and had her own sword which she used to transform into She-Ra, Princess of Power.[29] He-Man made a number of appearances in the _She-Ra: Princess of Power_ television series.[30][31]

He-Man's archenemy was Skeletor, a blue-skinned sorcerer with a yellow skull for a head (concealed with a cowl). He was skilled in black magic and all forms of combat. He was also shown to be extremely cunning and intelligent. It was revealed in the animated motion picture _He-Man and She-Ra: The Secret of the Sword_ that Skeletor was Hordak's right-hand man until his capture (Hordak referred to Skeletor as “my old pupil” and Skeletor's throne-room in Snake Mountain as “my old throne-room” – to which Skeletor retorts, “my throne-room now”) and (supposed) release. Skeletor was accompanied by a group of henchmen who aided his evil schemes.

The New Adventures of He-Man (1990)

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (2002)

In film

_Masters of the Universe_ (1987 film)

In 1987, Cannon Films produced a live-action film directed by Gary Goddard, _Masters of the Universe_, which featured Dolph Lundgren in the role of He-Man; it was a commercial failure.[32] In this film, Prince Adam was not seen at all; only He-Man was shown. This He-Man was much more aggressive than his 1980s TV-series counterpart, attacking with lasers, his sword and bare fists several times throughout the film. The film ended with a spectacular and violent clash with Skeletor, in which Skeletor was flung deep beneath Castle Grayskull into a pit filled with steaming liquid. The film ended with a post-credit scene in which Skeletor emerged from the liquid and proclaimed, “I'll be back!”

Reboot film (2020)

On April 29, 2019, actor Noah Centineo in an appearance on _The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon_, confirmed that he will be playing He-Man in the _Masters of the Universe_ film that is due to begin production in July 2019 and is set for a 2020 release. The film will be directed by the Nee Brothers.[33]

In toys

_The New Adventures of He-Man_ (1990)

After the end of the Masters of the Universe toy line, Mattel attempted to revive interest in He-Man by producing a new toy line, entitled _He-Man_.[34] The accompanying storyline in the mini-comics packaged with the figures explained that He-Man had left Eternia and pursued Skeletor into the depths of space, where Skeletor had set his sights on conquering the distant world of Primus (a planet with great technological resources). He-Man was shown to have relinquished the identity of Prince Adam altogether, basing himself on Primus where he led a team of defenders known as the Galactic Guardians. He-Man's appearance was retooled for the new toy line, with a space helmet and golden armor added to his attire to give him a more futuristic appearance; his sword was also redesigned.

In the insert comics issued early in the toy line's run, Prince Adam begins to transform – only to be grabbed by Skeletor, who was astonished to see that Prince Adam was casting some kind of strange spell (not realizing he was about to transform into He-Man). Still holding onto Adam, Skeletor was caught in a backwash of power as the comic proclaimed “Prince Adam is no more. Long Live He-Man!” Therefore, He-Man was responsible for the cybernetic breastplate on Skeletor's figurine.

A cartoon series was produced by Jetlag Productions to accompany the toy line, entitled _The New Adventures of He-Man_. Although generally following the story line from the mini-comics (with certain deviations, such as Skeletor's already having the cybernetic breastplate and never discovering that Prince Adam and He-Man were the same person), this series maintained the double identity of Prince Adam and He-Man. On the planet Primus, Prince Adam posed as a traveling merchant and the nephew of Master Sebrian to disguise his secret identity. His transformation oath was altered slightly, to become “By the power of Eternia...”.[35][36]

_Masters of the Universe vs. The Snake Men_ (2002)

To tie in with a new line of action figures based upon the original toy line, a new _He-Man_ cartoon series was produced in 2002-03 by Mike Young Productions, entitled _Masters of the Universe vs. The Snake Men_.[37][38] This series retold the Masters of the Universe story from the beginning. He-Man's origin was told in a 90-minute series premiere, in which the 16-year-old Prince Adam was summoned to Castle Grayskull by the Sorceress to assume the identity of He-Man and his role as Eternia's defender.[39] The portrayal of his character in this series was consistent with Filmation's portrayal, although the character of Prince Adam was brasher and more youthfully energetic than his 1980s counterpart (conveying the image of a teenage boy saddled with the responsibility of defending a planet from evil).[40] The Adam/He-Man character was redesigned, to make the character's secret identity more credible.[41] The second-season episode “The Power of Grayskull” revealed Adam/He-Man to be a descendant of King Grayskull (a powerful barbarian and a hero from Eternia's ancient past), who sacrificed his life in order to save Eternia from the Evil Horde and originally wielded the Sword of Power. He was the original owner of Castle Grayskull; his sword was concealed in the castle for centuries before being given to Prince Adam, who inherited his ancestor's own power channeled through the sword (thus giving added meaning to the phrase “By the power of Grayskull...”).

_Masters of the Universe Classics_ (2008)

This action-figure line combined elements from the He-Man universe into a cohesive storyline with biographies on the figures' packaging.[42] These biographies suggested that several “He-Men” have come into existence – such as Vikor (based on an early concept design for the vintage He-Man), Oo-Larr (based on the jungle He-Man from the first minicomic), and Wun-Dar (based on the so-called “Wonder Bread” He-Man figure) – but Prince Adam was the only one who actually wielded the Power Sword and transformed into the true He-Man.

Actors who have played He-Man

In the Filmation series _He-Man and the Masters of the Universe_ as well as in _She-Ra: Princess of Power_, He-Man and Prince Adam were voiced by John Erwin. Erwin alternated between two distinct deliveries, though in the show's intro he spoke with his He-Man voice as both characters. According to executive producer Lou Scheimer, Erwin did not think his own voice was heroic enough which is why a reverb was added to it in sound-editing. After retiring from professional voice-work, Erwin has not done official publicity appearances due to his shy nature.

He-Man also appeared in a Streets commercial advertising branded ice cream of the franchise in Australia with Australian actor Paul Johnstone (best known for his role in _Mad Max_) voicing him.

In the 1987 live-action feature film, He-Man was played by Dolph Lundgren. Lundgren was forced to do all his own stunt-work due to not having a stunt double of equal build. He never transforms into Prince Adam but does deliver the franchise catchphrase “I have the power” late in the film. Cannon Films producers originally wanted to dub over his dialogue. After Lundgren redubbed his own lines multiple times, director Gary Goddard was able to retain his voice performance. At the time, Lundgren was dismissive of the part (in stark contrast to his co-star Frank Langella) but he has since appeared in promotional material relating to the film.

Garry Chalk provided the voice of He-Man for the 1990 series _The New Adventures of He-Man_ while Prince Adam was voiced by Doug Parker. Chalk voiced Man-at-Arms in the 2002 series.

In the 2002 series, both characters were voiced by Cam Clarke.

He-Man will appear in the upcoming live action film.[43] Mike O'Hearn was rumoured to portray He-Man in the film after he posted it on Instagram,[44] however, he denied the rumour saying that he only wanted to do the part and was not officially cast.[45]

Noah Centineo confirmed on April 29, 2019 that he will be playing He-Man in the upcoming 2020 _Masters of the Universe_ live action reboot film.[46]

Powers and abilities

He-Man was characterized as possessing super speed, indestructible skin, and superhuman strength. The extent of his strength was unknown, but on one occasion he was able to hoist Castle Grayskull and throw it through a dimensional doorway. He-Man also demonstrated his strength by lifting mountains and icebergs and hurling them toward a desired target. On one occasion, he welded a broken metal chain together simply by pushing the links together. In the episode “She-Demon of Phantos”, he was shown to be the only person to break Photanium (claimed by Man-At-Arms to be the strongest metal in the universe). In the comics, he was shown as being able to go one-on-one with pre-Crisis Superman. On the original action figure's packaging and in the introductory sequence of the 1980s cartoon series, He-Man is claimed to be “the most powerful man in the universe”. His strength was derived from magical powers within Castle Grayskull. In the Episode of the original series “Eternal Darkness”,[47] He-Man was shown pushing a moon of Eternia into a specific orbit, and then later returning it to its original position by hand.[48]

He can remain as He-Man for as long as he wants but if he takes too much damage or uses too much raw force, he will revert to his original form of Adam. In the 2002 series, He-Man is shown enduring the brunt of at least two large explosions, which he survives, but reverts to Adam in the process, suggesting that even He-Man has a limit as to how much abuse he can endure before his superhuman strength and stamina are exhausted. For He-Man to change back to Prince Adam he holds out his power sword, says “Let the power return!”, and then He-Man and Battle Cat would change back into Prince Adam and Cringer. In the 2002 series, He-Man was shown enduring the brunt of the Ram Stone of Zalasia (a gem whose mystic force could pierce any barrier or topple any obstruction). He survived, but reverted to Adam in the process. In combat against the snake-god Serpos, He-Man was struck by the giant snake's tail and sent crashing into a mountain. When he fell to the ground, he was again in Adam's form; this suggested that there was a limit to He-Man's strength and stamina.

He-Man's prowess is not limited to strength; he is also depicted as being extremely quick and acrobatic. His speed has been demonstrated by running fast enough to escape massive explosions and moving his arms fast enough to counteract the winds of a tornado. He-Man is also shown leaping great heights, usually flipping through the air several times before landing safely on his feet.

It is also suggested that He-Man possesses some form of telepathic powers as well. There were several instances in the original TV series where He-Man was able to communicate and sense the presence of the Sorceress by telepathy. It was also shown that he has the ability to communicate with his sister She-Ra across great distances.

He-Man as a character is largely non-violent, only resorting to combat as a last resort.[49] He used his genius-level intellect more often, preferring to outsmart his adversaries; most violent actions typically consisted of body-throws. In accordance with broadcast standards of the period, in the Filmation cartoon, He-Man could not use his sword as an offensive weapon or punch or kick anyone. He was only allowed to destroy robotic enemies. The 1987 film and 2002 series, however, showed him fighting more aggressively. He-Man was depicted as a leader – most noticeably in the film adaptation, where he is referred to as the “leader” of the resistance. Skeletor intended to force him into submission, rather than killing him – fearing that doing the latter would turn He-Man into a martyr who would inspire others to fight.

He-Man's primary weapon was his sword, but he also used other weapons (such as a laser-gun in the film and the mini-comics, a battle axe, a shield, and other equipment - including vehicles) while battling his foes. His sword, apparently indestructible, could deflect bolts of energy. His sister Adora's Sword of Protection was not entirely indestructible; the stone in the hilt was once damaged, preventing her from transforming. In addition, the sword gave him the ability to transform from Prince Adam into He-Man (and back) by utilizing the powers of Castle Grayskull. He also uses his sword to transform Cringer into Battle Cat. In the earliest versions of the story (for example, the first four minicomics) He-Man's primary weapon was an axe, because the sword was intended to serve as a plot device that would only be used in order to gain entry into Castle Grayskull. The breastplate on his power harness was made of an Eternian mineral (corodite) which helped add to his physical strength. The origin of the power harness was explained in the episode “Evil-Lyn's Plot” (written by Paul Dini).

Academic analysis

According to a book by Michael G. Cornelius, He-Man is considered a narrow definition of masculinity. Cornelius cited He-Man as the literal “strongest man in the universe” and says that his chief adversary Skeletor's primary weapon is his intellect.[50] However, this is disproven in episode after episode of the He-Man cartoon. Skeletor is outsmarted and his plots are ruined by He-Man and his team out-strategizing him. He-Man also leaves his viewers with bits of wisdom at the end of each episode to live better lives.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5] Archive Ina, French TV program, 1985

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13] Sweet, Roger; David, Wecker _Mastering the Universe : He-Man and the Rise and Fall of a Billion-Dollar Idea_, Emmis Books July 11, 2005,

[14]

[15]

[16] Interview with Roger Sweet (September 2005), _ToyFare_, via “Conan” at An International Catalogue of Superheroes

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[20]

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[47] “Eternal Darkness”

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[50]

title: He-Man

question: What would have happened if Ray Wagner hadn't declined the deal to produce Star Wars action figures?

answer: Mattel might not have gone on to create He-Man.

question: What might have happened if the original design for Beast Man was used?

answer: Mattel might have gotten sued for copyright infringement.

question: Why was it impossible for He-Man to have been based on the Conan the Barbarian film?

answer: Because the design for the toy was made before the film was released.


split: train

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There are countless articles available online espousing the hidden dangers of disposable chopsticks. However, we decided to ellucidate the truth for ourselves by doing some important tests.

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We’ve always felt chopsticks to be one of the most unique and innovative utensils in the history of humanity - simple, multi-use, effective. However, why has this innovation stalled? Why have we become content with what we have instead of looking for newer, better alternatives? How is it that disposable and plastic options have become standard, burdening the planet with excess waste? This frustrating reality sparked our extremely personal mission to develop something fresh and revolutionary.

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Introducing the latest in chopstick technology, TWINZ represents the cutting edge in sleek modern design. With the goal of reducing the impact of disposable chopsticks on the environment and a whole-hearted dedication to ushering in a greener future, our ultimate mission is to help the planet without sacrificing aesthetic value.

WITH TWINZ, WE HOPE TO USHER IN THE NEXT ERA OF CHOPSTICKS - REUSABLE, RESILIENT, AND HEALTHY UTENSILS FOR EVERYDAY USE

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1. BACTERIA RESISTANT - Titanium, thanks to its anti-bacterial characteristics, inhibits the growth of germs and other harmful pathogens. Because its non-porous and non-stick nature, nothing seeps inside, both keeping the integrity in tact and making it extremely easy to clean.

2. RECYCLABLE - TWINZ chopsticks are 100% recyclable. The recycled titanium can be turned into titanium feedstock and become easily reused for other useful products.

3. STRONG & LIGHT-WEIGHT - Titanium is among the strongest and most durable metals on the planet: it retains the inherent ability to resist rust and corrosion. On top of this, titanium is extremely lightweight, making it the perfect option for an everyday carry.

4. SUSTAINABLE - As soon as you stop using the disposable alternatives and begin to carry your own pair of reusable chopsticks, you have begun to save the trees. Each meal enjoyed with TWINZ chopsticks is another step closer to a greener world.

-   Specs: 9.1 x 0.3 in / 230 x 7.2 mm
-   Weight: 0.14oz / 4g
-   Material: 100% AEROSPACE GRADE TITANIUM -grade 2 / CP3
-   Dishwasher safe
-   Non-allergic / toxic
-   Reusable & environmentally friendly
-   Perfect for EDC & home use

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[The sandblasted, non-slip tips make picking things up extremely easy]
The sandblasted, non-slip tips make picking things up extremely easy

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[The standard, natural linen pouch, both breathable and easy to clean, is included with every pair of TWINZ Titanium Chopsticks]
The standard, natural linen pouch, both breathable and easy to clean, is included with every pair of TWINZ Titanium Chopsticks

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In designing the all-in-one carrying case for our TWINZ chopsticks, straw & rest. We decided to develop a specially crafted pouch made of high quality canvas. With the pouch, it allows the chopsticks to breathe, with continued exposure to open, fresh air. This keeps both the pouch and the chopsticks themselves free from the risk of bacteria growth.

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-   Folded: 10 x 2 in / 25.5 x 5 cm
-   Unfolded: 10 x 5.9 in / 25.5 x 15 cm
-   Weight: 2.5oz / 70g
-   Material: 100% NATURAL CANVAS (exterior) & LINEN (interior)

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-   Specs: 2.6 x 0.4 x 0.3 in / 67 x 10 x 7 mm
-   Weight: 1.2oz / 36g
-   Material: 100% STAINLESS STEEL
-   Dishwasher safe
-   Non-allergic / toxic
-   Reusable & environmentally friendly
-   Perfect for EDC & home use

Along with the pouch, we’ve included a compact chopstick holder. Perfect for propping up your pair of TWINZ during eating, this stand will keep your chopsticks out of contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.

UPGRADE AVAILABLE: For $1.50 extra, upgrade your stainless steel chopstick rest to a titanium version - lighter and stronger

Titanium 20.5g / 0.7oz vs. Stainless Steel 36g / 1.2oz

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While single-use chopsticks have become our focus, it is important to remember other products which have a significant impact upon the natural world, namely disposable straws.

Plastic straws remain one of the largest sources of pollution in our oceans, contaminating once pristine natural spaces. For this reason, many cities around the globe have begun to ban plastic straws outright, hoping to minimize their negative effect on the ecosystem. Because of this, we’ve included a specially designed reusable straw with every set of TWINZ chopsticks, helping you to do your part to save our planet from rampant waste.

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[The standard, natural-linen pouch is included with each TWINZ Titanium Straw.]
The standard, natural-linen pouch is included with each TWINZ Titanium Straw.

-   Specs: 9.1 x 0.3 in / 230 x 7.2 mm
-   Weight: 0.3oz / 8g
-   Material: 100% AEROSPACE GRADE TITANIUM
-   Dishwasher safe
-   Non-allergic / toxic
-   Reusable & environmentally friendly
-   Perfect for EDC & home use

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Crafted out of high quality jujube wood, the bowl is the perfect companion to your pair of TWINZ chopsticks: elegant yet simple, lightweight yet durable. Wood is beautiful, a gift from the nature, and, as such, should be treated with the utmost respect. Its organic form makes each bowl a unique work of art, the wood grain distinct and different from all others.

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-   Specs: 4.9 x 3.1 in / 125 x 78 mm
-   Weight: 3.4oz x 98g
-   Material: SOLID JUJUBE WOOD
-   Handcrafted from natural wood - each bowl will be different
-   Non-allergic / toxic

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The process of designing these chopsticks is at the very core of our philosophy. When we originally conceived of TWINZ Chopsticks, we did not know about the long road ahead of us. It took us many months and many iterations of prototype models to finally arrive at our finalized design. After countless failed ideas, we’ve finally arrived at the perfected product which we know our customers will love for years to come.

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Hey there! My name is Pavin and I am an aspiring designer, marketing whiz and environmentalist. With a background in conservation, my sensibilities have always been geared towards the preservation of our natural surroundings. My ultimate goal in life is to discover sustainable alternatives to everyday practices

Hi! My name is Peter. I am a design guru with years of experience in the field. Most recently, I developed the extremely successful travel accessory brand Keep Pursuing. I’ve always been interested in designing products that not only look good and function well, but serve a greater purpose.

We joined forces upon the realization of our shared interest in ecology and design. In developing TWINZ, our mission has always encapsulated the love we share for our home, planet Earth. From day one, we’ve aimed at creating something special, something people will enjoy, not only for the benefit it brings to the world, but also for the simplicity and ease of use embodied within.

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question: Why isn't the material of the chopsticks made from stainless steel like most cutleries?

answer: That information is not known.

question: How hygienic are the titanium chopsticks?

answer: It can be implied that the titanium chopsticks are bacteria resistant.

question: Does the jujube wooden bowl retain stains?

answer: That information is not known.

question: What is the major difference between titanium chopsticks and conventional wooden chopsticks?

answer: Titanium chopsticks are more environmentally friendly and healthier.

question: Write a ~6 sentence summary.

answer: With the invention of the avant-garde titanium chopsticks, TWINZ assures a more environmentally friendly, reusable, healthier utensil for easy use. It promises to be lightweight, bacteria-resistant, recyclable, sustainable and strong. The chopsticks come with their own pouch, rest and straw. The titanium straws serve as a better option for plastic straws, which are not eco-friendly. The straws are made to be reusable and dishwasher friendly. They also have the solid jujube wooden bowl, which goes well with the titanium chopsticks.


text:
MARÍA DEL CARMEN IGLESIAS CANO is a Spanish historian. She holds the non-hereditary title Countess of Gisbert, which was bestowed on her by King Juan Carlos.[1]

As Director of the Real Academia de la Historia, she has been responsible for the launch of the electronic version of Spain´s dictionary of national biography, the _Diccionario biográfico español_.[2]

Education

Iglesias studied at the Complutense University of Madrid.

Career

Iglesias is a specialist in eighteenth-century history, and her publications include work on the French philosopher Montesquieu.

Iglesias was elected to _medalla nº 23_ of the Real Academia de la Historia on 16 June 1989 and took up her seat on 4 November 1991.[3] She has been director of the Institute since 2014.[4] She was elected to Seat _E_ of the Real Academia Española on 13 April 2000, she took up her seat on 30 September 2002.[5]

Bibliography

_El pensamiento de Montesquieu: política y ciencia natural_. 1984, republished 2005. (link to lecture on Montesquieu)

[1] In a decree dated May 2014 the King stated:

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

title: Carmen Iglesias

question: What does Carmen Iglesias specialise in?

answer: 18thC History.

question: What has she accomplished?

answer:
She was elected to Medalla N. 23 od the Real Academia la Historia in 1986. She was elected to Seat E of the Real Academia Espanola in 2000.

She was also bestowed wit the title of Countess of Gisbert by King Juan Carlos.

question: Write a ~1 sentence summary.

answer: A page for Maria Del Carmen Iglesias Cano, a Spanish historian and Countess of Gisbert.


text:
_WOLVERINE: WEAPON X_ is a 2009 comic book series published by Marvel Comics starring the superhero Wolverine. The series is written by Jason Aaron, writing his first ongoing series starring Wolverine after writing several one-shot and limited series featuring the Marvel mainstay character. The series lasted sixteen issues.

Publication history

While _Weapon X_ is not published under Marvel's MAX imprint of Marvel, writer Jason Aaron has stated his intent to differ this title from the more mainstream Marvel series in which Wolverine is regularly featured.

In an interview, Aaron explained, “Basically, I'm approaching this like Garth Ennis did the _Punisher MAX_ series. Obviously, this won't be a MAX book in terms of content, but we will see arcs that are stand-alone and feature lots of new characters and new villains. We'll really be working to establish our own continuity, instead of mining Logan's past. Daniel Way is already doing a great job of dealing with the ins and outs of Logan's history over in _Wolverine: Origins,_ so I want to focus on telling new stories for people who maybe aren't as familiar with Wolverine continuity. We'll still be dealing with his past at times, just like how the first arc involves the legacy of Weapon X, but in a way that's still easily accessible.”[1]

Aaron also indicated that the series would not tie into the ongoing events of the Marvel Universe, such as “Dark Reign” storyline at least at first: “You'll see plenty of references to the big events of the Marvel U in these pages, but at least initially, you won't see us doing any crossovers or tie-ins...Again, I want this to be a series that anybody can step right into and enjoy, regardless of how many Wolverine comics they've read before.”[2]

Plot summary

The Adamantium Men (Issues #1–5)

The first arc deals with a private security organization called Blackguard obtaining files on the Weapon X procedure that transformed James Howlett into Wolverine. It leads into a tale of corporate espionage, with Wolverine attempting to single-handedly dismantle the organization trying to create their own versions of Weapon X soldiers, featuring artificially-enhanced senses, strength, agility, reflexes, stamina, an accelerated-healing factor, laser claws and adamantium-laced skeletons.

Insane in the Brain (Issues #6–9)

The second arc features Wolverine awaking in a mental asylum, where it is quickly realized that a psychopath is passing himself off as a psychiatrist to perform twisted experiments on inmates that he has captured and is keeping against their will. Wolverine, an apparent amnesiac, is having nightmares of his life as Wolverine as the “doctor” tries to reawaken the beast within Logan.

Love and the Wolverine (Issue #10)

An interlude story featuring a large cameo cast, as Wolverine comes to terms with falling in love again, despite the fact everyone he's ever loved before has either died or been killed as a result of his violent lifestyle.

Tomorrow Dies Today (Issues #11–15)

The third arc of the series features Wolverine teaming up with Captain America to fight a new generation of the killer cyborgs: Deathlok.

The End of the Beginning (Issue #16)

An independent closing tale for the series, where Wolverine deals with the death of his friend and fellow X-Man, Kurt Wagner (Nightcrawler). Wolverine has to fulfill Nightcrawler's last request to him, and while doing so, remembers some of the interactions they had over the years.

Reception

Reviewers IGN gave a positive review to the series' first two issues.[3][4]

Collected editions

This series has been collected in individual volumes:

  Title                           Material Collected                                                            ISBN
  ------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
  VOLUME 1: THE ADAMANTIUM MEN    _Wolverine: Weapon X_ #1–5, _Wolverine,_ vol. 3 #73–74                        Premium Hardcover:
  VOLUME 2: INSANE IN THE BRAIN   _Wolverine: Weapon X_ #6–10                                                   Premium Hardcover:
  VOLUME 3: TOMORROW DIES TODAY   _Wolverine: Weapon X_ #11–16, _Dark Reign: The List - Wolverine_ (one-shot)   Premium Hardcover:

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

title: Wolverine: Weapon X

question: When was Wolverine: Weapon X published?

answer: 2009.

question: Who published Wolverine: Weapon X?

answer: Marvel.

question: Who is the star of Wolverine: Weapon X?

answer: Wolverine.

question: Who wrote Wolverine: Weapon X?

answer: Jason Aaron.

question: Write a ~1 sentence summary.

answer: This article is about Wolverine: Weapon X, a comic series published by Marvel in 2009.


text:
Rider

My mom has always been supportive of my career as a musician. My dad never got around to it. The only bands he’d ever listen to were the Beatles and Rolling Stones. He wanted the Beatles played at his funeral, which he got. My mom never talks about the music that she listens to  except for her uncle Alan who toured the Midwest in the 50’s as a troubadour;  he’s still famous in our town.

I haven’t been home in a while, not that I miss it much. I moved to LA when I was 23. I was bored by the people at home. I was bored by my job at the grocery store and tired of not seeing anything. When I moved I had most of my” LA-experiences” during the first six months, right drugs- wrong people, that sort of thing. I thought the substances would inspire me as it seemed to inspire others but that never happened. I also played some gigs with local small-timers but it didn't amount to much.

My fourth summer in LA came around and thats when I met Terrie outside a used-car shop. I’d been looking to replace dad’s station-wagon that I’d driven to the coast. As  I was standing there looking over some of my options I saw the glint of peroxide-blonde hair and sweaty fishnet stockings out of the corner of my eye. I remember the coral lipstick, which I later learned was her favorite, so shiny on those lips. She walked up to me to bum a cigarette. As I’d recently quit smoking I apologized and told her I didn’t have any on me. Disappointed, she asked me for a lighter to borrow if she could bum a smoke from a man that was standing by a newsstand across the street. I didn’t have a lighter either but I reached into my vest pocket for the book of matches I always kept there. As I handed it to her she thanked me and smiled in the most heartbreaking way. I knew that I had to make her mine. Although I was more of what you might call the singer-songwriter type than a rocker, this girl with her glam rock look was something else. Underneath that make up I could see that she was pretty in an old-fashioned way. Later, when we were married, I used to tell her that she was like a burning wheat field blowing in the summer wind; she never understood what I meant and said I was a sucker. Our courtship was quick because her parents were very religious. Terrie was only 21 when we married but they consented and gave us their blessing because I was “a good God-fearing Midwestern boy.”

	Through Terrie I got more involved in the scene and discovered I had a knack for writing catchy riffs. I joined some of the locals who were in need of a guitarist and not long after that we played as support band for a famous bands on their US tour. Months of touring and debauchery followed but after rising tensions in the band and disagreements with our management we decided to call it quits.

         Then Terrie got pregnant. She was excited but seeing as her job at the record store didn’t pay much and my being unemployed, I was worried to say the least. Fortunately I lucked out in joining as a touring and studio session guitarist with a band that had just signed  deal with a big label. Unfortunately this meant being on the road for long stretches at a time. Things quickly went downhill in our relationship and it was while touring in Japan that I got the terrible news that Terrie had suffered a miscarriage. She was inconsolable and quit her job. I tried to be home as much as I could to care for her but my obligations took me out of town again. Things between us never recovered after that and I blame myself. Two months after the loss of our child I got a call from Roy, a sergeant in the Marines who tells me he’s in love with my wife and she is in love with him and they are going to Germany. While this news hurt at first I can’t say I was surprised; I kept my nose to the grind to give me something else to think about. One tour lead to another and after 5 years the band went through a lineup change and I was thrust into the role of frontman. Evidently I did something right as we quickly started selling out the largest arenas and stadiums. We got through 3 good tours before ticket sales started to dwindle. These days we play to fairly large clubs and such, I don’t complain, seeing as it brings in good money. I live a private and enjoyable life.
	I’ve never met Terrie since our marriage ended but last I heard Roy was killed in a combat exercise and she had gotten remarried to a journalist. Even though our relationship went to pieces I still cherish terrie and our times together.
	At the venues we play the band usually has extensive requirements to ensure their comfort. My only requests on the rider are one ham sandwich and two fingers of bourbon. I usually go out into whichever city we’re playing that night and walk around while eating my sandwich. Even though the band is still fairly popular people seldom recognize me off the stage. I also try to find a bookstore to buy something by a local author for those long flights and bus rides. Just before showtime I’ll find a quiet spot in the venue and raise a glass for my Terrie.

title: Rider-yeah it ain't much (voi paska)

question: Why did the protagonist leave home for LA?

answer: He was bored.

question: Where did the narrator meet Terrie?

answer: Outside a used-car shop.

question: Why did Terrie break up with the narrator?

answer: He was out of the country a lot, focusing on his career while neglecting his marriage.

question: How did Terrie's second husband, Roy die?

answer: He died in combat.

question: Write a ~1 sentence summary.

answer: How many major tours did the narrator do with his band before ticket sales started to dwindle?


text:
Blackness greeted me when I woke. It took me a few more seconds to realize that the darkness was probably attributed to the fact that my eyes were closed. There was no improvement upon opening them, however, and I grew more and more concerned. I seemed to be in a box of some kind. I knew not where I was, or how I had gotten there. After a moment of panic I noticed a gentle soothing sound, almost similar to the sound of water rushing along rocks. I listened to it for a few more seconds, attempting to gain control of my mounting panic.

The control failed and my imagination took over. The sound began to seem more and more like the sound of dirt falling slowly onto a coffin. Was I being buried alive? My body stiffened at the thought. My hands ran over the inside of my box, searching for a way out. I would dig out if I had to. The air seemed to becoming thinner. How long would it be before I suffocated completely? I strained against the walls. I kicked the roof. I scratched the floor. Everything was smooth and metallic in texture except the soft memory-foam like material that I was resting on.

Then, my fingers caught on a depression in the metal, just above my chest. I brought both of my hands up to try and figure out what it was. A click and a soft hissing noise filled my small enclosure as I pushed the button. Light spilled in from the sides, as the lid of what I had thought was my casket began to open automatically. I sat up slowly, blinking away the spots that had showed up in response to the light.

The sight that greeted me was hardly the dark gloomy setting of a cemetery. I seemed to be in a long white hallway. What looked like windows on the walls were made from one-way glass, blocking my view of what was outside of my mysterious hallway. All around me were more of the coffin-shaped boxes, although I could see now that they were very modern in their design. They were made of the same white plastic material that made up the rest of the hallway and each had a gently glowing blue light on the end. Upon closer examination I realized that my light had turned to a harsh red.
I began to try and stand up when a screen suddenly came to life on the wall across from mine and a thin, almost fake-looking woman’s face appeared in the center.

Her voice rang through the halls with a short message: “Hello, and welcome to the future! It is very possible that you are experiencing momentary memory loss. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we assure you that it is only temporary. To help your memory recover, please watch the following film summarizing your own history and that of the others around you. Enjoy!”

The screen flickered and images began to run across the screen of what I assumed were important events in the past. I saw ruined cities, flooded plains, dried-out farms, and homes on fire. A new, gentler voice began to narrate the images.

“In the past, it became clear to us that history was repeating itself over and over again. The same problems were reccurring every few hundred years, sometimes with disastrous consequences. After going through the same types of issues many times, it became obvious that the outcomes of those events were based mainly on the leading people of the nations involved. Environmental problems were best addressed when someone with the correct motivation and personality was able to come out and lead others away from destructive tendencies. Social problems were an enigma to those who did not have an intuitive sense of how to deal with them. Wars were lost without leaders who truly understood the principles or war. That is why we developed a way to keep those types of people in reserve for a rainy day. You are aboard the product of that research right now. You are on the Starship Ares.”

Once the video stopped, all that remained was the strange watery sound that I had heard before. I figured now that it was the sound of some sort of machinery aboard the ship, but it still made me somewhat nervous. I had never been aboard a spaceship that I could remember, no matter what the lady in the television was telling me. Then again, I couldn’t remember much of anything.

I began to try and stand up, but just as I started to move, a door opened at the end of the corridor and an extremely pale man walked through. I tried to rise faster, but found that my legs were almost completely useless. I could barely move them.

“Just a moment, master. I’ll be right there,” said the pale man as he came towards me. “Your leg muscles have atrophied a bit, I imagine. It has been a long time since you were last woken.”

I didn’t respond, but stared warily at the stranger. He seemed to know me, and yet his face was not familiar. He came up to the side of my box and knelt beside it. He was very tall, and even on his knees he towered over me. He wore a flowing robe of white, with four separate pockets sewed in to the sides. Out of one he pulled what looked like a gun. I strained my legs in trying to rise and defend myself, but he pushed me gently back down onto the foam beneath me.

“Relax, master. It will help you to move your legs and the rest of your body. It is a drug that will stimulate growth in your muscles. You have been in one position for a very long time, and though the ship has done its best to care for you, there are some side-effects. This will counter them.”
Realizing that I didn’t have much of a choice, I relaxed my body back down and allowed him to inject me with whatever it was. He applied it to each separate major muscle in my legs, and I could feel a cool soothing feeling travelling up my legs. I found I could move my toes and eventually I was able to shift my legs. He continued with the same process around the rest of my body. I had been very sore initially, and this brought great relief.

“Who are you?” I asked. “What am I doing here?”

He looked at me with an almost bemused look. His face was long and his eyes were an almost luminous blue. He had no hair or eyebrows, and when he opened his mouth, I could see that it was almost black. Even with this somewhat alarming combination of facial features, he had a kind face.

“I am hurt, master. You do not remember me? I have served by your side for many years, and in many battles. I am Frederick, but you usually call me Fred unless you are angry at me,” he said, smiling. “As for what you are doing here, the video explained that. You are here to save the world,” he continued, before saying finally, “again.”

title: A friend of mine wrote this in two parts for a weekly class writing assignment. Help me convince him to continue it.

question: Summarize how the main character changes over the story.

answer: The main character wakes up in darkness and feels that he is in a box, which he assumes is a coffin. He finds a latch and opens it onto a clinical, futuristic hallway with more boxes similar to his own. He tries to get up and is confronted with a screen that explains that he is on a research ship in space. When he tries to get up his assistant approaches and injects drugs to negate the side effects of being in one position for a long time. His assistant explains that he has been woken to save the world again.

question: What does the story say about the past?

answer: The screen showed the narrator ruined cities, flooded plains, dried-out farms, and homes on fire and explained that history was repeating itself over and over. The same problems were recurring every few hundred years with disastrous consequences. The problem was the leadership that was not well suited to making decisions about topics they knew nothing about. The types of people needed to solve specific problems were kept on the ship for when they were needed. The main character has saved the world multiple times in the past.

question: Summarize Frederick's role in the story.

answer: Frederick is an extremely tall, extremely pale man working for the main character. When the main character wakes up from a deep sleep and struggles to get up, Frederick approaches him to assist. He injects drugs in the main character's major muscles to help them recover from atrophy and counter the ship's side-effects. When the main character does not remember him, he reveals that he has worked for the main character for many years, and in many battles, and assists him in saving the world.

question: Summarize the construction of the Starship Ares.


text:
     Attention: I can't think of how to end this short story, but here is what I've written so far.

    The hurt was excruciating, so deep and cutting that it was almost physical. Alone, in a house full of my family, the night drew out even longer as every red minute on the digital clock flickered by. At three in the morning, my only company was the teddy bear at the end of the bed. All he had to offer was a blank stare.
	I choked back another flood of pain, biting into my pillow. Muffled screams filled my ears and salty tears filled my eyes and the thought of him filled my mind. That smile turned sneer, that gaze turned glower haunted the dark abysses of my thoughts. In the day, I could run from the mental image branded to me. Distractions and daylight saved my soul and sanity from the memories of his touch, but when night fell and the world laid to rest, there was no escape.
	He said forever but only meant a year. He said love but only meant abuse. He said I was important, that I mattered, that I was his one and only. I said he was my everything, but only realized he was more that that. Left like this, I felt less than nothing. Emotions were string. For him, they were something to play with and tangle. They were what strangled me, tied me to him even after he walked out of my life.  This wasn’t heartbreak. It was shattering my heart on the pavement and grinding it with his heels, like the way he ground cigarette butts.
	He left and took part of me with him, the vulnerable that opened up to him and only him. Carrying around my secrets, he knew the taste of my mouth, the feel of my lips, the love of my heart.
	It was the same heart that ached in the silence of my room. Its beating filled my ears and my face burned where he used to absent-mindedly trace the outline of my jaw.

title: This wasn't heartbreak.

question: Why is the girl sad?

answer: Because she was abused while in love, and she can't forget.

question: What did her boyfriend do?

answer: Emotionally abused her.

question: When does the girl find her situation the most unbearable?

answer: During the nights when the distractions of the day go away along with the sunlight.

question: Why is the wound so harsh for her?

answer: Because her ex was the only one she bared her heart.

question: Write a ~5 sentence summary.

answer: The girl bites her pillow, pain flooding her. She can compose herself during the day, sunlight and distractions helping her. There is no relief during the nights. She thinks of the abuse, the lies, and the broken promises. She knows he won't be back, that he took a vulnerable and trusting part of her with him when he went.


text:
The University of Chattanooga, located in the American city of Chattanooga, Tennessee and today known as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, fielded a gridiron football team for the 1920 season. This team was a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association and completed its 8-game schedule with a record of 3 wins, 4 losses, and 1 tie.[1]

  Date          Opponent              Site                Result
  ------------- --------------------- ------------------- -----------
  October 2     Tusculum              Knoxville, Tn       W 21–0
  October 9     Oglethorpe            Chamberlain Field   TIE 14–14
  October 17    Tennessee             Chamberlain Field   L 0–35
  October 24    Mercer                Chamberlain Field   W 20–0
  October 31    Carson-Newman         Chamberlain Field   W 83–0
  November 6    Sewanee               Sewanee, Tn         L 0–33
  November 12   Birmingham Southern   Birmingham, Al      L 0–27
  November 25   Transylvania          Chamberlain Field   L 7–33

[1]

title: 1920 Chattanooga Moccasins football team

question: Which team did Chatanooga tie with?

answer: Oglethorpe

question: Which team was defeated by the widest margin?

answer: Carson-Newman

question: How many games did the team play in the 1920 season?

answer: Eight

question: Did the team have an overall winning or losing record?

answer: Losing

question: How many games did Chatanooga win in October 1920?

answer: Three

question: Write a ~2 sentence summary.

answer: This article summarizes the games played by the 1920 Chatanooga gridiron football team. It shares the opponents, sites, final scores, and dates.


text:
[Conquest of Colombia
Conquest expedition described in _Epítome_:

Legend:
• Leader - ] _EPÍTOME DE LA CONQUISTA DEL NUEVO REINO DE GRANADA_ (English: _Summary of the conquest of the New Kingdom of Granada_) is a document of uncertain authorship, possibly (partly) written by Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada between 1548 and 1559. The book was not published until 1889 by anthropologist Marcos Jiménez de la Espada in his work _Juan de Castellanos y su Historia del Nuevo Reino de Granada_.

_Epítome_ narrates about the Spanish conquest of the Muisca, from the start from Santa Marta in April 1536 to the leave of main conquistador Jiménez de Quesada in April 1539 from Bogotá, arriving to Spain, about “The Salt People” (Muisca) encountered in the conquest expedition in the heart of the Colombian Andes, their society, rules, religion, handling of the dead, warfare and neighbouring “cannibalistic” Panche.

The text has been studied by various authors over the course of the 20th and 21st centuries, mainly by Juan Friede and modern scholars and various theories about authorship and temporal setting have been proposed. The document is held by the National Historical Archive in Madrid, Spain.

Contents

The document is written in old Spanish in the present tense and first person with descriptions of Jiménez de Quesada, written as Ximénez de Quesada, in the third person. The margins of the main texts are notes with sometimes difficult to discern text, vagued in time.[1]

The route from the coast to _La Tora_

_Epítome_ starts with a description of the Caribbean coastal area where the expedition Spanish conquest of the Muisca started. The author speaks of the Magdalena River, dividing the Spanish provinces of Cartagena to the west and Santa Marta to the east. In the document, the Magdalena River is also called _Río Grande_, thanks to the great width of the river close to Santa Marta. A description of the journey over the river is given where the heavy and frequent rains made it impossible to disembark the ships (brigantines). According to the _Epítome_, the Spanish could not ascend further than Sompallón. The distance unit used, is the _legua_ (league), an old and poorly defined unit of distance varying from to .[2]

On the second page, the rich golden burial sites of the Zenú are described, as well as the routes inland from later Venezuela, that was conquered by German conquistadors. The next paragraph narrates about the start of the main expedition inland from Santa Marta, leaving the city in the month of April 1536. It is said Gonzalo Ximénez de Quesada left with 600 men, divided into 8 groups of infantry, 10 groups of cavalry and a number of brigs on the Magdalena River. De Quesada and his troops marched over land on the bank of the river. Names of the captains in the army of De Quesada are given as _San Martín_, _Céspedes_, _Valençuela_, _Lázaro Fonte_, _Librixa_, _de Junco_ and _Suarex_. The captains heading the brigs are named as (Francisco Gómez del) _Corral_, _Cardosso_ and _Albarracín_. The troops went out of free will and consent of the governor of Santa Marta, Pedro de Lugo. The troops went under command of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada.[3] The third page describes that the troops spent more than a year and more than 100 _leguas_ on their journey. They reached _La Tora_ [present-day Barrancabermeja], farther than any soldier had gone before, after 150 _leguas_. The expedition took so long because of the waters and the narrow passages of the surrounding area.[4]

_El Camino de la Sal_

[The high quality salt of the Muisca gave them the name “The Salt People” and drew the conquistadors inland] [The Altiplano Cundiboyacense was entered in March 1537 by the greatly reduced troops of De Quesada, following the Suárez River upstream] From _La Tora_, Jiménez de Quesada sent the ships further upriver, for another 20 _leguas_, until it became impossible to continue. The indigenous (_yndios_) here didn't live on the river banks, but on small islands. Because of the impossible trajectory along the river, Jiménez de Quesada agreed to ascend over land “on his left hand”, climbing a mountain range that later became known as the Sierras del Opón. The consumption of salt is described as coming from Santa Marta along the river for “70 leguas” and so far from the coast the grainy salt was expensive and only available to the highest social classes. The rest of the salt came from urine or palm trees. Higher up, the salt was different; came in loafs, much like sugar loafs.[5]

The salt of this type was less expensive and the conquistadors concluded that the grainy salt went up the river, while the better salt came from higher altitudes down the river. The indigenous people who carried the salt, told the conquistadors that it was coming from a land of richness. This led the Spanish uphill, on the _Camino de la Sal_ (“The Salt Route”) to search for its source. At this point, the Sierras del Opón were crossed and the brigantines returned to the coast, leaving the majority of the soldiers with De Quesada because many of his troops had died already during the expedition. The route over the Sierras del Opón is described as rugged and little populated by natives, a journey of various days and 50 _leguas_ long. In the sparse settlements, the conquistadors found great quantities of the high quality salts and after a while they had crossed the difficult mountainous area, reaching a flatter terrain, described as “what would become the New Kingdom of Granada”. It is described that the people of this area were different and also spoke a different language from the people along the Magdalena River and of the Sierras del Opón, making it impossible to understand them at first. Over time, it became possible to communicate and the people in the flatter area, called _San Gregorio_ provided the conquistadors with emeralds.[6] Jiménez de Quesada asked the people where they were coming from and the natives pointed him to the _Valle de los Alcázares_ (Bogotá savanna), upon which the troops headed that way. They encountered a “king” they called _Bogothá_ who gave the conquistadors many golden objects to expel the Spanish from his lands and the indigenous people told the Spanish the emeralds were coming from lands belonging to the “king” of Tunja.[7]

Entering Muisca territory

[De Quesada and his men conquered first the flatlands of “Bogothá” (_Bacatá_)] The lands crossing the Sierras del Opón consisted of valleys (on the Altiplano Cundiboyacense), where each valley was ruled by a different person. The valleys were densely populated and around the valleys (to the west) lived indigenous people who were called _Panches_. They consumed human flesh, while the people from the New Kingdom of Granada (i.e. Muisca, called _moxcas_) did not perform cannibalism. Also the difference in climate is reported; the Panche lived in warm climates while the Muisca lived in cold or temperate climates. _Epítome_ describes the extent of the New Kingdom as “130 leguas, more or less, long” and “30 leguas, in some parts 20 wide”. The Kingdom is divided into two provinces; that of Tunja and of Bogotá (modern names are used). The document describes that the rulers have surnames referring to the terrain and are “very powerful” and have _caciques_ who are subject to their reign. The population is described as approximately “70,000 in the Bogotá area, that is larger” and about “40,000 in the smaller and less powerful Tunja province”. The relation between Tunja and Bogotá is described as filled with many and ancient wars. According to the _Epítome_, the people from the Bogotá area had long-standing wars with the Panche, that lived closer to them than to the people from the Tunja province.[8]

From Funza to Hunza

[The route to Somondoco led the conquistadors for the first time into the rich emerald terrains of the Muisca
_sample from Chivor mine_] Jiménez de Quesada left Bogotá and went to _Coçontá_ (Chocontá), that he called _Valle del Spiritusancto_. From there he went to Turmequé in a valley he named _Valle de la Trompeta_, the first of the Tunja lands.[9] From Turmequé he send his men to discover the emerald mines and after that leaving for another valley, of San Juan, in Muysccubun called _Tenesucha_ and from there to the valley of Somondoco where he spoke to the _cacique Sumindoco_, who governed the mines or quarries of emeralds and was subject to the _gran cacique_ of Tunja. Many emeralds were extracted. He decided to continue to search for the _cacique_ of Tunja, who was at war with the Christians. The document describes the lands of Tunja as richer than those of Bogotá, although those were already rich, but gold and precious emeralds are more abundant in Tunja. In total 1800 emeralds, large and small were found and De Quesada had never seen so many and precious ones in his life. The rich resources of Peru are described in relation to the mines of Tunja, where the emeralds were more numerous than in Peru. _Epítome_ describes the process of extracting the emeralds with wooden sticks from the veins in the rocks.[10] From the emerald mines of Tunja, he returned to Bogotá.[11]

Reception of the conquistadors by the Muisca

[_Epítome_ describes that the indigenous people feared the horses most] [The guecha warriors of the bellicose Panche are described as cannibals] _Epítome de la conquista del Nuevo Reino de Granada_ continues with a description of how the indigenous people received and saw the conquistadors. The people experienced great fears seeing the Spanish, and saw them as children of the deities Sun (Sué) and Moon (Chía). The people believed, according to _Epítome_, they were sent to punish the people for their sins. Hence they named the Spanish _usachíes_; a combination of _Usa_, referring to the Sun and _Chíe_ to the Moon as “children of the Sun and the Moon”. The document narrates that the Muisca women climbed the hills surrounding the valleys and threw their infants to the Spanish, some from their breasts, to stop the fury of the gods. It is described that the people very much feared the horses, and only bit by bit got used to them.[12] _Epítome_ says that the people started to attack the Spanish, but were easily beaten because they feared the horses so much and fled. The text describes this as the common practice in the battles of the indigenous people (_bárbaros_) against the conquistadors during all of 1537 and part of 1538, until they finally bowed to the reign of his Majesty, the King of Spain.[13]

The Panche

The description of the Panche is different in _Epítome_ than the Muisca; the Panche are described as a much more war-like people, their rugged terrain worse for the cavalry and the style of warfare different. While the Muisca “fought” using screams and shouting, the Panche are described as fighting silently with slingshots, poisoned arrows and large heavy poles made of palm trees (_macanas_) swinging them with both hands to hit their enemies. The practice, later described from the Muisca as well, of tieing mummies on their backs is reported from the Panche. The habit is described as showing what will happen to their opponents; fighting like they fought and to instigate fear in the enemy.[14] Of the Panche is described that when they won their battles, they celebrated their victory with festivities, took the children of their enemies to sacrifice them, captured the women and killed the men by poking out the eyes of the combat leaders. The combat of the Panche is described as fiercer as of the Muisca and the combatants walked naked. They had tubes made of animal skins where they held the lances and bow and arrows to shoot. The Panche warriors are described as eating the flesh of their enemies at the battlefield or later at home with their wives and children. The process of treaties is described as performed not by the men, but by the women, as “they cannot be refused”.[15]

Descriptions of society

[The construction of the _bohíos_ of the Muisca was similar to that found in North America; a circular structure of wooden poles surrounding the settlements with a central larger house for the _cacique_] The people, and especially the women, from the New Kingdom are described as highly religious and beautiful in faces and body shapes; less brown than “the other indigenous that we have seen”. The women wore white, black and colourful dresses that covered their bodies from breast to feet instead of the capes and mantles seen with other natives (_Yndias_). On their heads they wore garlands (_guirnaldas_) of cotton, decorated with flowers.[16] The _caciques_ wore hats (_bonetes_) made of cotton. The wives of the _caciques_ wore a type of kofia on their heads. The climate and daytime is described as roughly the same all year round and the architecture of the houses as made of wood. The houses of the _caciques_ are located behind various circular posts, described in _Epítome_ as “a labyrinth of Troy”. The houses were surrounded by large patios and painted walls.[17]

Cuisine

[Guinea pigs were already domesticated by the ancestors of the Muisca and served as part of the carnivorous diet for the people] The cuisine of the Muisca is described as mainly consisting of maize and yuca, with other food coming from farther away. Plantation of the various tubers was arranged in multiple ways. The infinite supply of salt is described in _Epítome_, extracted from wells on the Bogotá savanna [in Zipaquirá, Nemocón and other places] and made into loafs of salt. The salt was traded up until the north, the Sierras del Opón and until the Magdalena River, as earlier described. The meat of the people consisted of deer, that is described to have been in great quantities, “like livestock in Spain”. Other meat were rabbits, also in large quantities, and named _fucos_. _Epítome_ names those “rabbits” also existed in Santa Marta and other parts, where they were called _curíes_ (guinea pigs). Poultry is named as pigeons and ducks, that are raised in the many lakes. The diet is supplied further with fish, described as only one species and small, “only one or two handpalms long”, but of a good taste.[18]

Penalties, position of _caciques_ and marriage

The penal system of the Muisca is described as “moral” and of “medium reason”, because the offenses are punished “very well”. _Epítome_ describes “there are more gallows than in Spain” with people hanging between two posts with arms, feet and hair attached to them. The Muisca are described as cutting hands, noses and ears for “not so serious crimes”. Shaming happened to the higher social classes, where hair and pieces of the clothing were cut. The respect for the _caciques_ is told to have been “enormous”, as the people didn't look them in the face and when a _cacique_ enters, the people turned and inclined showing him their backs. When the “Bogothá” (_zipa_) spit, the people caught his saliva in cotton bowls, to prevent it from hitting the ground.[19]

When the people were marrying, the men are reported to not organise festivities, but simply take the women home. Polygamy is noted; “the men could marry as many women as they wanted, given that they could maintain them”; so some had ten wives and others twenty. Of the “Bogothá” is stated that “he had more than 400 wives”. Marrying first degree relatives was forbidden and in some parts second degree marriages too. Heritage of rule was not the sons of the former _cacique_, but the siblings and if they didn't have or lived, the sons of the brother or sister of the deceased _cacique_.[20]

Time-keeping and preparation for young _caciques_

[The complex Muisca calendar
_sketch by Alexander von Humboldt_] The conscience of time is specified as years and months well divided, with during the first ten days of the months a habit of eating coca (_hayo_). The next ten days are for working the farmfields and houses. The last ten days are described as time when people rest and the women live separately from the men; all the women together in one _bohío_ and every man in his own.[21] It is reported that in other parts of the New Kingdom of Granada, the division of time is different; the described ten day periods are longer and two months of the year are reserved for fasting (_quaresma_).[22]

To prepare for the _cacicazgo_, the young boys and girls are held solitary in houses for some years, depending on the role they will fulfill in society. They are incarcerated for seven years in small spaces without a view of the Sun and given delicacies at certain times. Only the people caring for the children are allowed access to the space and they torture them. After their imprisonment, the children are allowed to wear golden jewels; nosepieces and earrings. The people are also described as wearing breast plates, golden mitres (_mitras_) and bracelets. _Epítome_ reports the people lost themselves in music, singing and dances, one of their greatest pleasures. The author calls the people “lying very much, they never tell the truth”. The goldworking and weaving by the Muisca is described as “the first not as well as the people from New Spain and the second not as well as the people from Peru”.[23]

Religion, sacrifice and warfare

[Chía, the Moon goddess, was one of the two most celebrated deities in the Muisca religion. Her main temple was located in Chía, just north of present-day Bogotá] [The Sun Temple in Suamox was the most important sacred site in the religion of the Muisca. Herbs as _yopo_ and _tobacco_ were burnt and the smoke inhaled at the rituals performed there] The religion of the Muisca is reported as very important and they constructed in each settlement a temple, with many others scattered across the area, accessible by roads and isolated. The sacred places are lavishly adorned with gold and emeralds. The process of sacrifices is described as happening with blood, water and fire. Birds are killed and their blood runs over the temples, their heads hanging from the sides of the holy places. Water running through pipes also is used as a sacrifice. Fire and aromatic smoke is used in the temples, too. The religious rituals are reported to be accompanied with singing.[24]

It is described the Muisca did not sacrifice humans for religious purposes, yet in two other ways. When the Panche were beaten, the boys who were presumed still being virgin were taken and sacrificed. The ritual passed with screams and the heads of the victims were hanged on the posts of their _bohíos_. The other way would be to sacrifice the young boys by priests [_chyquy_] near the temples.[25]

_Epítome_ reports the young boys called _moxas_, taken from a place called _Casa del Sol_ at thirty _leguas_ from the New Kingdom. They are carried on the shoulders and stay seven to eight years in the temples to be sacrificed afterwards. The process is described as cutting their heads off and letting the blood flow over the sacred sites. The boys have to be virgins, as if they are not, their blood is not considered pure enough to serve as sacrifice. Before going to war, the guecha warriors are described to stay one month in a temple, with people outside singing and dancing and the Muisca honouring Sué and Chía. The warriors sleep and eat little during this time. After the battles, the people perform the same ritual for various days and when the warriors are defeated, they also do this to lament the losses.[26]

During these rituals, the people are described to burn certain herbs, called _Jop_ (yopo) and _Osca_ (_hosca_; tobacco) in _Epítome_, inhaling the smoke and putting those herbs on the joints of their bodies. When certain joints are moving it would be a sign of luck in warfare and when others move, it means bad luck.[27]

The sacred sites of the Muisca consist of forests and lakes, according to _Epítome_, where the people bury gold and emeralds and throw those precious resources in the lakes. The people do not cut the trees of the sacred woods but bury their dead there. The Sun and Moon are considered husband and wife and are celebrated as the creators of things. Apart from that, the people have various other gods, “much like our [Spanish] saints”, honoured in temples throughout the area. On top of that, the people all have personal idols, called in _Epítome_ _Lares_ (_tunjos_). They are described as small figures made of fine gold with emeralds in their bellies. It is described the people wore those on their arms and when going to battle, having them in one hand and the weapons in the other, “especially in the province of Tunja where the people are more religious.”[28]

The dead and afterlife

[Muisca mummy] The dead, as reported in _Epítome de la conquista del Nuevo Reino de Granada_, are buried in two ways; in Tunja the main members of society are not buried, yet their intestines taken out, wrapped in cloths, and adorned with gold and emeralds placed on slightly elevated beds in special dedicated _bohíos_ and left there forever.[29] The other way of treating the deceased Muisca is in Bogotá, where they are buried or thrown into the deepest lakes after putting them in coffins filled with gold and emeralds.[30]

The ideas about the afterlife of the Muisca is described as “barbaric” and “confused” in terms of the immortality of the soul. The people who have been good in life would have great pleasures and rest after their death, while those who were bad during their lifetime would have a lot of work and be punished with lashes. The guecha who died in warfare and the women dying when giving birth would have access to the same right of rest and pleasures, “although they were bad in life”.[31]

In contrast to the spiritual life of the Muisca, the Panche are described as immoral, as they only care about their crimes and vices. _Epítome_ narrates they do not care about gold or other precious things of life, yet only about war, pleasure and eating human flesh, the only reason to invade the New Kingdom. In other parts of the Panche territories, “close to Tunja across two fast flowing rivers”, it is noted that the people eat ants and make bread of the insects. The ants (_hormiga culona_, still a delicacy in Santander) are described as available in great quantities, some small, but mostly large. The people of the region kept them as livestock enclosed by large leaves.[32]

Return to Spain of the conquest leaders

[The last part of _Epítome_ describes the establishment of the New Kingdom of Granada, here shown in , with the three cities Bogotá, Tunja and Vélez] [The Magdalena River is the main fluvial artery of Andean Colombia and formed part of the route south into the Muisca Confederation in 1536-37 and all of the journey for Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada returning to the coast for his voyage back to Spain] The period of conquest of the New Kingdom of Granada is reported in _Epítome_ to have taken most of 1538. This period resulted in the creation of three main cities; the province of Bogotá in the city of “Santa Fee”, the province of Tunja in the city with the same name and the later founded city of Vélez, where the conquistadors entered afterwards. The conquest is said to have been completed in the year 1539, when Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada (“El Licenciado”) returned to Spain to report to the King and claim his rewards. _Epítome_ describes that Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada left the reign of the New Kingdom in the hands of his brother, Hernán Pérez de Quesada, and traveled along the Magdalena River (_Río Grande_) using brigs to not have to cross the strenuous Sierras del Opón again, the way he reached Bogotá.[33]

It is described that “one month before this leave” from Venezuela came Nicolás Fedreman [sic], captain under Jorge Espira, governor of the province of Venezuela for the Germans, with news about natives from very rich lands. He brought 150 men with him. During the same period, some fifteen days later, came from Peru Sebastián de Venalcázar, captain under Francisco Pizarro, and brought 100 soldiers and the same news. The three commanders laughed about their three years so close to each other. _Epítome_ describes that Jiménez de Quesada took all of the soldiers of De Federman and half of those of De Benalcázar to refresh his troops and sent them to the settlements of the New Kingdom to populate the area. The other half of De Benalcázar's men he sent (back) to the province between the New Kingdom and Quito, called Popayán, of which De Benalcázar was governor. Federmann and some of his men accompanied De Quesada in his journey along the Magdalena River to the coast and back to Spain. _Epítome_ reports they arrived there in November 1539, when the Spanish King was crossing France to reach Flanders.[34]

On the last page of _Epítome_ it is said that the _Licenciado_ had differences of opinion with Alonso de Lugo, married to Beatriz de Noroña, sister of María de Mendoza, wife of the great commander De Léon. The disagreements were about the reign over the New Kingdom, because De Lugo and his son had the governance over Santa Marta. It is described that his [sic] Majesty created a Royal Chancillery in the year 1547 [sic] with _oídores_ in charge of the New Kingdom. The name of the New Kingdom of Granada was given by Jiménez de Quesada based on the Kingdom of Granada “here” (in Spain), that showed similiraties in size, topography and climate.[35]

The text notes that Jiménez de Quesada received for his efforts of conquering and populating the New Kingdom the title _Mariscal_ and 2000 ducats for him and his descendants for the reign of the New Kingdom. For the natives of the New Kingdom another 8000 ducats were provided as well as an annual fee of 400 ducats for the mayor of Bogotá.[36]

The closing paragraph of _Epítome de la conquista del Nuevo Reino de Granada_ concludes with the description of the family of Jiménez de Quesada as son of Gonçalo Ximénez and Ysabel de Quesada, living in the city of Granada and originating from Córdoba.[37]

Source for Muysccubun

[_Hayo_ or _hayu_ (coca)] The _Epítome de la conquista del Nuevo Reino de Granada_ contains a number of words transcribed or taken from Muysccubun.[38] Examples are _moscas_ (muysca),[39] _Bogotá_ (Muyquyta),[40] _Tunja_ (Chunsa),[41] _Sumindoco_,[42] _uchíes_; combination of _u-_ (Sun) and _chíe_ (Moon),[43][44] _fucos_ (fuquy),[45] _yopo_, _Osca_ (_hosca_),[46] and _yomas_ (iome; _Solanum tuberosum_).[47] The word written as _hayo_ probably refers to the Ika word _hayu_.[48]

Inconsistencies

[Cover of _Historia general y natural de las Indias, islas y tierra firme del mar océano_ (1557)] Colombian-Jewish-Ukrainian scholar Juan Friede (1901-1990) has listed inconsistencies that were analysed by Enrique Otero D'Costa in the document:[49]

-   _Epítome_ describes the death of Pedro Fernández de Lugo, governor of Santa Marta, during the preparation of the conquest expedition, while this happened months after De Quesada had left Santa Marta[50]
-   Alonso Luis de Lugo is named as the acting governor, while he left the government in 1544[51]
-   The achievements of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada are described as _mariscal_, _regidor_ and 2000 ducats in rent, events that didn't happen until 1547 and 1548[52]
-   The existence of the Royal Audience (_Audiencia Real_) is described, that took place in 1550[53]

Friede compared the work _Gran Cuaderno_ by Jiménez de Quesada and concluded the descriptions were identical. _Gran Cuaderno_ was handed over to Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés, who included the contents in his _Historia general y natural de las Indias_ of 1535 (expanded, from his notes, in 1851).[54][55]

Theories about authorship

[Alonso de Santa Cruz may have been a (partial) author of _Epítome_] _Epítome_ has produced a number of reviewing articles, books and other texts since the first publication by Jiménez de la Espada in 1889. Enrique Otero D'Costa has attributed parts of _Epítome_ to Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, written in 1539, and other parts to other people, unrelated to the conquistador.[56] Friede concludes these errors not definitive; he maintains the _Epítome de la conquista del Nuevo Reino de Granada_ is written in its totality in the years 1548 to 1549, when Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada was in Spain.[57] Researcher Fernando Caro Molina concluded in 1967 that only minor parts were written by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada.[58]

Carmen Millán de Benavides wrote an article in 2014, a book in 2001, and her PhD thesis about the document in 1997.[59] She concludes the work is written by Alonso de Santa Cruz (1505-1567), cosmographer who worked for the kings Carlos II and Felipe II.[60] She describes the _Epítome_ as a fragmentary text, not a narrative.[61] The abbreviations used in the text, led her to conclude it was a scribble text, not meant for direct publication.[62]

Manuel Lucena Salmoral wrote in an article in 1962 that the document was written by an unknown writer, none of the authors suggested by other researchers.[63] Also Javier Vergara y Velasco maintains the document is written entirely by someone else.[64]

[1] Ramos Pérez, 1972, p.283

[2] _Epítome_, p.81

[3] _Epítome_, p.82

[4] _Epítome_, p.83

[5]

[6] _Epítome_, p.84

[7] _Epítome_, p.85

[8]

[9]

[10] _Epítome_, p.87

[11] _Epítome_, p.86

[12]

[13] _Epítome_, p.88

[14]

[15] _Epítome_, p.89

[16]

[17] _Epítome_, p.90

[18]

[19] _Epítome_, p.91

[20]

[21]

[22] _Epítome_, p.92

[23]

[24]

[25] _Epítome_, p.93

[26]

[27]

[28] _Epítome_, p.94

[29]

[30] _Epítome_, p.95

[31]

[32]

[33] _Epítome_, p.96

[34]

[35] _Epítome_, p.97

[36]

[37]

[38]  _Epítome_ - Muysccubun Dictionary Online

[39]  _muysca_ - Muysccubun

[40]  _Muyquyta_ - Muysccubun

[41]  _Chunsa_ - Muysccubun

[42]

[43]  _sua_ - Muysccubun

[44]  _chíe_ - Muysccubun

[45]  _fuquy_ - Muysccubun

[46]  _hosca_ - Muysccubun

[47]  _iome_ - Muysccubun

[48]

[49]  Descubrimiento del Nuevo Reino de Granada y Fundación de Bogotá - _Epítome de la conquista del Nuevo Reino de Granada_ - Juan Friede - Banco de la República

[50] Friede, 1960, p.93

[51]

[52]

[53]

[54]

[55]

[56]

[57] Friede, 1960, p.94

[58] Caro Molina, 1967, p.130

[59]  _Curriculum Vitae_ Carmen Millán de Benavides - Colciencias

[60] Millán de Benavides, 2014, p.11

[61] Millán de Benavides, 2014, p.14

[62] Millán de Benavides, 2014, p.15

[63] Caro Molina, 1967, p.117

[64] Millán de Benavides, 2001, p.27

question: When was "Epítome de la conquista del Nuevo Reino de Granada" written?

answer: Between 1548-1559.

question: Who is thought to have at least partially authored this literary work?

answer: Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada.

question: Who published "Epitome"?

answer: Marcos Jiménez de la Espada.

question: What was the profession of Jiménez de la Espada?

answer: Anthropologist.

question: Write a ~3 sentence summary.

answer: The Epítome de la conquista del Nuevo Reino de Granada is a document of uncertain authorship, possibly (partly) written by Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada between 1548 and 1559 and published in 1889 by anthropologist Marcos Jiménez de la Espada. The document is written in old Spanish in the present tense and first person with descriptions of Jiménez de Quesada, written as Ximénez de Quesada, in the third person. narrates about the Spanish conquest of the Muisca, from the start from Santa Marta in April 1536 to the leave of main conquistador Jiménez de Quesada in April 1539 from Bogotá, arriving to Spain, about “The Salt People” (Muisca) encountered in the conquest expedition in the heart of the Colombian Andes, their society, rules, religion, handling of the dead, warfare and neighbouring “cannibalistic” Panche.


text:
It had taken everything else from him. His feelings began to fade in August of the previous year. Tiredness bled into torpor, torpor bled into apathy, apathy made him seek help that wasn’t helping. He was leaking. It had taken his wife from him. She left in March of this year. She couldn’t deal with the lack of emotion and energy that her husband used to be full of. He was running on fumes. It had taken his friends from him. He couldn’t deal with them anymore. Being around people so full of life began to take its toll on him. He gave them up shortly before his wife left him. He was empty. It had taken his career from him. He didn’t have the energy to show up anymore. He didn’t have anything left. Depression had taken a vibrant life and drained it of everything that had made it worthwhile. He was good as dead.

At this point, it was only a formality that it should be the death of him. And since it couldn’t kill him in the literal sense of the word, he would have to do that himself.

He’d been contemplating it for the past few months now. The question now was not a matter of do or do not, but the execution of it, ironically enough. He didn’t trust himself enough with knots to hang himself. He hadn’t the drive to go purchase a gun. Poison was too cliché. He couldn’t cut himself, he hated blood. He would jump, but he couldn’t stand heights.

A train would do it, though. The thundering of steel at high noon, the shrill shriek of the steam horn, the raw power of ungodly machine, it all seemed morbidly attractive. He would have described it as a type of romantic if he had the feelings to find the words. He had found his end. And so it was settled: he would sacrifice the last of himself to the condition that had taken the rest of him.

He put on his Sunday best for his final hurrah. When they found his body he wanted it to look good. At least, that’s what the real him would have wanted. If he could have watched himself, would the real him have been happy, though? Two years ago, the real him never would have imagined that he would go down like this, a prisoner of his own life, a victim of his own mind.

If he was really going to do this, he had to stop thinking like that. Conviction was what he needed of himself right now. He was going to pull the trigger.

The rails were surprisingly cold for early September. The trees on either side of the tracks had just begun to shed their leafy vestiges in a snow of orange and red. Perhaps it was appropriate that the forest around him was accompanying him in his demise. As they slowly died, so would he. In the spring, they would come back.

What had really brought him so low? In the days before his demise, he would have said that he began to feel numb in August of last year. In the hours before his demise, he wasn’t so sure. Had he always been this cold on the inside? His life wasn’t flashing before his eyes like in the overly dramatized stories he liked to read. It melted before his eyes. His first memory of youth was inseparable from his memory of last night’s dinner.

The first sign of the incoming train was the buzz he felt on his head. A light vibration that might have been pleasant if he remembered what pleasant was. The light vibration slowly and methodically became an incessant rattle. His heart fluttered with the frequency of pulsating rails. If he remembered what to call it, he would have recognized this feeling as anxiety. His stomach churned like the bouncing gravel under the tracks. His thoughts were brought to a rolling boil as his blood pressure shot through the roof. He was nervous.

What came after the train hit him? He didn’t let himself believe in a god. Would it be blackness? Would it be peaceful? Painful? Immediate? Eternal? He lacked the answers to the questions he had; this wasn’t the best location to ponder life’s mysteries. Or was it? He hadn’t felt this alive in his whole life. His whole body was quaking with an unnatural tension that frightened him. How could he let himself die when he felt so far from death? He had doubts.

Was this actually what he wanted to do? The rattle from moments before became a thunder in less time than he would have liked. The train was fast approaching and he was frozen in place, his head stuck to the frigid rails, cold sweat pouring from his burning being as his death charged down upon him. Something from within him screamed. He was afraid. He was scared to die.

A last thought before impact, a deathbed confession to eternity: He didn’t want to die.

title: Deathbed Confession

question: What is the difference between why the main character believes his wife left him, and why she likely did from an objective perspective?

answer: He seems to think it's because he couldn't bring himself to put much effort into any of his relationships, but it's possible that it was a self-fulfilling prophecy. Maybe he was too down on himself about his lack of energy and initiative. It seems that you can't fix how someone sees themselves.

question: Why, in the moments leading up to his death, was he suddenly unsure as to if he really wanted to die?

answer: It seems as if he was regulating in that moment of questioning. He had been seeing his woes and his pain and his emptiness only in contrast to what he had considered to be "fully living life". That is, his definition of happiness and fulfillment was created and managed by the people he surrounded himself with and his perception of them. Now, he weighed it against a more objective vision of himself, and then he saw, in the moments closer to his demise, that maybe this gesture would not alleviate a problem that was not temporary or external even-it was just him.