Gawain Application
Jun. 13th, 2011 09:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
metemmodsPlayer Information
» Name: Dan
» Age: 30
» Journal:![[insanejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/ij-userinfo.gif)
bass_hero
» Contact: email: daniel.helfman@gmail.com
Deity Information
» Pantheon: Celtic (Arthurian)
» Deity: Sir Gawain
» Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gawain
» Divine Family: {mother & father} Morgause and King Lot; {spouse} Dame Ragnelle (in some versions); {siblings} Agravaine, Gaheris, Gareth, and Mordred; {children} Florence, Lovell, and Gingalain
» Mythology: Sir Gawain, whose name can be translated as “hawk of May” or “hawk of the plain,” is King Arthur’s nephew and one of the most celebrated Knights of the Round Table. He is one of a select number of knights to have attained the Holy Grail. In various guises he has appeared since some of the earliest Arthurian legends. He is renowned for unwavering loyalty and courtesy, especially toward women, a trait that has earned him the epithets of “the Maidens’ Knight” and “Knight of the Goddess.”
In several interpretations, Gawain’s strength increases toward midday and decreases as the sun sets. This has led to speculation that his character has roots in pagan solar hero tradition, and in fact significant parallels have been drawn between him and the Irish mythological hero, Cuchulainn. Gawain’s affinity for the Otherworld (both as a traveler and as a lover of women from that realm) lends further credence to such speculation.
By far Gawain’s most famous adventure is related in the late 14th century Middle English romance, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. In the poem, Gawain accepts a challenge declined by all his fellow knights: strike the fearsome Green Knight once with an axe, on the condition that he submits to a return blow from the Green Knight one year and one day later. During the course of the year Gawain undergoes a series of trials that put his knightly vows to the test, including resisting a married woman’s seduction and confessing to having deceived Lord Bertilak, a nobleman who offers the young knight shelter during his travels and who turns out to be the Green Knight. In the end Gawain’s courage prevails, and he receives praise both from Lord Bertilak and from his peers at Camelot.
Character Information
» Played By: Hugh Jackman
» Journal:greengawain
» Current Name: Jonah Edward Hawk
» Birthdate: 04/02/1975
» Height: 5’11”
» Distinguishing Marks: Has a small, perfectly horizontal scar on the back of his neck that he received during childhood when he was knocked down by some other children
» Family: {mother & father} Sarah and Richard Hawk; {marital status/spouse} single/NA; {siblings} none; {children} none; {pets} 1 calico cat named Darius Meow
» Occupation: Bookstore owner, writer
» Currently Residing In: Lincoln, Nebraska
» Ability: He is a natural leader and catalyst, always the first to accept a challenging task, and able to motivate even obstinate individuals to join his various causes.
» History: Gawain has had few incarnations over the centuries.
In 1856, he was born in California as Raphael Greenwich. He became a gunslinging paladin renowned for escorting high society women through lawless territories. It is said that he treated his patronesses, including those from much lower classes, with courtesy uncharacteristic for a rough-hewn man of his time.
In his current incarnation as Jonah Edward Hawk, he was born April 2, 1975, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the only child of Sarah and Richard Hawk. From an early age Jonah seemed destined for a career in academia. Both his parents were university professors who instilled a love of reading and research within him. He grew particularly fond of world mythology and folklore, and it was through his extensive readings on the subject that he discovered the Arthurian canon. He began writing his own interpretations of world myths, usually featuring a goddess or semi-divine heroine in the lead role, and by adolescence it became apparent that he was King Arthur’s illustrious nephew reborn. It came as no surprise, then, that he would cap a stellar high school record with a double major in English and Medieval and Renaissance Studies.
What did come as a surprise was that he opted not to pursue graduate studies, but instead continued working the same part-time used bookstore job he had held since before his college freshman year. This decision distressed his parents, who had always assumed he would follow the Hawk family tradition and become a teacher. Despite his parents’ pleas to pursue a “real” career, Jonah continued to accompany his employers on book-buying trips across the country. The opportunity to travel and the satisfaction of acquiring rare books proved irresistible to him, so that within a short period of time he had become quite proficient as a buyer and appraiser. Once he demonstrated his newfound skills to his parents, they became supportive of his goals.
With the help of his parents and his former employers, Jonah acquired a vacant building and opened his own bookstore, Hawk of the Plain Rare and Gently Used Books. His innate business acumen and charm with the customers led to nearly immediate success, and he soon found himself dealing with customers not only in the Great Plains, but also across the country. Knowing that versatility is the key to a successful bookstore, he has devoted an entire room to paperback romances and mysteries, as well as providing an extensive selection of other categories of fiction, non-fiction titles, comic books, and magazines. He also regularly hosts author signings, poetry readings, and creative writing workshops, some of which he teaches himself. His main pride and joy, however, remains rare book dealing, and he now feels confident to leave his store in the capable hands of his staff, including the popular in-store cat, Darius Meow, as he “quests” for rare titles.
» Personality: The adjectives “courteous” and “loyal” often come up in descriptions of Jonah. An adept conversationalist capable of profound philosophical discourse as well as charming small talk, he makes everyone who comes in his bookstore feel right at home. This accounts for why he has both regularly returning customers as well as long-standing employees. Jonah remains fiercely devoted to his family, friends, and whatever endeavors he may be undertaking. Always eager to prove to himself and others that he is up to a challenge, he at times will act rashly and find himself at the point of no return before he knows it. However, he is no quitter and will see something through to the end, even if it disadvantages him.
Jonah’s special relationship with women represents a key component of his being. Throughout his life, his closest friends have always been women. In childhood, girls allowed him to participate in their playtime when they would let no other boys come near. In adulthood, women tend to share personal information with him that they would share with few others even of their own sex. His sensitivity and listening skills have often earned him the title of “honorary gal pal.” Though he earns that title, it does not mean he avoids pursuing romantic relationships with women. He has had several successful long-term relationships over the years, often concurrently. His friends know that he is busy with the store’s operations, so they do not expect him to settle down and commit to one relationship at the moment. Furthermore, they know they can depend on him not to breach their trust. Since his professor mother began exposing him to historical truths, he has been outraged by the innumerable injustices women have suffered over the millennia, and he has vowed to do everything he can to champion their rights.
In his free time, Jonah devotes himself to learning as much as he can about a variety of subjects, many of which he can find in his own store. He regularly practices yoga and martial arts. During high school he was actively involved with a variety of music groups, including an early music ensemble. As a result, he is also proficient on several plucked string instruments, including lute, mandolin, and bass guitar. He and his old band mates occasionally perform at his store’s open house events.
» Other Notes: Despite his strong feminine side, Jonah considers himself completely straight in terms of sexual orientation. Though he remains content to have platonic relationships with women, he never turns down an opportunity for something more. In fact, his skills as a lover are legendary amongst his myriad women friends, several of whom he has had the pleasure of pleasuring simultaneously!
A natural linguist, he knows words and phrases in several languages, including English, Attic Greek, Latin, Spanish, French, and Russian.
» Sample Journal: When I have a week such as this past one, I think of Ulysses, or rather Tennyson: “I cannot rest from travel.” However, I could most certainly use a vacation from traveling. Scouring five book sales in as many days seems a little much, even for me. But I am pleased with the results. We have been lacking art books, as well as language book and cassette sets, for a while, but I found the mother lode of both at the library book sale. Everything appears to be in excellent condition, which doesn’t usually happen with library materials. So far I haven’t seen a single torn out page of nude ladies or hand-drawn appendage in the Impressionist collections. Imagine that! (I still remember how Gwen and I worked for days trying to remove that scribbled arrow protruding from the backside of the Caspar David Friedrich figure.) I think this stuff will be welcome additions to the new arrivals shelf.
A closing thought for the evening: how I wish I could afford to open a second branch on the coast! It would save us so much on accommodations. Why pay for a motel when I could always put a futon on the floor of the travel section? Something to think about next staff meeting ….
» Sample Log: The bell above the door rang, interrupting Jonah’s reverie. He was glad for it, as he was the only person minding the store today and therefore needed to be attentive.
A young woman clad in a sun dress stood in the doorway, surveying the interior with a hint of frustration. Jonah did not recognize her as a regular, and he knew that first-time visitors occasionally required a little extra attention.
“Good morning,” he said cheerfully.
“Good morning,” she replied, easing slightly.
“Is there something I can help you find?”
She crossed toward the desk where Jonah was seated. “Maybe you can,” she said. “My mom’s birthday is next week, and I just don’t know what to get her. Can you recommend a good book?”
This was not Jonah’s favorite question from a customer, as it invited too many possible awkward outcomes. Nonetheless, he felt obligated to accept the challenge. “I can sure try. What kinds of books does she like?”
“Well, these days, I’m not really sure anymore.”
“What did she like to read in the past? Do you remember?”
The woman sighed. “You know, I just don’t. It’s been such a long time since I’ve been around her regularly, and … well … we’ve kind of grown apart over the years.”
Jonah realized this “interview” would take some extra effort. “Were there any stories that you shared together when you were a kid?”
She stood silent for a moment, thinking. Just then, Darius, who had been curled up on the desk the entire time, picked up his head and uttered a quiet but jovial meow. A look of realization came across the woman’s face. “Wait a minute … your kitty reminds me. The cat and the fiddle! Yes, we used to read nursery rhymes together!”
Jonah smiled the usual twinkle-accompanied smile he beamed when he felt confident he had succeeded in his quest. “In that case, I believe I may have something for you.” He rose from the desk and walked to a nearby bookcase where he kept children’s books. He ran his finger along the spines until he found a certain volume, which he pulled off the shelf and presented to her.
The young woman’s jaw dropped when she saw what he held: a glossy hardcover entitled The Annotated Mother Goose. He said, “It’s got a lot of interesting facts about the rhymes, plus some really beautiful illustrations. I think your mom might like it.”
“Like it? She’ll love it! She’s a retired kindergarten teacher! This is just perfect!” She skimmed through the book’s pages. “Oh, wow, I never thought I’d find something so easily. Thank you so much! You’re a great salesman!” She turned to Darius. “And you are, too, sweetie kitty.” She turned back to Jonah. “I’ll take it!”
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» Name: Dan
» Age: 30
» Journal:
bass_hero» Contact: email: daniel.helfman@gmail.com
Deity Information
» Pantheon: Celtic (Arthurian)
» Deity: Sir Gawain
» Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gawain
» Divine Family: {mother & father} Morgause and King Lot; {spouse} Dame Ragnelle (in some versions); {siblings} Agravaine, Gaheris, Gareth, and Mordred; {children} Florence, Lovell, and Gingalain
» Mythology: Sir Gawain, whose name can be translated as “hawk of May” or “hawk of the plain,” is King Arthur’s nephew and one of the most celebrated Knights of the Round Table. He is one of a select number of knights to have attained the Holy Grail. In various guises he has appeared since some of the earliest Arthurian legends. He is renowned for unwavering loyalty and courtesy, especially toward women, a trait that has earned him the epithets of “the Maidens’ Knight” and “Knight of the Goddess.”
In several interpretations, Gawain’s strength increases toward midday and decreases as the sun sets. This has led to speculation that his character has roots in pagan solar hero tradition, and in fact significant parallels have been drawn between him and the Irish mythological hero, Cuchulainn. Gawain’s affinity for the Otherworld (both as a traveler and as a lover of women from that realm) lends further credence to such speculation.
By far Gawain’s most famous adventure is related in the late 14th century Middle English romance, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. In the poem, Gawain accepts a challenge declined by all his fellow knights: strike the fearsome Green Knight once with an axe, on the condition that he submits to a return blow from the Green Knight one year and one day later. During the course of the year Gawain undergoes a series of trials that put his knightly vows to the test, including resisting a married woman’s seduction and confessing to having deceived Lord Bertilak, a nobleman who offers the young knight shelter during his travels and who turns out to be the Green Knight. In the end Gawain’s courage prevails, and he receives praise both from Lord Bertilak and from his peers at Camelot.
Character Information
» Played By: Hugh Jackman
» Journal:
greengawain» Current Name: Jonah Edward Hawk
» Birthdate: 04/02/1975
» Height: 5’11”
» Distinguishing Marks: Has a small, perfectly horizontal scar on the back of his neck that he received during childhood when he was knocked down by some other children
» Family: {mother & father} Sarah and Richard Hawk; {marital status/spouse} single/NA; {siblings} none; {children} none; {pets} 1 calico cat named Darius Meow
» Occupation: Bookstore owner, writer
» Currently Residing In: Lincoln, Nebraska
» Ability: He is a natural leader and catalyst, always the first to accept a challenging task, and able to motivate even obstinate individuals to join his various causes.
» History: Gawain has had few incarnations over the centuries.
In 1856, he was born in California as Raphael Greenwich. He became a gunslinging paladin renowned for escorting high society women through lawless territories. It is said that he treated his patronesses, including those from much lower classes, with courtesy uncharacteristic for a rough-hewn man of his time.
In his current incarnation as Jonah Edward Hawk, he was born April 2, 1975, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the only child of Sarah and Richard Hawk. From an early age Jonah seemed destined for a career in academia. Both his parents were university professors who instilled a love of reading and research within him. He grew particularly fond of world mythology and folklore, and it was through his extensive readings on the subject that he discovered the Arthurian canon. He began writing his own interpretations of world myths, usually featuring a goddess or semi-divine heroine in the lead role, and by adolescence it became apparent that he was King Arthur’s illustrious nephew reborn. It came as no surprise, then, that he would cap a stellar high school record with a double major in English and Medieval and Renaissance Studies.
What did come as a surprise was that he opted not to pursue graduate studies, but instead continued working the same part-time used bookstore job he had held since before his college freshman year. This decision distressed his parents, who had always assumed he would follow the Hawk family tradition and become a teacher. Despite his parents’ pleas to pursue a “real” career, Jonah continued to accompany his employers on book-buying trips across the country. The opportunity to travel and the satisfaction of acquiring rare books proved irresistible to him, so that within a short period of time he had become quite proficient as a buyer and appraiser. Once he demonstrated his newfound skills to his parents, they became supportive of his goals.
With the help of his parents and his former employers, Jonah acquired a vacant building and opened his own bookstore, Hawk of the Plain Rare and Gently Used Books. His innate business acumen and charm with the customers led to nearly immediate success, and he soon found himself dealing with customers not only in the Great Plains, but also across the country. Knowing that versatility is the key to a successful bookstore, he has devoted an entire room to paperback romances and mysteries, as well as providing an extensive selection of other categories of fiction, non-fiction titles, comic books, and magazines. He also regularly hosts author signings, poetry readings, and creative writing workshops, some of which he teaches himself. His main pride and joy, however, remains rare book dealing, and he now feels confident to leave his store in the capable hands of his staff, including the popular in-store cat, Darius Meow, as he “quests” for rare titles.
» Personality: The adjectives “courteous” and “loyal” often come up in descriptions of Jonah. An adept conversationalist capable of profound philosophical discourse as well as charming small talk, he makes everyone who comes in his bookstore feel right at home. This accounts for why he has both regularly returning customers as well as long-standing employees. Jonah remains fiercely devoted to his family, friends, and whatever endeavors he may be undertaking. Always eager to prove to himself and others that he is up to a challenge, he at times will act rashly and find himself at the point of no return before he knows it. However, he is no quitter and will see something through to the end, even if it disadvantages him.
Jonah’s special relationship with women represents a key component of his being. Throughout his life, his closest friends have always been women. In childhood, girls allowed him to participate in their playtime when they would let no other boys come near. In adulthood, women tend to share personal information with him that they would share with few others even of their own sex. His sensitivity and listening skills have often earned him the title of “honorary gal pal.” Though he earns that title, it does not mean he avoids pursuing romantic relationships with women. He has had several successful long-term relationships over the years, often concurrently. His friends know that he is busy with the store’s operations, so they do not expect him to settle down and commit to one relationship at the moment. Furthermore, they know they can depend on him not to breach their trust. Since his professor mother began exposing him to historical truths, he has been outraged by the innumerable injustices women have suffered over the millennia, and he has vowed to do everything he can to champion their rights.
In his free time, Jonah devotes himself to learning as much as he can about a variety of subjects, many of which he can find in his own store. He regularly practices yoga and martial arts. During high school he was actively involved with a variety of music groups, including an early music ensemble. As a result, he is also proficient on several plucked string instruments, including lute, mandolin, and bass guitar. He and his old band mates occasionally perform at his store’s open house events.
» Other Notes: Despite his strong feminine side, Jonah considers himself completely straight in terms of sexual orientation. Though he remains content to have platonic relationships with women, he never turns down an opportunity for something more. In fact, his skills as a lover are legendary amongst his myriad women friends, several of whom he has had the pleasure of pleasuring simultaneously!
A natural linguist, he knows words and phrases in several languages, including English, Attic Greek, Latin, Spanish, French, and Russian.
» Sample Journal: When I have a week such as this past one, I think of Ulysses, or rather Tennyson: “I cannot rest from travel.” However, I could most certainly use a vacation from traveling. Scouring five book sales in as many days seems a little much, even for me. But I am pleased with the results. We have been lacking art books, as well as language book and cassette sets, for a while, but I found the mother lode of both at the library book sale. Everything appears to be in excellent condition, which doesn’t usually happen with library materials. So far I haven’t seen a single torn out page of nude ladies or hand-drawn appendage in the Impressionist collections. Imagine that! (I still remember how Gwen and I worked for days trying to remove that scribbled arrow protruding from the backside of the Caspar David Friedrich figure.) I think this stuff will be welcome additions to the new arrivals shelf.
A closing thought for the evening: how I wish I could afford to open a second branch on the coast! It would save us so much on accommodations. Why pay for a motel when I could always put a futon on the floor of the travel section? Something to think about next staff meeting ….
» Sample Log: The bell above the door rang, interrupting Jonah’s reverie. He was glad for it, as he was the only person minding the store today and therefore needed to be attentive.
A young woman clad in a sun dress stood in the doorway, surveying the interior with a hint of frustration. Jonah did not recognize her as a regular, and he knew that first-time visitors occasionally required a little extra attention.
“Good morning,” he said cheerfully.
“Good morning,” she replied, easing slightly.
“Is there something I can help you find?”
She crossed toward the desk where Jonah was seated. “Maybe you can,” she said. “My mom’s birthday is next week, and I just don’t know what to get her. Can you recommend a good book?”
This was not Jonah’s favorite question from a customer, as it invited too many possible awkward outcomes. Nonetheless, he felt obligated to accept the challenge. “I can sure try. What kinds of books does she like?”
“Well, these days, I’m not really sure anymore.”
“What did she like to read in the past? Do you remember?”
The woman sighed. “You know, I just don’t. It’s been such a long time since I’ve been around her regularly, and … well … we’ve kind of grown apart over the years.”
Jonah realized this “interview” would take some extra effort. “Were there any stories that you shared together when you were a kid?”
She stood silent for a moment, thinking. Just then, Darius, who had been curled up on the desk the entire time, picked up his head and uttered a quiet but jovial meow. A look of realization came across the woman’s face. “Wait a minute … your kitty reminds me. The cat and the fiddle! Yes, we used to read nursery rhymes together!”
Jonah smiled the usual twinkle-accompanied smile he beamed when he felt confident he had succeeded in his quest. “In that case, I believe I may have something for you.” He rose from the desk and walked to a nearby bookcase where he kept children’s books. He ran his finger along the spines until he found a certain volume, which he pulled off the shelf and presented to her.
The young woman’s jaw dropped when she saw what he held: a glossy hardcover entitled The Annotated Mother Goose. He said, “It’s got a lot of interesting facts about the rhymes, plus some really beautiful illustrations. I think your mom might like it.”
“Like it? She’ll love it! She’s a retired kindergarten teacher! This is just perfect!” She skimmed through the book’s pages. “Oh, wow, I never thought I’d find something so easily. Thank you so much! You’re a great salesman!” She turned to Darius. “And you are, too, sweetie kitty.” She turned back to Jonah. “I’ll take it!”
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