Option 2: Write a reimagining of a fairy tale, and set it in either Southern or Eastern Asia
In this option you will be rewriting a well-known fairy tale (like Cinderella, Beauty & the Beast, Snow White, the Little Mermaid, etc.) using things you have learned in your Social Studies class: like geographic & cultural features
Your story should include at least 3 images
Link to the detailed guidelines for this option: Click Here
To see an example portfolio for this option, Click Here (Please remember that for this portfolio option you also have to submit your answers to the Cinderella questions to the dropbox too)
Title: Lotus and the Dragon
Once upon a time, in the vast land of Eastern Asia, there was a kingdom nestled amidst breathtaking mountains and vibrant rice fields. It was ruled by a wise emperor and his kind-hearted queen. They had a beautiful daughter named Lotus, who possessed the grace of a lotus flower and the courage of a dragon.
Lotus lived a lavish life within the palace walls but was forbidden to leave its confines. She longed to explore the enchanting landscapes and bustling cities of her kingdom. However, her parents feared for her safety and believed she would be better off sheltered from the outside world.
One day, a grand festival was held in celebration of the emperor's birthday. People from all corners of the land came to present their gifts, including a highly esteemed visitor – the Dragon King. His majestic appearance and shimmering scales made Lotus's heart flutter.
Amidst the festivities, Lotus caught a glimpse of a young man, Li Wei, who had a sparkle in his eyes and a heart full of kindness. Together, they shared secret smiles and exchanged glances, a connection formed within their fleeting encounters.
Captivated by Lotus's beauty, the Dragon King approached the emperor and pleased him with an offer. He expressed his desire to marry Lotus, to unite two powerful families and strengthen their kingdoms. The emperor, swayed by the Dragon King's promise of wealth and protection, agreed to the proposal.
News of the emperor's decision reached Lotus, and she was torn between her duty to her family and her blossoming love for Li Wei. Desperate to find a solution, she sought the guidance of the palace's ancient guardian, an old wise woman named Meiying.
Meiying revealed her secret sanctuary hidden deep within the bamboo forest. There, Lotus would find a magical lotus lantern, which held the power to grant her deepest wishes. Lotus embarked on a perilous journey through dense forests and treacherous rivers, guided by the gentle whispers of the wind.
Images:
1. Image: The kingdom nestled amidst lush mountains and vibrant rice fields, with a towering palace overlooking the landscape.
2. Image: A grand festival taking place in the kingdom, with people dressed in vibrant traditional costumes and colorful lanterns illuminating the streets.
3. Image: Lotus discovering the secret sanctuary hidden within the bamboo forest, with a mystical lotus lantern glowing at its center.
As Lotus arrived at the hidden sanctuary, she found the golden lotus lantern suspended in mid-air, radiating an otherworldly light. She lit the lantern, and as it rose, her heartfelt yearning transformed into a magical incantation. She wished for the courage to choose her own destiny and for the strength to face the challenges that lay ahead.
Filled with newfound resolve, Lotus returned to the palace, where the Dragon King was eagerly waiting for her hand in marriage. But Lotus, fueled by love and courage, rejected the proposal, explaining her deep connection with Li Wei.
Enraged and desperate to maintain his pride, the Dragon King transformed into a fearsome dragon, ready to unleash destruction on the kingdom. Realizing the peril they faced, the emperor called upon Li Wei, who revealed himself as a skilled martial artist.
With his expertise and bravery, Li Wei fought valiantly against the Dragon King, determined to protect the kingdom and his beloved Lotus. The skies above the kingdom became a battlefield, with the dragon's fiery breath clashing against Li Wei's swift movements. In the end, love conquered all, and Li Wei emerged victorious, banishing the Dragon King forever.
Lotus, Li Wei, and the entire kingdom rejoiced in their triumph. The emperor and queen, humbled by Lotus's courageous decision, realized the importance of allowing their daughter to forge her own path. From that day forward, Lotus and Li Wei led the kingdom as wise and compassionate rulers, all while cherishing the newfound freedom they discovered in each other's arms.
Thus, in the land of Eastern Asia, the tale of Lotus and the Dragon became a legend, reminding everyone that true love knows no bounds and that the power to shape one's destiny lies within their own heart.
Note: The images mentioned in the story can be represented through illustrations or photographs displayed creatively within the portfolio.