Today’s A to Z writing challenge is the letter C, which is for courage. In my trilogy, “The Chosen One of Allivar”, there are many characters who display courage for those around them. But what is courage? Here is the definition:
“the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear.”
Fear
I do have to take exception of the last word “fear.” I believe with fear we can find courage. In World War II, fear of our enemies brought courage to our nation to build armed forces faster than any nation has ever done in history. That fear gave us the courage to be separated from our families not only months, but years. A soldier rushing into battle may shake uncontrollably, even vomit from fear, but yet the soldier advances.
Quality of Mind and Spirit
Courage comes mainly from a deep rooted sense of goodness and altruism. We rise above our mortal shortcomings to do what is right. Not for ourselves but for family and nation. If ever there comes a day that we fail to care for others, there will be no courage to stand against the forces of evil. We will be consumed by self preservation.
Central to the theme of my mythology is the test of mortal courage. Immortals cannot grasp courage, for they have no fears of death and pain. They see this is as the fundamental flaw of the creator – the Unseen. Why would a creator create something so corruptible that difficulty, danger and pain would be present in everyday life? To the immortals this is senseless. To the creator it is merely a test of creation. When we so value flesh, time and the miracle of life, we find the courage to fight for the survival of the next generation. It is the frailties of mortality that give us our greatest courage. My trilogy was written with a distinct beginning and ending which will hopefully give you pause to think to life and courage.
As a 52 year old man, I see the world differently now than ever before. My youth is gone forever and I shall not waste time trying to relive it with melancholic retrospect. The future is before me, where the days are growing shorter. I shall grasp these fleeting moments with all the passion any man can have. I will have courage for the pains of aging and the eventual passing from this world. When my hour arrives I shall consider my test completed. Somewhere in time, wisdom gathered in my life will hopefully be whispered to the generations to come as a calming breeze of wind, so that they will have hope and they too will find their own courage to deal with everyday mortal life.
