From Slave to Son

In 1377 a boy named Crispin is orphaned after his mother dies. He flees his town because of being pronounced a wolf’s head, meaning that any man may kill him on sight, he meets a colossal man, his name, Bear.

When Crispin meets Bear he is very outspoken and questions Crispin, once Bear discovers that Crispin is a wolf’s head he makes the boy swear to be his slave this is the first sign of compassion that Bear has for Crispin. For instead of killing him he takes care of him. After Bear makes Crispin his slave he asked him more questions when Crispin finally answered “It doesn’t matter… you’re already my master forever.” Bear later asked Crispin if he knew about music, “Music?” Crispin replied, “Have you lived your life under a rock? Were you born of sheep? Do you know nothing of drums, horns, and pipes? Do you even sing?” Bear exclaimed. Crispin replied that he didn’t know any of these things. Bear asked him what he could do. “I can follow an ox. Sow seed. Weed. Gather crops. Thresh wheat and barley,” Crispin said almost in a tone that sounded like he was defending himself from Bear’s questions. After their discussion Crispin followed Bear down the road pondering the thought that Bear might be mad. After a long walk Crispin asked why Bear even needed Crispin as a slave. “Here” he said holding out balls to me as if he wanted me to juggle “Let me see how skilled you are.” This is another sign of Bear’s interest in Crispin. Crispin tried and failed but Bear kept pushing him to get it right. Once he did, Bear gave Crispin another ball to toss he again had trouble, but later got the hang of it. As they walked they sang at the top of their lungs shouting joyfully. A shift in the relationship dynamics of this unlikely duo was occurring. The two traveled down the road and spied some soldiers. Bear avoided the soldiers for if they caught a glimpse of Crispin he would surely be put to death. Bear’s benevolence revealed itself once again when he advised Crispin to run at the first sign of trouble. As Bear and Crispin approached a town, Bear urged Crispin to start playing his recorder. Despite Crispin’s refusal, Bear’s confidence in him convinced Crispin to play. Settling into camp that evening, Bear shared a portion of their earnings with Crispin. Although he was reluctant to receive this money as Bear’s servant, Bear insisted that he had earned it. Soon after, Bear admitted that despite Crispin’s lack of knowledge, Bear admired his heart of oak and asked Crispin to become his apprentice.

Their next adventure awaited them in the town of Great Wexley, during the Feast of John the Baptist. This is when they realize they are like father and son. As Crispin is wandering the streets he is spotted by guards. They chase Crispin down the back roads until they finally give up. By this time it is already curfew and Bear risks imprisonment to find Crispin at night. This shows his concern for Crispin. When Bear gets kidnapped Crispin looks for help but when everyone else is too scared to risk themselves Crispin is left to help Bear on his own. This selfless action shows how much Bear has come to mean to Crispin.

We have seen this dynamic relationship progress from Master and reluctant Servant to Master and grateful Apprentice to caring Father and loving Son.