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Brian Boru Story Map

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Brian Boru Story Map

Read the story first. Then use evidence from it to plan a short first-person monologue as Brian Boru. There is no single correct interpretation of his feelings; support your ideas with details from the story.

The Night Before Clontarf

Brian Boru was High King of Ireland. In 1014, his forces faced an army at Clontarf, near Dublin. On the night before the battle, Brian stayed in his tent while the sounds of the camp drifted through the darkness. He was an old man, and he knew he would not lead his soldiers into the fighting the next day. A young messenger arrived with news: the soldiers were ready, but some were frightened. Brian listened carefully. He remembered years of conflict and the work of bringing many Irish kingdoms together. He also knew that a victory would not end every disagreement. Still, he believed the people had a better chance if they stood together. Brian thanked the messenger and looked out at the campfires. He felt concern for the soldiers, pride in what they had achieved, and uncertainty about what morning would bring. He asked the messenger to tell the troops that courage did not mean feeling no fear. It meant choosing what mattered, even when fear was present. At dawn, the battle began. Brian remained in his tent, praying. The fighting was fierce, and both sides suffered losses. Brian was killed during the battle. His death did not instantly unite Ireland, but stories of his leadership and determination continued to be told.

Read and Notice

Answer using evidence from the story. For questions about Brian’s feelings, more than one answer may be reasonable if you explain your thinking.

1.Where is Brian staying on the night before the battle, and what is happening around him?
2.What news does the young messenger bring?
3.Choose two feelings Brian has that night.
  • Concern for the soldiers
  • Pride in what they achieved
  • Boredom with the camp
  • Certainty that there will be no losses
4.What does Brian say courage means? Explain the idea in your own words.
5.True or false: The story says Brian personally led his soldiers into the fighting at dawn. Use a detail to support your answer.
TrueFalse

Plan Brian’s Monologue

Imagine Brian speaking to the messenger before dawn. Build a clear beginning, middle and ending, using details from the story rather than adding unsupported facts.

6.Fill in Brian’s thought: “I feel because .” Choose a feeling and give a story-based reason.
7.Select the strongest detail for Brian to mention when explaining why the people should stand together.
  • He remembers the work of bringing many Irish kingdoms together.
  • He can hear sounds from the camp.
  • He is staying in a tent.
  • The battle begins at dawn.
8.Choose one vivid word or phrase Brian could use to describe the night or the coming battle. Explain the mood it creates.
9.Plan the three parts of Brian’s monologue. Include one story detail in each part.
10.Write two or three sentences in Brian’s voice to encourage the soldiers. Include a feeling and the story’s idea about courage.
11.Check your plan: name one detail from the story you used and one choice you made to give Brian a believable voice.

3 printable pages

  • Brian Boru Story Map, page 1 of 3: The Night Before Clontarf, Read and Notice

    Page 1

  • Brian Boru Story Map, page 2 of 3: Plan Brian’s Monologue

    Page 2

  • Brian Boru Story Map, page 3 of 3: 9. Plan the three parts of Brian’s monologue. Include one story detail in each part.

    Page 3

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