The Night Walker

Context

Story Background

It is a story inspired by the Greek myth of Persephone who was kidnapped by Hades and taken to his kingdom, the Underworld, later becoming the Queen of the Underworld.

In the book, the main character Daniel starts to one day hear footsteps following him home.

We soon find out that his childhood imaginary friend, Ash, has started reappearing, which I believe is because of the broken relationship between him and his mother.

Location

The story is based in London, focusing on a creative fictional edgeland between Hammersmith and Fulham.

The term ‘edgeland’ was inspired by a radio 4 programme — Thinking Aloud, where the author first heard it being used.

The residential development referred to as ‘the Reaches’ is set in North Barnes.

I like that actual geographical locations have been used in this story because, whilst they are being depicted in a fictional way, it makes it seem more realistic (especially if you live in London) which increases the thriller/horror values of the story.

Original Sources

The information from the Greek myth which the story is based on was sourced from the Oxford Classical Dictionary. This was important to research because it explains the story in depth of the myth and was a good source for design inspiration.

There are some similarities between some characters and those in the myth. For example the character Ash can be likened to Hades and the abduction of Persephone. Ash is a stubborn child who later makes himself appear older in order to appeal to Cora. Persephone is an innocent child and Hades is a middle aged man who kidnaps her.

Another strong likeness is how once eating the pomegranate fruit, Persephone is drawn into a contract with terms of her leaving, and returning, the Underworld. Similarly in this book, once Daniel eats the food from the children's soup kitchen that Ash has lured him to, he then gets trapped in the other reality like the other children.