Boishaaier 2025

Creative Writing

The Origin of Gandalf

Actions Matter More than Words

Samuel Cleary (12C) Many know the story of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, but not many know of the humble but fierce wizard who hides behind his beard. Gandalf’s story starts 2000 years before ‘The Hobbit’. Gandalf was found as an orphan by the elder Wizards. They trained him and taught him the ways of the mystical arts. He may seem like a calm human, but when he was younger he was very disobedient. The elders kicked him out of their temple when he was 15 years old. He was given one loaf of bread and a book about magic. From that day, he became the character we know today. Gandalf spent most of his teenage years hunting and moving around until he found a wizard who lived under a giant oak tree — Adam. Adam was a strange wizard. He was also once trained by the elders and was cast out for bad behaviour. Adam had sympathy for Gandalf and raised him as his own. Over the years they became close, and Gandalf became a powerful wizard. Eventually Adam passed away and once again Gandalf was alone. Adam left Gandalf with the tools to become one of the most powerful Wizards in Middle Earth. He travelled all over Middle Earth, facing the most dangerous dragons, trolls, and ungodly entities. He was unstoppable — until one day an innocent Hobbit died because of his recklessness. From that day on, he realized that everything he did was for self-fulfillment and that his selfish behaviour had to stop. He decided to use his power not just for himself, but to help others and guide them to overcome the evils of Middle Earth.

Pieter Engelbrecht (12C)

It was showtime. Every second was a lifetime of pain and suffering, every fibre of muscle fought for an inch of ground. Each new team — another battle. But only one group of boys could man up to win this battle. Surviving that bus was our first victory. The cold ocean breeze was heaven after countless hours on a cramped bus, only having gotten fresh air once with a running expedition after we were promised a chance to cool off with rising tensions. I promptly snapped back to reality with a helping hand from one of the guys. We all helped clean out the bus after making a mess that would have given any mom a heart attack. So after hundreds of bags, bottles, and an unknown spill, the ship was good as new. Turning my attention to the luggage, I realised how short-lived this study break was going to be. This competition was on the hind side of the exam and I wasn’t done with all my tests yet. I tried to ignore the glaring issues with my academics — but one problem at a time. Stepping into what would be my home for the next few days didn’t give me butterflies, but it wasn’t worse than the hostel, so I couldn’t complain. Me, three other dudes, a kitchen, and an ensuite bathroom in a room the size of a toaster. The absurd humidity at night would usually be a hazard for sleep, but it was better than last time. Waking up the next morning hungry did not put me in a good mood, but after three weeks of weight loss, four hours still felt like a decade. So, after stripping down to the necessary and stepping on an official scale, my soul could be set free. We proceeded to scare the closest KFC employee with how much food twelve teenage boys could shove down. We food-coma’d our time till the competition the next day. That morning, after having found new life, we sang along to girl music the whole way to the field and while setting up our gazebo. After a while, the first match was up. After waking up with confidence, it was a sobering reminder as we got dragged like a plough. So after a not-so-big pep talk, we were ready. We had woken up again, this time hungry for a win. The next few teams were hard-fought, each team presenting an obstacle harder than the last. Only the win before carried our spirits to the next one. After round and round of blood and sweat, we faced the final hurdle. Lining up, the world went quiet — every scream, cheer, and cry drowned out. This was what everything has led up to. This was our chance to prove that we are what we do, more than what we say we are going to. Every step to the rope marked hundreds of hours of sacrifice. The sound of boots on damp grass, echoed like an army. Picking up the rope, I felt the weight of every gram of dedication from my family and friends. At the ready signal, the rope snapped to attention — the tension connected friend and foe. Four years of blood, sweat, and tears… Every blissful win and every heart-wrenching loss distilled into that one moment. As the umpire’s hand dropped, the war was to be decided. Tension became power. Eight men became one—moved as one — breathed as one. The difference in power became minute. The stalemate would be decided by who gave in, as the ground beneath me moved so did I. One step became two. Two became many. Victory was given by a whistle. Our tears of joy struck the ground. The wave was over and the mission was accomplished!

Not my Body

Henry Durr (9F) I woke up, still half asleep and could not understand why I was in the dessert. Then it struck me, I looked at my body and I was a springbuck. Fear and adrenalin washed over me and I wondered how this could be possible. For a moment I tried blinking really fast in an attempt to try and snap out of what seemed like a dream. While I was wondering how this could be possible, the rest of the springbuck started running at a steady pace. Not wanting to be left behind, I followed. I was not sure where we were running to until I saw what seemed like the most beautiful waterfall ever, with a lake full of brightly-coloured fish and green grass around it. Everything seemed perfect. As I started drinking the water, a sharp sound got my attention. It was the sound of sharp teeth breaking through bones! Before I could react, a pack of lions rushed out from behind the bushes, catching us all off guard. Before one of the lions could tackle me, I sprung off as adrenalin pumped through my body, running faster than ever before. I followed about ten other Springbuck that were setting off towards the horizon. I was running for what felt like hours on end before I caught up with the rest. I was so tired, but I felt proud as I knew I had escaped a pride of hungry lions. I lay down under a tree and closed my eyes, hoping never to relive such a day.

96 BOISHAAI 157 YEARS