Benji - the spirited Bedouin

Benji

Full name
Benjamin
Place of origin
Saudi Arabia - he is Bedouin
Maker
Marius
Book he appears in
The Vampire Armand
Status
alive, around 15 years old

Character description
'In his fine little djellaba, his feet bare, his round head covered with thick black curls, he was the Arab angel leaping into the air, dancing, crying out.'
(The Vampire Armand)

I found an interesting web site which explains the meaning behind names. I was shocked to discover they have most of the vampire's names there! It may not be an accurate meaning but why not look anyway, if only for fun.
Click here for the meaning of the name Benji.
Or his full name Benjamin.

- My opinion of Benji -
Twelve years old and a vampire?! Oh no way! I really believe Marius made a big mistake with this fledgling. Who on earth wants to be twelve for eternity? Not me that's for sure, I'm so glad I passed that age. Poor Benji. Actually I was very pleased to read about an Arab character without any of the usual stereotypes about Muslims being religious and backward. It's just a shame that he was so young. It will be interesting to see if Anne mentions him again, I am unsure if she will.

Special thanks to Gwen of Midnight Meadows for allowing me to use the above picture. Look at the boy's face, it strikes me as Arab. What a great picture - it is called 'The Storm' by Pierre Auguste Cot. I could not find any pictures of 12 year old Arabs but this one will do just fine for me.

picture source - Midnight Meadows