Week 11 Essay: Indian Fairy Tales Review

I enjoyed this week's readings, and it was nice being able to branch away from the epics some.  I am glad to have chosen to do some Un-Textbook work for my (hopeful) last week of the class.  My favorite stories were ones where Buddha or some special knowledge was acquired by the characters. 

In regards to background information, I would like some information on strange names that we may hear normally in our stories.  For example Brahman or Bonga.  I had an idea that the Bonga is a water spirit, since he was able to carry away the girl once she had drowned, but I a little confused when her sister-in-laws had first confronted him.  I even tried to Google "Bonga" and couldn't really find anything. Since I've read the epics, I am aware of what a Brahman is, but if this was Myth-Folk I probably wouldn't have. Many stories began with a particular Brahman, and he was the main character, so this may have confused me a bit.  

The Poor Sister.

(Source)

I learned some common lessons from this unit that have to do with everyday things that we may take for granted.  These things can include being a chatterbox or even a gossiper.  The Talkative Tortoise story really gave a good explanation on how your mouth can get you into trouble.  The Matted Demon story taught me that knowledge is power, and it was inspiring how the Prince was not afraid of death because he knew that it was inevitable to all humans at some point.  He had faith that he had lived a happy life of doing good, so when he would be reincarnated in the future he would not live a life of anguish.  

Overall, I was very pleased with this unit and happy that I had chosen to read it.  The stories were not too long, but gave me enough to think about it for a bit after finishing one.  

Un-Textbook Reading: Indian Fairy Tales

Specific Stories Mentioned:

• The Magic Fiddle
•  The Talkative Tortoise
• The Demon With the Matted Hair

Week 11 Reading Diary B: Indian Fairy Tales Pt. 2

The Talkative Tortoise: 

I liked the lesson learned in this tale.  I feel as if it took forever to get to the point of the whole story, but it was a good explanation of the moral.  If I were the King, I would probably be scared silent as well.  I am somewhat of a chatterbox myself, and this even teaches me a lesson.  Good thing I have already made attempts to slow my own tongue.

The Gold-Giving Serpent:

Too bad the Brahman hadn't taught or warned his son of why he would bring the milk to the serpent.  If he would have perhaps done this, his son may have still been alive.  He can be mad at the serpent, and his son, all he wants, but the serpent really had a point when he stated the only thing that brought the Brahman back was his greed. 

The Prince and the Fakir:

This story sort of reminded me of Hansel and Gretel, but of course with different twists.  The only thing that I wonder is if the Prince, who will soon be made king, will try and reach out to his family. I wonder if he also keeps all the animals and servants he has acquired, or if he will set them free once he is made king. 

The Demon With the Matted Hair:

The ending of this story was a little confusing, and I wasn't sure of what was going on, but overall I liked this tale a lot.  It shows that knowledge is truly power.  What confused me the most is that the King died in the end, but yet he was the Teacher?  Maybe he is a reincarnation or born in another life and is allowed to have known his past.  Perhaps he has come back as a teacher once his life as king was over.  Nonetheless, I like the moral of the story of how one can always turn to good no matter how bad they were in the past-no matter how bad they used to be. 

The Matted Haired Demon and the Prince. 

(Source)

Week 11 Reading Diary A: Indian Fairy Tales Pt. 1

The Broken Pot:

I really enjoyed this story and, at first, how thoughtful the Brahman is.  That is until he notes the part where he will kick his wife as soon as she does something that he does not like. When he kicks, and breaks, the pot I am a little overjoyed.  Hopefully he learns that it would do him no good if he ever acquired a wife.  

The Magic Fiddle:

This was also an interesting tale.  I was very sad for the poor sister, and I am wondering why her sister-in-laws couldn't formally marry her off instead of killing her.  This was the first time I had heard of a Bonga, and spirits alike it, and it was very interesting to learn about.  I am left wondering what the protagonist's brothers had decided to do about their wives' deceitful acts.  

The Tiger, The Brahman, and the Jackal:

By this time I am seeing a general trend here.  There is normally one stuck in a situation (like in a cage, small pond, poverty, etc.) and some happens to cross their path. Of course the victim tries to win them over and have them set free. I would like to see here if the Brahman will set the Tiger free, and if he does will he be eaten or rewarded?  Wow!  The Jackal is such a cleaver creature in this tale, and the Brahman better have paid him some thanks and respect after saving his life.  

Harisarman:

The picture prior to this story is what caught my eye.  I am intrigued to see what is to come out of this story.  I honestly don't know what to think of this tale.  Perhaps the gods did take pity on Harisarman, granting him with all the things that seemed coincidental... I don't know. I just hope that in the end, he did not let the prosperous living get to his head, and that he ended up causing destruction to his family.

 

Harisarman. Isn't he just creepy looking? 

(Source)

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Week 10 Storytelling: Panchali's Trials

Note: This scene is of Panchali, in disguise, while she is attending to Queen Sadesha's hair.  This is the day after Kichaka's funeral, where Panchali was supposed to perish, but was saved by her husband Bhima.  She is under the alias Sairandhri.

"My goodness, have I not gone through enough?!" Panchali confided in the Queen as she was preparing her hair. 

"Oh darling Sairandhri, you sound distressed tell me everything," replied the Queen.  Queen Sadesha was clearly intoxicated and high off the sweet perfumes in her palace, so Panchali was assured she could confide in the Queen without worrying about blowing her cover.  

"First, my hand was won in marriage by a strong gandharava, but I was not allowed to marry just him.  He had four other brothers whom he was very close with, and the five had shared everything throughout their whole lives.  Because of this, this gandharava didn't know how to possess anything on his own. In my father's eyes, and by common law, I was rightfully his so I had to agree to marry all five of the brothers.  The eldest is very wise, and had come up with a scheme where I would spend a whole year with one brother, and would rotate to another's home when time had ended."

The Queen interjected, "Five husbands?!"  "My dear that must have been some feat having to juggle and pleasing so many different men," Sadesha continued.  

"It was odd at first my Queen, but I learned to love each brother for their special qualities," replied Panchali.  "This was only the beginning of my torment for only after a few years of marriage, the eldest and wisest of my husbands' had gambled everything he owned, his brothers, and finally himself. Although, technically, I am one with my husband and would have been included in his possessions, I was not going to allow my dignity to be gambled away.  I protested to my husbands' opponent that I was not an object to be owned, but this fool grabbed me by my hair and drug me to the assembly floor."

"HE DID WHAT?!" the Queen exclaimed.  

"Oh my Queen, it gets better than this.  I explained that I was in the middle of my menses, but this man was already on a role with his atrocities.  He denounced my husbands and made them undress themselves of their fine clothing.   As he tried to do the same with me, I reminded him of my monthly and told him how vile he was.  This statement was ignored and he was already reaching for my sari.  I threw my hands up in the air and asked the gods to help keep my dignity.  Every time this man tried to remove one of my sari's, a new one had taken it's place until he grew tired of trying to remove my clothing.  There was literally a pile high enough to dress all the women in your court." 

"You don't say," said the Queen, "You have gone through so much." 

"Thats not even it, we were exiled soon after that.  Overtime I ended up in your kingdom and was appointed head hairdresser in your court. My husbands had taken a vow to become invisible during our exile and always watch over me with a protective eye.  Even with this in mind, you vile brother still had an eye out for me."

"Hey!"

"Sorry, too soon? Don't expect me to be sorrowful for Kichaka's death considering he violated me and all."  

"You're right, but remember that I let you remain in my kingdom only because you promised your husbands wouldn't cause anymore troubles."  

"Yes my Queen, I am well aware of this, but on with my rantings.  A while after I had arrived, your brother had an eye out for me, and like I previously said, he violated me.  Prior to this event I graciously asked your husband, the great King, to dismiss his brother-in-law, but was hurriedly dismissed myself.  I was so infuriated, can a girl not catch a break?  Anyway, shortly after this was when Kichaka acted and the same night my husbands took care of him.  I thought this would end my streak of bad luck with men, but I was blamed for Kichaka's demise and was ordered to be burned in his funeral pyre!  I was deeply hurt my Queen, how is a woman supposed to defend herself around here? She isn't, and when her husbands step in to take care of her honor she is then blamed for another man's violations?  It just doesn't make sense."

(Draupadi in Virata's palace. Source: Wikipedia)

"Yes, my dear I am very sorry for all of that," the Queen stated in a very drunken state, "I was sad and upset. I wasn't in a mood to otherwise defend you against my husband. If it wasn't for our new cook's delicious food and drink, there was no swaying the King's decisions once his mind is made up. You should thank the cook for he is the one who was able to save you from that horrible fate."  

Panchali was very grateful for the cook, who was Bhima (one of her husbands) in disguise, and she knew in her heart that he was the one who had ultimately saved her.  

"My Queen, thank you for your council and listening to all of my grievances,"  Panchali said after thinking for a bit. She poured the Queen another glass of fine wine and slipped in a sleeping potion that would make her forget the conversation they previously had.  Even though Panchali knew that the Queen was terribly drunk, she didn't want to take any chances on her remembering anything about the conversation they just had. Especially when her exile would end in a matter of two weeks time.  Once the Queen was asleep, Panchali slipped from the palace and went to visit with Bhima to thank him for coming to her rescue the day before.  

Author's Note:
When I originally read the epic, where it mentioned Kichaka "assaulting" Panchali I didn't automatically assume he had raped her.  When this was confirmed, a thought came to mind on how much this woman had to endure so far and what was to come in the future. After looking over the storytelling prompts, I noticed one regarding to Bhima saving his wife at the funeral pyre.  This along with my previous thoughts inspired me to create a story about Panchali's frustrations.  I wanted to have a story where she felt comfortable venting to someone, and since she was a hairdresser I thought what a perfect scenario. If you're wondering why I chose to use Panchali instead of Draupadi in my story, it's just easier for me to spell and read so I decided to go ahead and use it.  

I chose the image I used in order to try and convey how defeated Panchali must feel when she learns that she is to be burned at the funeral pyre. 

Bibliography:

Narayan, R. K. (1978). The Mahabharata.

Week 10 Reading Diary 10: The End of the

Krinsha is very sure of himself and his strength, which is probably can be tied to the fact that he is a god, but still.  Although he is a strong ally to the Pandava's, he is also just and would rather have a peaceful outcome versus all out war.  I can only wish that Narayan could have drawn a picture or included some more description of Krinsha's celestial form.  

I will say that I was surprised how much description was included about the war.  I didn't expect it to last nearly as long as it had, since the hype pre-war was that the Pandava's would have been the clear winners.  There were many losses and gains on both sides, but I can only imagine how grief stricken Dhritarashtra is to learn that all of his sons have been killed.  I can say that he surely is a sly man in regards to his attempt to kill Bhima while embracing him.  Luckily, for Bhima, Krinshna is all to aware of what the old king is trying to attempt. 

(Krishna's Celestial Form. Source: Wikipedia)

Everytime I think I know who all the character's origins are, there is always one that pops up and I'm thinking to myself "where did this fool come from?!"  It's sad that the Pandava's had killed Karna and only learned of his origin after he was defeated in battle.  

I think it's touching that Bishma was cremated near his mother on the Ganges shore.   I was taken aback that the King, Queen, and Kunthi perished in a forest fire.  I feel that this may be the King's karma for not being able to stand up against his son, but what about Kunthi?  

Week 10 Reading Guide A: Exile and Pre-War

At this point I'm starting to see that Dhritarashtra is can be just as mischievous as his troublesome son.  When the gandharava's took Duryohana as a prisoner, the Pandavas should have made a compromise to prevent the battle that is coming in the future.  You would also think that Duryohana may be somewhat grateful to be set free, and felt some guilt about how he treated his cousins. But no, that is not how things went.  

I like the part about the voice in the lake, and how only Yuma's son was able to keep up with his questions.  Fortunately for them they are granted the boon of unreconizability for the last year they are exiled.  

(Pandava's in Exile Source: Wikipedia)

I am honestly a little surprised that Bhima was able to kill the Queen's brother without any persecution. I'll admit that I didn't know what a eunuch was, until I read the epic, and the definition surprised me.  When he decided to take this disguise I thought he was going to obtain dirt from the women's palace, but I guess it wasn't meant to go that way.  I don't like to write stories about events that pertain to rape, but I hope someone recreates this part of the epic, in their storytelling, to give Draupadi's perspective. 

I don't know how the Pandava's thought they could get away with killing a public figure, and it go unnoticed by Duryodhana.  Draupadi has five husbands, one should have been protecting her at all times.  After reading the Ramayana, it was interesting to learn about Krishna and another one of Vinshu's avatars.  It's sad that Duryodhana is only one Dhritarashtra's 100 sons, but yet he cannot be a man and stand up against him.  

Week 9 Storytelling: Bishma's Childhood

Ganga didn't know what to do with this child that she hadn't drowned.  She was not aware of this sudden twist in the prophecy.  She was under the impression that she was put on Earth for a brief time to give to the eight children, and then she would return to her watery environment.  

She had already done her part in giving birth to Devavratha, her eighth infant, and was already on her way to delivering him back to heaven when Shantanu stopped and questioned her actions. As she was nearing the river's shore, Shantanu broke through the brush calling her name.  Nearly breathless he asked for an explanation of her actions. Ganga replied," My loving husband, you have done as I've asked for so long, but today you have questioned my actions."  As a side note, when Ganga and Shantanu met she requested that he never question her actions or she would leave him forever.  The goddess continued,  "Today I will take your youngest child, Devavratha, to heaven with me in order to teach him humanly ways.  He was supposed to return to heaven, and was born only of godly matter, but since this was interrupted he must live an adult life here."  With this last statement Ganga took her infant and descended into the river's water.  

(Ganga and Devavratha Descend)

As they descended Ganga was contemplating how she could teach a half mortal to be completely mortal.  She decided that she should have her son be a holy man and brought him to Brahma.  It was known among the gods that Lord Brahma was the father of Manu, who then became the father to all human beings.  She traveled to heaven and bowed before the Lord with her infant in her arms. He knew why she was there, and gave her instruction on what she would do with her last son. She was to bring him to her river home, for she was free now that she had fulfilled what was asked of her in regards to the curse. While there, Devavratha would serve and tend to her home.  Devavratha would also learn about the human way of life through prayer and meditation.  Through serving in Ganga's home, Devavratha would become a wise and disciplined young man who will be human once returned to his father.  While back on Earth, though, he would be a loyal servant to whoever rules over his father's throne, because he would not be able to rule himself. Devavratha would not know this, since he is an infant, but he would be cursed and have taken an oath of celibacy throughout his human life. This seems dreadful to a mother, but this will keep Devavratha's heart pure and he would ascend to heaven when final peace has been granted to the kingdom that was once his father's (foreshadowing the quarrels of the future Pandavas and Kauravas).  The Creator had made his declaration, and Ganga returned home to the river. 

 She was very happy to finally return home and once Devavratha was old enough, she set him to work on his spirituality and discipline as Brahma had instructed.  When the day came, and Devavratha had grown in to handsome and wise young man, Ganga brought him to the river shore that they had left behind.  She had sent word to Shantanu, who was eagerly awaiting their arrival.  Ganga said her goodbyes to her son and previous husband, and then descended back to her home.  Ganga had faith in Brahma and Devavratha, and was always watching her son from afar though she knew better to ever meddle with human relations.  

(Father and Son Reunited)

Author's Note:  

I chose this story since I had literally so many avenues that I could pursue.  The epic only introduces the background of the curse, and when Ganga brought (the future) Bishma back to his father.  While reading the epics, I’ve noticed that many great men of have spent a lot of time meditating or serving another for a period of time.  This was done in order to obtain their wisdom and discipline.  I chose Lord Brahma for Ganga, to visit for advice, since he is The Creator and grandfather of all humans.  I tried not to leave any important details out that we were introduced to in the reading, but at the same time I didn’t want to take away the focus of Bishma’s childhood.  So far, we have not read of any intervention of Ganga, in regards to Bishma’s adulthood, but I wanted to give her some motherly instinct and have her watch over him from a distance.  I also included why she would never intervene if Bishma were to encounter trouble. 

Bibliography:

Narayan, R. K. (1978). The Mahabharata.

Week 9 Reading Diary B: Gambling & Weapons

I have to say, this epic is nothing like what I had expected.  The Ramayama was very straightforward, and the storyline was pretty easy to understand.  The Mahabharata, although it is a lot older, reminds me of how Homer's Iliad and Odyssey are constructed.  In the Mahabharata there isn't a dull moment.  I can say at this point I really like the Pandavas, and the unbreakable bond the five brother's have is inspiring.

Up until this point, I think Duryodhana needs to seriously take a chill pill.  He's like the Manthra from the last epic, if it weren't for his character, there may not be a story!  When the Crystal Palace, and Indraprastha, are built I wish there were illustrations in the book.  Their descriptions imply how breathtaking the architecture must have been.  The story about Arjuna's fire for Agni took me by surprise some, especially considering Vayu's son is a monkey!

I think that's it interesting that gambling is mentioned in the epic, and that it is a catalyst in the tale. I wonder if gambling is as big of a deal in India as it is in the Philippines.  In the Philippines there isn't much dice playing, at least not from what I had seen, but there were plenty of "walking lotteries" and all the people on a block may have placed bets.  Draupadi reminds me some of Sita and Kaikeyi in the Ramayana, because if it were not for Draupadi all of the Pandavas would be imprisoned.  Nonetheless, this does not stop the brother's from getting exiled anyway during a second dice match.

(The Disrobing of Draupadi)

I really like this part of the epic (pertaining to the picture), I like how Draupadi is protected from humiliation and the scene makes a fool of her cousin-in-laws.  

My favorite part of this section was the last part of the reading.  I always enjoy learning about the mantras, and I think it's because this is how Rama defeated Ravana.  Oh! Also, throughout the readings I seem to find a lot of similarities between Ravana and Duryodhana's personalities.  I'm predict that there's going to be this significant battle where Duryodhana is going to be defeated either by all five brothers, or by Arjuna himself. I can't wait to see whether or not I am right!

Week 8: Writing Review Week

The greatest writing that I have had success with, this semester, is my Storybook. I have found a topic that I really love, and I use my son as an inspiration in the style I chose. With my normal Storytelling posts, I have tried implementing more dialogue, and this is something I struggled with last semester. While in the writing process, I always look for a topic that really jumps out to me, then I think of the different ways I can either tell the story, or what twists I can add to the plot.

I have gathered some really good ideas when looking at other student's Storybooks, especially on how to add an extra level of suspense and emotion to the text. I enjoy getting instructor and peer feedback, since they're able to see things from a different perspective than I. After I finish writing a story, it always sounds “right” to me, no matter if I read it slow or aloud. When another person comes in, and gives me feedback, sometimes I am taken completely by surprise. I always like suggestions on how to improve the flow of the text, or if another word fits better, because it makes me feel as if I am improving my writing along with vocabulary. :) 

(Sita's Descent )

This image has come from my most recent Storytelling post: "The Golden Statue."  The picture displays Mother Earth bringing Sita back to her original domain.  Even though it's depicted as a sad scene, for some, I really enjoyed this event in Buck's Ramayana.  I felt that this was resolution for Sita, and she was taking her life into her own hands at this point, instead of someone like Rama or Ravana choosing her fate for her.

The biggest challenge for me, as a writer, is trying not to sound too technical in my writing. I have a hard time making my ideas flow when creating a new piece. I even had this difficulty when writing a research paper recently, though I sort of give myself the benefit of the doubt on this one (since my last paper was written over a year ago). After some reflecting, I think this has a lot to do with my job. All I do at work is type up EMRs all day, and this kind of writing that is expected of me is short and straight to the point. To fix this, I think I am going to try and improve my writing across the board, and practice this at work and not just in the classroom setting.

Week 8: Reading Review Week

Since we've only read the two versions of the Ramayana so far, in this class, I can't really compare them to other stories.  There were many things that I liked about Buck's and Narayan's versions, then there were some things I didn't like so much. As I am taking notes for this class, I try to focus on the main themes of the particular story I am reading, then how this makes me feel.  I am always on the look out on what I can use to recreate my own tale.  I most definitely go back and review my Reading Diaries when it's time to write my storytelling posts.  I normally write about particular events, or characters, in the stories I come by in order to remember the overall "gist" when I come back.  These key concepts bring back to mind what these stories were focused on.  

My storybook project definitely is time consuming, so I try to look for one good source that provides me with a broad amount of information that I can use.  I enjoy looking for these sources, and reading through them, but once I find a good one I normally stick to it.  I love using Pinterest since it gives me the option to save all my links in one place, while keeping the source stored as well.  I love to read for pleasure, and I think this class correlates, and gives me an opportunity to read something that is interesting to me.  I really like this concept when it comes to reviewing others storybooks, since they have a source attached where I can discover more information if I want. 

 

 (Hauman and the Sea Demon)

I chose this image, because it took me completely by surprise.  This story was my most favorite to write, and some of my most creative writing!

I don't really have any suggestions for the reading material in this class, especially since we are required to buy the epics and review/compare them.  I feel as if I've learned a little about the Indian culture, and I like that very much.  Since this is a review week, maybe you could suggest an assignment comparing and contrasting the two versions of the Ramayana.  

My advice to future students:

DON'T try and summarize what you have read, especially when it close to being word-for-word.  I did this in Myth-Folk, and what I do now is read the text and take notes on some of my most favorite parts of the stories.  I really enjoy reading epics, since there are so many side tales provided for you to recreate on.  I love to use my reading diary as a basis for ideas on what I want to use in my storytelling post.  I will sometimes put a word or two of the different changes I could possibly use, so that I will remember later when the time comes.