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)

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 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 7 Reading Diary A/B: The end of Buck's Ramayana

I didn't complete the reading diary in time even for the grace period today. I did want to complete both readings though, so I am just going to go ahead and do both in one blog post!

Part A:
To start off the reading, how many times does Ravana need to be told to let Sita go?  He simply just does not get the extent of the trouble he is getting himself into.  Like Sita had mentioned in previous readings, or in Narayan's version, it is almost as if Ravana is wanting Rama to slay him.  

In the next part, I feel sorry for those who live in Lanka since they seem to be the only one's suffering from Ravana's arrogance.  Ravana himself seems like he is just fine and dandy, when she should have taken a step back to realize that there are people out there that truly care for him deeply.  

(Mandodari and Ravana)

Buck is a very talented and creative writer, and this is why his Ramayan is considerably longer than Narayan's.  Ravana's preparation for battle is more elaborate here, for instead of locking himself in his room he performs a dance ritual.  This may be an interesting take on a possible story.

Wow!  Even the final battle considerably different.  There is an actual "face off" on foot, versus in chariots that are flying around the globe.  The illusion of Indra also wasn't mentioned previously.  This is the part of the epic that I am ready to read.  Now that Ravana has passed, what will Rama do when he sees Sita, and why is she still sent to the forest when pregnant?!  We once again see Agni testifying on the behalf of Sita's innocence.  I couldn't imagine seeing all these animals, and creatures alike, traveling with the trio to attend Rama's coronation.

Part B:
Maybe it is just me, but I can say that I do not favor this ending of the Ramayana so much. With Narayan's ending, it was brief and gave the reader a sense of resolution.  Buck's version is "doing to much," in my opinion, but it does provide the reader with a different perspective on what happened with Rama and Sita.

The coronation was just as grand, if not grander, than what was previously described.  I am happy that Mnthra has come back into the story, asks forgiveness, and all seems to be going well at this point in time.  Everyone returns happy, and all is good in the kingdom of Ayodhya.

(Rama's Coronation)

What I do not understand why the people of the kingdom are now talking about Sita's time in Lanka, have they forgotten about her sacrifice in the fire?  Hmm, maybe it's jealousy.  Also, out of all the people why does he send his dear brother Lakshmana, he must love Sita like a real sister and must have created a bond with her during their fourteen years in exile.  Although Sumitra's story provides clarification, and proves that Karma is always watching, but it does not ease my sympathy for Sita.  I think it's a little ridiculous that she must prove herself once again to her husband, then disappears into mother earth.  I am sad that Lakshmana had to also die, I wish he just sent the hermit, Durvasa, into the meeting between Rama and Time himself.  At The End, I wonder if Sita and Rama are reunited as Vinshu and Lakshmi.

Week 6 Reading Diary B: The Battle soon Begins

Ah, now we are once again back to the part where Rama curses the ocean, the land bridge is constructed, and we are getting ever closer to the epic battle.  I wonder if Ravana is ever sitting alone and beginning to contemplate giving Sita back to Rama for the sake of his livelihood and Lanka (haha, yeah right).  I don't remember Nala's character from Narayan's edition.  I'm pretty sure the ocean just agrees to withhold the bridge that they wish to construct.  Also, the bridge is made from many pieces of organic matter, not just rocks.  

Again, I think that Ravana should have been wiser and listened to Vibhishana, it would have saved a lot of trouble in the near future.  The part about the spies is an exciting new edition, and this may also be a great story to retell!  Now the magicians are another new part of the story that I also do not recognize.  I know that Ravana attempts to trick Sita into thinking that Rama is dead, but not before the fighting has even began.  I am glad that Sita has Trijata, and hope that nothing bad happens to Trijata in the future.  

(Hanuman and Medicine Hill) 

I cannot believe that in this version Rama and his allies are actually killed by Indrajit!  That is very interesting, and again another good plot to retell, more particularly about Medicine Hill.  There is a lot of tricks and schemes coming from both sides of the battle and most of it is coming from Indrajit.  This sounds terrible, but I am almost relieved whenever Lakshmana finally slays him and Ravan has decided to come out to battle.  

Week 6 Reading Diary A: Hanuman's Journey to Lanka

It's been a while since I've done any reading for this course, and I can say I am very excited to get to the end of Buck's Ramayana. I can already see differences between the writers epics, for this time Hunaman must make a great leap to make it to Lanka, versus growing in size and making a giant strides.  Mainaka and Sinhika are additions to the story that are new to me, and this is very exciting.  Hanuman's journey in Sinhika may be a great story to retell!  

(Hauman and the Sea Demon)

This is so exciting to see that Vayu actually has a role in this part of the tale, given the fact that I have written three separate stories that incorporate him.  Although some of the information can be overwhelming at times, I do enjoy how much more in detail Buck goes, especially the detail of Sita's stay in Lanka while she is waiting for Rama to return.  I'm excited to see what Rama's reactions are when he gets the pearl and message that Sita has sent back with Hanuman.  Now that Hanuman has told Rama that Sita has remained faithful to him, I am wondering how their reunion will be after the war is fought.  

Week 3 Reading Diary B: Narayan's Ending

I simply cannot display through writing, and emphasize, on how excited I was to begin reading this part of the tale. Up until this point I have read lot of comparison, and I am ready to learn something new about Rama, Ravana, and Sita's fate.  Hanuman's stature and powers are really impressive in this section.  He is so devoted in looking for Sita and appeasing Rama's wishes. I like how he was able to send a message to Ravana and to his kingdom, by burning it down, and relieve Sita from her torturous guards.  

(Hanuman and Sita)

Vibhishana's persistent warnings, and helping Hanuman to escape Lanka, not only shows his pure heart, but also Ravana's consistent arrogant blindness.  He only tries to be voice of reason, but reveals that Ravana is truly destined to send himself to doom.  Ravana's biggest mistake is sending his younger brother away, he practically handed the win to Rama for he now has all of his army's secrets.  

One of my favorite parts is when Rama's army builds the land bridge, and I could only imagine what this site would have looked like during the process.  When the many days of battle have gone by, Rama has finally defeated Ravana, and he has ordered the great funeral for the demon king.  

I was VERY surprised and shock with how Rama tested and presented himself to Sita when he first saw her (as were the gods)!  After Agni presented Sita back to Rama, blessing her as pure, I understood more but this did not lessen my shock.  I am glad that the epic addressed this, and set Rama back on the path of Dharma.  I think this is just an example of how a man can be changed by battle and war.  I can only wonder what would have happened if Sita did give in to Ravana.  Would Rama still have defeated him, would he have changed his mind about doing so, etc.?  I really liked this ending of the story, and glad that Narayan added the epilogue to go over some things. I was wondering when and why Sita would enter the forest, but he decided that this was an unappealing ending when the tale should be positive.  Overall, I am very happy with Narayan's version of the Ramayana.

  

(Sita's Test)

Week 3 Reading Diary A: The End is Near

I am starting to see lots of variances again within some familiar places.  When I first began reading Buck's version, I preferred and was partial to it.  Now that I have come this far in the text, I am favoring how Narayan is able to cut out some "unnecessary" points in the story, and he is effectively able to move along without leaving the reader wondering what these specific details are.  With this version I like how Ravana was unable to touch Sita against her will, I think this is much more effective than him not being able to "take her" as he pleases.  I still fell bad for Jatayu, but I am glad that he was so valiant and tried to save Sita from Ravana. 

(Ravana fights Jatayu)

Hanuman's significance is more elaborated, and his appropriate "obsession" with Rama is more understood, in my opinion.  I understood the dispute between Vail and Sugriva better in this version of the epic, and I am relieved that Tara didn't take her life and was able to serve as a voice of truth after the rainy season.  The sending out of the armies, setting free the nymph to heaven, and crossing paths with Jambavan comes quickly in this version, and I am very excited to come to the end of the epic and see how the battle comes about!  

Week 5 Reading Diary A: Adventures in the Forest

I feel bad for Bharata, and could only imagine how he feels when he returns home and is disclosed about everything that has happened so far.  I think he is very humble, and did the right thing by going after Rama into the forest in order to clear-the-air.  Although the kingdom remains sad, and this is not what Rama would want, but everyone is assured of what is to happen.  Also, Rama and Lakshamana aren't left in the dark to whether their father had survived their leaving. 

(Bharata After Rama)

As the Kosola's returned to Ayodhya, I was glad that the trio decided to travel throughout the country side instead of just "settling" on Chitrakuta.  They meet some interesting characters along the way, and at the end the final transition into the Dandaka forest was a good cut off point.  I enjoyed learning about Mandakarni and the five Apsarases, and think that it's interesting that no one is able to see them.  When the three are confronted by Shurpanakha, and Rama refuses her, I can only imagine what Sita is feeling at this time.  It is astonishing how easily Rama was able to defeat the large army of demons, and now I am wondering if he will just as easily defeat Ravana, or will there be difficulties. 

I am excited to finally learn of the epic battle between Rama and Ravanna, and see what Sita does while she is en captured.  The background of why Sita was exiled to the forest is still in the back of my mind, and I am wondering if the rumors of the kingdom hold any weight or if they're overexaggerated.  I am ready to see what is going to happen next! 

Week 5 Reading Diary B: The Great Battle

I am starting to see just how foolish and arrogant Ravana is.  He is the type of being that acts before he has time to think.  All characters in this story, so far, are smart enough not to cross Rama
s path. Even Ravana's own uncle does not want to help him in stealing Sita!  The only part of this section of the reading that I did not like was how Sita treated Lakshmana when she heard Maricha's impersonation of Rama.  She was quick to accuse him of  defiance only because he was instructed and wanted to protect her. 

(Ravana and Jatayu battle)

My favorite part of the reading was when Indra met Sita where she is being held in Lanka, and gave her the food which would keep her from going hungry.  I liked the story about Rhambha, although what Ravana did to her was terrible.  Once Rama sought out the help of the monkeys the story began to drag, in my opinion.  This was especially so when Sugriva is instructing his army where to search for Sita.  I felt this part could have gone a lot faster, but maybe other reader's would enjoy and appreciate how graphic Buck is with his descriptions.  I applaud Hanuman and Jambavan for continuing on with their search although they have already surpassed the time allotted to them.  I can only hope they find Sita soon, and can't wait to come back and finish the book later! 

Week 2 Reading Diary B: Lover's Scorn

I am still a little angered at Kaikeyi's apathetic nature to everything that is going.  I can see that this version of the tale has left out the tree king and all of his supposed part in the finding of Rama at Chitrakuta.  I was surprised the god's interfered at the end of the argument granting Rama to stay in the forest.  At this time I wonder if no one else is seeing the significance in the exile.  

Shurpanakha is the perfect example of a woman who can be overcome with unhealthy obsession when she is in love.  If she wasn't a demon and trying to plot against Sita, when she is Rama's true wife and partner, I would almost feel sorry for her.  Lucky Rama and Sita have Lakshmana, or Sita would be out of the picture. 

 

(Life in the Forest- Shurpanakha is being attacked by Lakshmana at the bottom)

Since Ravana has not been introduced formally, or his history provided, he puts a picture of grand entrance when Sharpanakha visits him in Lanka.  Ravana's sister is so persistent about Rama, I am surprised that instead of having Ravana kill him she is still longing for him and wants him taken alive.  This is much different from Buck's story.  As much as Sharpanakha is in love with Rama, Ravana is in love with Sita.  This is a little unsettling for me, because of course I think it's terrible to meddle in someone else's affairs, but their demons and I guess this doesn't apply to them.  

Week 2 Reading Diary A: Request for Rama

This version of the Ramayana is very different from Buck's, I mean just look at the shear difference in size!  I can't believe that I am going to be able to finish this book in about a week, when I've spent two week's on Buck's version, and I'm only half way finished!  As Laura had pointed out to me when I had to skip ahead to the different version, there is a lot left out in the beginning of the tale.  In my opinion, I feel that having to read ahead has kind of corrupted my view of the epic.  Haha.  I am looking for all of the background detail that I had before, but at the same time at least this version is more upfront with what the main point of the story will be (that Rama is needed to defeat Ravana).  As the story continues, I have completely given up trying to compare the two stories, and I am reading this one for what it is.

(All in Grief)

Towards the end of the reading, I finally see some similarities between the two versions of the Ramayana.  The detail in this Ramayana noticable and I enjoyed reading this version of the wedding, the difference in how Indra became the thousand eyed god, and of Rama's exile once again.  Reading the exile for the second time was different.  There was far more emotion in this time around.  I can't believe how apathetic Kaikeyi is, Manthra (Kooni in this version) is much more manipulative and her motives are clear here.  There is so much going on so far, it will be interesting picking a storytelling topic!

Week 4 Reading Diary B: Rama's Exile

This part of the reading reminds me of Greek and Roman mythology, where tricksters are a major player in the plot.  If Manthara was never present, and hadn't influenced Queen Kaikeyi, then Rama would have been crowned king and never exiled.  I wonder if Manthara had a hidden agenda by taking Kaikeyi into using her two promises granted by Dasharatha earlier in life.  I think Rama is about the only level headed person during this whole phenomenon.  He realizes that it is his duty to obey Kaikeyi's conditions, in order to honor his father's word, and he also realizes that fourteen years is only a fragment of time that will soon pass.  It didn't surprise me that people of the kingdom tried to follow Rama into the forest, but I am glad that he had Sumantra trick them into going back to Ayodhya.  

When Guha tells the story of when Kaikeyi asked Dasharatha to use one of his promises to teach her the language of the animals, and in the end refused, this last part confused me.  He changed his mind only when he heard some animals talk about how foolish he was acting.  What is different from this time and when she asked to exile Rama?  Could he not refuse for a second time, especially since this situation was more important?  

(Kaikeyi and Dasaratha)

At the end of this section, I was surprised by the story Dasharatha tells Kauslya.  I can see why he was so upset about losing Rama now, since he believes this is all caused by his previous actions.  He is of old age, though, and I am glad that Lakshmana, Sita, and Rama now have a home and permanent place to stay.  

Week 4 Reading Diary A: My First Insight to the Ramayana

This week I am doing the readings for Week 4, because I have not yet received my version of R. K. Narayan's Ramayana.  

When I took Myth-Folk last semester I noticed that the "story-within-a-story" theme was used heavily.  I can see that with how the epic begins that this theme will carry on.  As the story begins to unfold I am wondering what rumors are so terrible that Rama has exiled his beloved wife, who happens to be pregnant with his twins!  I am happy that Brahma has arranged Valmiki to help Sita, and that he is able to use Rama's sons in his plan.  I think that it is only coincidence that Rama has arranged a festival in the forest where he has sent Sita.  It makes me wonder whether he is hoping to see her and his sons, or if he has expected her to down herself such as Narada predicts if Valmiki hadn't agreed to help calm her down.  

I love how the story goes back to the very beginning with the history of Rama's father Dasharatha, Ravana, how Dasharatha came to have sons, and how Ravana used his boon from Brahma to conquer any kingdom he wished.  I feel especially bad for Indra throughout this section of the reading.  He put up the most resistance against Ravana, and suffered the most, but I am also very glad that Narayan and Brahma have found a way to help him find a way to end Ravana once an for all.  

The wedding of Rama and Sita is my favorite part of this section.  I love how Buck went into detail of how their wedding took place.  This gave me insight of their culture I was not familiar with prior to the reading.

  

(Rama and Sita's wedding.)