Writing Post

I chose to write a storybook instead of the portfolio. I chose this because I thought composing a storybook of four stories along the same plot would be easier for me than making new stories every week. I'm happy with my choice, and I would recommend it to other students who are concerned with coming up with additional original content. I liked the storytelling and storybook writing assignments the best. I feel like they have really improved my creative writing abilities. I found comments with constructive criticism to be most helpful. I liked hearing where my writing failed others as a reader, as this gave me ideas on how to improve. I am pursuing a career in medicine, so creative writing will not be a big part of my career. I would advise future students not to worry if they are not confident in their creative writing abilities. That part of the class was hard at first but as the semester moved on I found the process to be much easier.

About the reading

After taking this class I feel as though the system worked very well. The reading assignments were never overwhelming or too time consuming. I liked how one version of each epic was shorter and allowed the reader to understand the general plot, then the other version was longer with more content. I thought the balance of reading, writing, and commenting was extremely well balanced and I never thought I was doing too much of any one of those. If I was advising students for next year, I would tell them to do a little bit for this class everyday. At that pace, it is possible to finish the class ahead of schedule and be done by the time finals come around.

Week 14: Reading Diary B

This epic as Buck tells it is really a story within a story. I love the tale is simply passed down verbally and there is no mention of the epic being recorded except in the minds of those who listen. I like how Yudhishthira is guilty about all the death caused on his behalf. I thought he dream was very strange, considering Duryodhana was in heaven and the rest of the Pandavas were in hell. I laughed when Krishna was upset with the new chariot because he didn't want something flashy. I was relieved at the end when it was explained the Yudhishthira's earlier dream was also a test, and he and his family ascended to heaven.

Week 13: Google Translate Tech Tip

Italian Story:

La favola è un breve racconto caratteristico tanto della cultura occidentale quanto di quella orientale; in essa agiscono per lo più personaggi animali, dietro i quali è agevole individuare altrettante tipologie di comportamento umano. Attraverso la piacevolezza della narrazione l’apologo persegue una finalità gnomica, suggerendo una condotta di vita all’insegna della prudenza, della laboriosità, della coscienza dei propri limiti.

Nella tradizione occidentale la favola si lega indissolubilmente al nome di Esopo, enigmatico personaggio vissuto tra il VII ed il VI sec. a.C. al quale viene attribuita la codificazione del genere, nonché la sua autonoma affermazione nel panorama letterario. Il nutrito corpus di racconti ascritti a questa figura leggendaria viene successivamente rielaborato ed ampliato da autori più tardi (Fedro, I sec.d. C; Babrio, II sec. d.C.; Aviano, IV sec. d.C); grammatici e retori se ne servono, inoltre, per l’insegnamento delle basilari nozioni linguistiche e per i rudimenti della prassi compositiva.

La tradizione iconografica connesa al nome di Esopo procede, tanto nel mondo antico quanto in quello moderno, lungo due filoni paralleli: da una parte ci si confronta con reperti incentrati sul personaggio del favolista e sugli aneddoti della sua vita, tutti all’insegna di un’irriverente saggezza; dall’altra con testimonianze relative alle favole. Queste ultime conoscono una maggiore fortuna nell’ambito dell’età medievale, che ne apprezza il carattere fantasioso, allegorico ed edificante; sono oggetto di rinnovato interesse, infine, nel mondo rinascimentale, allorchè, accanto alla drastica selezione di racconti sopravvissuti durante l’età di mezzo, si fa progressivamente strada il recupero dell’originario repertorio in lingua greca.

Google Translation:

The fable is a short story so characteristic of Western culture than to the east; acting in it mostly animal characters, behind which is easy to identify as many types of human behavior. Through the pleasantness of the narrative of the fable pursues an aim genomics, suggesting a way of life in the name of prudence, diligence, awareness of his own limitations.

In the Western tradition the story is inextricably linked to the name of Aesop, enigmatic character who lived in the seventh and sixth centuries. B.C. which is attributed to the codification of the genre, as well as its self-affirmation in the literary scene. The rich literary stories attributed to this legendary figure was later revised and enlarged by later authors (Phaedrus, I sec.d. C Babrius, second century AD., Aviano, IV cent. AD); grammarians and rhetoricians use it also for the teaching of basic language skills and the rudiments of compositional practice.

The iconographic tradition connesa the name of Aesop proceeds, both in ancient as in the modern world, along two parallel tracks: on one hand we are confronted with exhibits focusing on the character of the writer of fables and anecdotes of his life, all in the name of a 'irreverent wisdom; with the other evidence relating to fables. The latter know more luck in the context of the Middle Ages, who appreciate the character imaginative, allegorical and uplifting; are the subject of renewed interest, finally, in the Renaissance world, when, in addition to the drastic selection of stories survivors during the middle ages, the road becomes progressively recover the original footage in Greek.


Author's note: I took three semesters of Italian, and I used google translate all the time to help me get the general idea of stories I was reading. This tech tip took me back to my days as an Italian student, and I would recommend google translate to a student of any language looking for a better understanding of a translation they don't quite have a grasp of. 

Week 13: Famous Last Words

Last year during the fall semester I had bone cancer and had to take narcotic pain medications everyday to deal with the pain caused by the disease. I had been a very successful student in the past, and I thought I would be able to deal with what was going on and finish my school for the semester without a problem. As the semester progressed, I started to become overwhelmed with having to deal with both school and my other issues. I can be a very stubborn person, and I decided not to withdraw from classes based on the fact that I had been a very capable student in the past. In retrospect, this was a poor decision. I want to attend medical school, so my grades are very important. Due to medical treatment regarding my condition, I was unable to take some of my finals. As a result, I had to take an incomplete in a few of my classes. Receiving an incomplete allows a student one year to finish the remaining work left in the class, which in my case was just taking the finals. I ended up missing the spring and summer semester due to ongoing treatment for the disease. This week I had a meeting with one of my professors to discuss the plan for taking the final and completing the class. It turns out that my professor had incorrectly calculated my grade when filling out the incomplete form, and my grade in the class was much higher than I thought it was. This has taken a huge weight off my shoulders, as I no longer have to make an A on the final to earn an A in the class. Even though I haven't attended this class in a year, I think I will be able to study for the final and make the grade I desire. I have been worrying about the outcome of this class since last year and I'm so relieved to be in a position where I can still realistically achieve my goals. I'll be studying pretty much all day everyday until finals to make sure I'm ready, but I no longer feel like the odds are stacked against me. 

Me for the rest of the semester. Source: Wikipedia

Week 13: Reading Diary B

The whole gender switching thing going on with Sikhandini is kind of hard to wrap my mind around. I guess female warriors just weren't allowed, so Sikhandini had to become a man to fight in the battle. If I was Yudhishthira there is no way I would meet my opponents before battle, considering how many times they have tried to kill me. I was surprised that none of Duryodhana's forces made an attempt on his life before the battle. Also, if I was Bhisma I would not want to live with a body full of arrows any longer than needed. That sounds incredibly painful. Through the rest of the battle, it seems clear that Karma is on the Panadavas side.

Week 13: Reading Diary A

After the whole gambling incident I wouldn't want to trust Yudhisratha with my life, but the rest of the Pandavas didn't have a choice. They were also unconscious so it was him or nobody. I think that a graveyard is a great hiding place for such powerful weapons, who is going to look there? The thirteenth year of their exile seems pretty boring, and they all have to take on jobs that are beneath them. If I was Karna there is no way I'm giving up my armor for a throwing dart, even if it is infallible. Without his armor he may never get the chance to use the dart. Draupadi is not a woman to be messed with, and she shows this again by having Kichaka killed for his repeated and unwanted advances.

Famous Last Words: Week 12

So I saw "Nightcrawler" and thought it was really good. I think Jake Gyllenhall did such a great job with his character. At the beginning of the movie it is clearly established that his character is not a good person. He then goes on a journey to become the best at what he loves doing, no matter what happens to others along the way. The ending sort of reminded me of "No Country for Old Men" in the way he can't be stopped. I would love to say more, but I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone. I really like seeing movies at The Warren. The theater is so nice, and the balcony/directors seating is even nicer. You can order drinks while you watch a movie at the theatre.

Nightcrawler poster

I'm really glad the Thunder picked up their second win of the season tonight. I would argue that the Thunder are the best 2-5 team in the history of the NBA. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook being out are obviously terrible for the team, but the Thunder were also dealing with injuries to other players throughout the week. The fact that they aren't getting blown out every game bodes very well for the Thunder. My fantasy basketball team also won this week, so I'm pretty excited about that.

I couldn't finish school last fall for medical reasons and had to take an incomplete in a few of my classes. When you get an I, you have one calendar year to finish the course or receive an F. I just have to take a final in two classes, but it has been so long since I learned the material. I am going to have to start studying pretty much all day everyday soon for these classes so I can do well on the finals and finish the classes.

Week 12: Reading Diary B

At least Arjuna got to have some positive experiences at the end of his exile. Also, the ability to use divine weapons will surely come in handy for him later. The story of Mankanaka seems very silly to me. I can think of many dangers of eating just grass and weeds, but dancing as a result of bleeding grass juice was not one of them. I can't believe that the Pandavas saved Duryodhana, and then let him go. So much trouble could have been avoided if they just dealt with him then.

Week 12: Reading Diary A

It seems strange to me Yudhishthira is able to gamble things that aren't his to gamble. I understand him gambling jewelry and elephants, but I cannot understand him gambling his brothers. These aren't his servants, they are his family members. They seem to be cool with the whole thing though, which is also very strange. After Draupadi secures their freedom, I don't understand why Yudhishthira would accept Duryodhana's final offer. They were obviously going to lose. After all this, I feel like Yudhishthira needed to hear from Vyasa to let him know that it can be much worse.

Week 10: Reading Diary B

The Pandavas are so mighty, yet they make countless offers for peace. Their foe has been stubborn from the beginning, and I am not surprised that he wants to go to war. Duryodhana has never been an honorable man, and his plans to take Krishna captive while he is serving as an emissary should have been expected by the Pandavas. Unfortunately for Duryodhana, Krishna turns on god mode at the assembly and thwarts Duryodhana's plans.

I found the first part of the battle to be quite confusing. People are coming out of nowhere. This seems like a complicated way to bring about the death of Bhishma. I don't understand why Drona would listen to his enemies about the death of his son. I would think the supreme commander of an army would not let himself keep be affected by anything that comes out of his enemies mouth. Furthermore, he just gives up and sits down after they tell him his son is dead. I was very surprised by Bhima drinking the blood of Duryodhana's brother after he had killed him. Then the systematic elimination of Duryodhana's leadership continues with the death of Karna. I like how Duryodhana called out Krishna for all the deceit he used so far, but Krishna drops a karma bomb and tells him he had it coming.

Week 9 Storytelling: King Duryodhana and the Pandavas

A messenger had just returned to King Duryodhana with news that the Pandavas were approaching the House of Joy. King Duryodhana became excited at the thought of his enemies walking into his trap. "Those Pandavas are fools," Duryodhana proclaimed "Messenger, ride to the archer hiding near the House of Joy and tell him to launch a fire arrow once the Pandavas are asleep."

King Duryodhana and his army. Source: Wikipedia

The messenger quickly departed for the House of Joy. As he rode towards the House of Joy he thought about the situation. "How cowardly of King Duryodhana to slaughter the Pandavas in their sleep. Why would anyone want to do this to the Pandavas? They are friends of the people." The messenger decided that he would change the course of events this evening. He rode around the camp where the King's archer was waiting for the signal to fire, and rode straight to the House of Joy. Upon seeing the magnificent house for himself, he understood why the Pandavas could be lured here so easily. He presented himself at the door and said, "Pandavas, I am an agent of King Duryodhana, and I request your audience." The Pandavas gathered at the door and received the messenger. "Pandavas, you are in great danger. King Duryodhana built this place as a trap. This place is meant to be your grave, not your home. There is an archer waiting in the forest to loose a fire arrow on this house while you are sleeping. Flee this place and I will order him to fire, then you may plot your revenge against Duryodhana. I will tell nobody that you have survived."

The Pandavas were shocked by this news of treachery from King Duryodhana. They thanked the messenger for saving their lives and quickly gathered their possessions. They then fled into the forest outside of the House of Joy and waited to watch it go up in flames. Meanwhile, the messenger rode to the archer in waiting. He arrived and showed the King's seal to the archer. "The Pandavas are fast asleep inside the House of Joy, send them to their graves." The archer sent the fire arrow flying and after a brief moment the House of Joy exploded in flames. "Our work here is done. Let us return to King Duryodhana and tell him that the Pandavas have perished." They returned to the king and told him that the House of Joy was in flames. The king was relieved by this news and retired to his chamber.

Author's Note: This story was inspired by Narayan's The Mahabharata. I wanted to tell an alternate version of the story where King Duryodhana is betrayed by his own forces. The Pandavas are loved by the people and would not want to see them killed by Duryodhana.



Bibliography: 

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

Week 9: Reading Diary B

I bet that Duryodhana was shaking in his boots when he realized the Pandavas were still alive. Luckily for him, his son decided to take the diplomatic approach and make peace with the Pandavas. I'm surprised that the Pandavas needed a sage to tell them of the dangers of sharing a wife between five brothers. I can't imagine sharing a significant other with one person, let alone five. At least they take yearly rotations.

Duryodhana seems like a very jealous and petty man. I'm sure this will end up haunting him, for karma cannot be avoided. Playing dice seems like a strange way to settle the score and take revenge, but I suppose if they stakes are high enough then a game of dice is a bit more than just a game. Yudhishthira and I have something in common, we are terrible gamblers. I can't believe he gambled away his brothers and wife. Druapadi seems like a woman you don't want to mess with, not to mention her powerful husbands. Duryodhana is really digging himself into a deep hole.

I don't understand how Yudhishthira can gamble on behalf of the other Pandavas, especially after the first time. If I were a Pandava, I would have called a family meeting and removed Yudhishthira from a position where can has the power to gamble my life away. Yudhishthira may be a terrible gambler, but he does understand that revenge is a dish best served cold.

Week 9: Reading Diary A

As soon as the woman by the river agreed to marry Shantanu on the condition that he would never question her, I knew something was fishy. I guessed many things, but I did not guess that she would drown her own children. I thought this was extremely messed up, but of course there is more to the story than that. So it turns out that she is a god, who has been giving birth to gods and then killing them so they can become gods again. From this perspective it seems that the eighth child is the unlucky one, for he has to endure his human incarnation.

Bhishma seems like a pretty selfless person in renouncing his claim to the throne and letting his father marry another woman. I could not imagine letting my father get married again if it meant that I would never be able to marry a woman. I don't think Bhishma deserves the revenge that amba is seeking, after all he let her go to the person she wanted to marry. The King of Shalwa proves to be a jealous man for no good reason, Amba should be plotting against him. I love how the birth defects of Vyasa's children were brought about because of things like the mother closing her eyes while conceiving the baby.

So far this story has featured a lot of sex. Even the deer was getting it on. But of course the deer was actually a god so Pandu is totally going to die if he has sex again. Pandu wants sons, and finds a clever loophole to get them without having sex. Of course these aren't really Pandu's sons, but he will be their father.

Reading Diary Assessment

I didn't catch any new information from reading the instructions again. My reading diary strategy is that before I do the readings I read the reading guides. This give me a general overview of the story so I know what is going on. Then as I do the reading I write down thoughts as they come. After I'm finished with the reading I may go back and add some afterthoughts. For other students that do not read the reading guides prior to the readings, I would highly recommend it. That is unless you don't want any plot spoilers. I approach the reading diary assignments with the same strategy every time. Most of my reading diary posts are at least 400 words, so I would say most of them are a good length. I could have written a few more words on some diaries, but on some readings I didn't have as many thoughts to write down.

I have never included images or quotes in the reading diaries, but after looking over them I see places where I could have. Perhaps I will include them during the next reading diaries. I have made connections to other books and epics throughout the semester so far. As I read I sometimes take notes, but do so on the reading diary blog. I will either expand upon these notes or delete them when I am done. The reason I delete them is because sometimes they wouldn't make sense to anyone else, or even myself if enough time passes. Looking back on my posts, I think they are pretty useful. I can use them to keep track of my thoughts throughout the story and I can see where some of the inspiration for my stories came from. Overall, I think I have done a pretty good job so far with the reading diaries.

Week 7 Storytelling: Sita's Innocence

As Rama realizes that Kusha and Lava are his sons, Sita makes her way through the crowd. She had been trying to make her way through the large crowd for several hours. Rama wondered how this could be possible. He could not deny that these boys were of his blood, but he could not understand how they stood before him. As Rama stood in disbelief, Sita broke through the crowd and saw her children and Rama. Sita froze in place at the sight of him. Rama could not bring himself to do anything, and Valmiki stepped forward to break the silence. "Sita has lived here in the forest since you sent her away," Valmiki explained to Rama. King Rama replied, "I banished Sita from my sight many years ago. Nothing has changed, She must leave this place until the festival is over."

Sita fell to her knees and cried out to Rama, "Please let me prove my innocence for the sake of our children, so that they may grow up with a mother and father. Let my mother, Bhumi, come forth and bear testament to my innocence."

Rama considered her proposal and then replied, "Your innocence is not disputed. However, nothing has changed. You must leave this place until the festival has ended. My sons will return to the city with me, and you will spend the rest of your days here with Valmiki."

A statue of Bhumi. Source: Wikipedia

Upon hearing this Sita collapsed to the ground in despair. She could not bear the thought of losing her children. She cried out to Bhumi and appealed to her for help. As Rama's men came to take Sita out of Rama's sight, Bhumi burst forth from the ground and demanded the men release Sita. Rama's men looked to their king for approval, and he only nodded at them. Everyone stood in silence and stared at Bhumi, who walked to her daughter and picked her up from the ground. Once Sita was back on her feet, Bhumi turned her attention to Rama. "You sent my daughter away after she had remained faithful to you. Now you seek to take away her children. I will not allow this," Bhumi proclaimed. Several Nagas came out of the ground and tried to take Kusha and Lava. Rama took out his bow and shot each Naga in the heart. Rama then turned to Bhumi and said, "Leave with your daughter now and you may live."

Author's note: This story was inspired by Buck's Ramayana: King Rama's Way. I wanted to write a story where Sita ends up leaving Earth the same way, but where her path is different. Here Sita's mother becomes angry at Rama and tries to keep him from taking Sita's children.

Buck, William (1976). Ramayana: King Rama's Way.

Week 7: Reading Diary B

I like how Bharata has Rama's sandals waiting for him after all this time. He placed them on the throne when Rama was exiled, and it seems they have been sitting there the whole time waiting for Rama. Sometimes the hyperbole in these stories in a bit much for me; as it is here with Hanuman collecting water from every river in the world as a gift to Rama. Personally I wouldn't want water from every river in the world, but I guess this water can't hurt Rama.

I don't understand Rama's decision to banish Sita at all. It seems like Rama is letting the town gossip get to his head. The fact that Sita is now pregnant makes the banishment even worse. Even stranger is the fact that this banishment could be the result of the royal priests' curse on Vishnu. How can a priest curse a god? Also I'm a bit confused by Sita's disappearance. She summons a deity which proves her innocence, only to take her away from the Earth. 

The strange events continue as Kala sets up a meeting with Rama where anybody who intrudes on the meeting must die. Lakshmana intrudes on the meeting on behalf of Durvasa and therefore must die. Was he aware of the consequences for intruding on the meeting? It would seem only fair to warn everybody of the dire consequences for intruding on the meeting. Durvasa seems to be something of a terrorist in demanding to see Rama or he will destroy his whole kingdom. 

The strange ending caps off with Hanuman ripping open his chest to show Rama that his name is inscribed on his bones. Rama, his friends, and followers get to ascend to heaven. 

Week 6: Reading Diary B

Yet again the ability of characters to hurl curses at will comes into play again. I wonder who is capable of these curses and who isn't, and why they aren't used more frequently if it is so easy to do. It doesn't seem absurd that Rama has issued a curse, but it is strange that he hasn't done it more often. Furthermore, when he finally decides to use his cursing abilities, he curses the ocean. The curse isn't directly effective, but succeeds in getting the water god's attention. The universe seems to be on Rama's side, as every available creature that isn't inherently evil helps him construct a bridge to Lanka.

Vibhishana is a brave soul to go against Ravana. I'm surprised that Ravana didn't kill him right on the spot when Vibhishana asked him to let Sita go. Vibhishana is both smart and dumb at the same time. On one hand he seems to realize that Rama cannot be stopped, while on the other hand he goes to Ravana and directly opposes him.

Ravana's cronies seem terribly incompetent. First he sends Shuka to spy on Rama's coalition, who is caught and released. Then he sends Sardula and Sarana to spy on Rama, who both fail their mission. Lightning tongue and Thunder tooth do their jobs of impersonating Rama's bow and dismembered head well enough to fool Sita, but this ends up being irrelevant because Prahasta gives up the secret that Rama is actually coming to Lanka. If I was Ravana I would have a stricter recruiting process.

I found it strange that Kumbhakarna has enough of a moral code to tell Ravana it is morally wrong to have stolen Sita from Rama. Kumbhakarna is Ravana's brother, and these are supposed to be the most evil demons on the face of the Earth. Perhaps he just fears Rama and is trying to avoid facing him, but I am disappointed by the moral compass of Kumbhakarna.

I have to admit that I didn't think Rama would ever be defeated in battle. I could have believed his allies being killed, but Rama too? Of course Rama can't die for good, the only question is how will he be revived? I thought it was pretty cool that the medicine was heated because Hanuman was flying so fast, and evaporated into the air as a result. This is a very effective way to deliver medicine to everyone quickly.

Week 5 Storytelling: Vali and Mayavi

A crowd followed Vali through the streets of the village as he set out to fight Mayavi. They sang songs of his battle with the buffalo demon Dundhuvi, and carried the demon’s head on a spear.  The procession arrived at the base of the mountain where the battle was to take place. The field where they gathered ended at the base of the mountain, where cliffs rose out of the ground. Vali walked through the crowd and found his brother Sugriva. “Sugriva, if I fall to the demon Mayavi you must avenge my death and look after my family”. Sugriva agreed, and helped Vali put on his armor. As Vali finished preparing for battle, the demon Mayavi came into view atop the cliffs. Mayavi let out a tremendous roar, and jumped from the cliffs. He came crashing down to the ground, leaving a small crater where he impacted. Some of the people who came to watch the fight became frightened, and they ran back to town. As the crowd thinned, Mayavi spotted one of the people carrying the spear with his father’s head on top. He became furious and rushed at the man holding the spear. Just before the demon reached the man, Vali emerged from the fleeing crowd and stepped in front of the man.

The monkey king Vali, Wikipedia

Vali and Mayavi began to fight, and what was left of the crowd formed a circle around them.  As Vali and the demon were fighting, Mayavi knocked Vali to the ground. While Vali was down, Mayavi rushed at the nearest villagers and chopped off their heads. Everyone but Sugriva fled the field and hurried back to the village. Mayavi smiled and laughed at them as they ran. Vali got back on his feet and charged at the demon, cutting off his tail. Mayavi recoiled from the blow, and then ran towards the cliffs. Vali gave chase, followed by Sugriva.

Mayavi ran into the mouth of a cave and taunted Vali, then retreated into the cave. Vali stopped and waited for Sugriva then asked, “I don’t know if I should follow him, it could be a trap”. “Vali, you are the mightiest warrior I know, you can defeat whatever lies in the cave”. Vali was emboldened by his brother, and charged into the cave after the demon. As Vali moved deeper into the cave, Mayavi called out to him from further deeper in the cave. Soon enough, Vali began to have trouble seeing in the dark. “Come and face me”, barked Mayavi. As Vali struggled to find the demon in the cave, Mayavi snuck around him and headed towards the entrance. Mayavi then struck the wall of the cave so hard that the ceiling collapsed and blocked Vali from leaving.   

Author's note: This story was inspired by Buck's Ramayana: King Rama's Way. I wanted to write a story where Mayavi tricks Vali and defeats him.

Buck, William (1976). Ramayana: King Rama's Way.

Week 5: Reading Diary A

Bharata seems like such a good brother. Although he was given the keys to the kingdom, he does not desire to be king. Even though his mother Kaikeyi is responsible for taking the throne away from Rama, Bharata seems to feel guilty for what has occurred. As soon as he can, he goes to the forest to seek out Rama. I liked how the forest king Guha used divination to make sure that Bharata was seeking out Rama for a noble reason. Bharata could have been coming to destroy Rama, making sure he could rule unchallenged. Although Rama probably doesn’t need such protection, it is cool that the forest king is looking out for Rama.

I’m wondering what special powers the bow that Agastya gave Rama has. Hopefully it will be good against demons, as Rama will be encountering plenty of those. Agastya is a powerful sage himself, and has experience defeating demons.

I think it is interesting how Ravana’s kindom is set up. The demon capital is Lanka, where Ravana rules from. The Dandaka forest is like a state occupied by Ravana’s forces, with Khara in charge of the rakshasa forces in the forest. I like how the gods and demons have the same power structures that humans do.

I liked the story of Kashyapa and his wives. I thought Kadru must be evil if she gave birth to a thousand naga, and it seems I was correct. She tricks Vinata with a bet, and Vinata becomes her slave. However, Karma seems to be at work again, and Vinata’s child ensures her release while also ensuring that Kadru will not get to keep the ransom of amrita. I love that amrita is the same concept as ambrosia in Greek mythology.

I felt pity for the gandharva Tumburu. It would be a terrible fate to be cursed and transformed into a demon, especially for someone who wants nothing to do with evil. Karma seems to be on Tumburu’s side though, as once Rama kills him he is freed and rejoins the rest of the gandharva in heaven.

I have been noticing that the idea of Karma is everywhere in the story. It cannot be avoided, tricked, or reasoned with. Karma will catch up to you one way or another, and only your actions can keep you on the good side of Karma.

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Week 4 Storytelling: The Realm Divided

King Dasharatha sat on the throne with a heavy heart. A woman who only a few hours ago he loved and trusted had stabbed him in the back. His wife Kaikeyi had used the two promises King Dasharatha owed her to name Bharata the successor to the crown, and to banish Rama to the forests for the rest of his life. Rama would have to live the life of a sage, and would have to have to end his marriage with Sita. The King was a man of great honor and could not violate his word. As Rama entered the throne room, his father began to weep. "What is the matter father, what has made you so upset?", Rama asked. The King gathered himself and asked everyone else to leave the room. When they were alone, the King looked Rama in the eyes and told him the situation. Rama accepted his fate only out of respect for his father. He did not want to go against the promise his father had made, even though he and his father were wronged.

Rama walked backed to his chambers and thought of what he would tell Sita. Leaving her was the only part of his fate that truly upset him, and he could not bear the thought of being without her. As he approached her chambers, he decided he could not bear to look upon her beauty again then have to leave her forever. Rama went to his brother Lakshmana, told him the news, and asked him to inform Sita of his departure and the circumstances surrounding it. Rama then gathered what possessions he would take, and left the city in a disguise so nobody would see him leave.

King Dasharatha on his deathbed, Wikipedia

King Dasharatha died of grief the night Rama left the city. The whole city mourned his passing and discussed the rumors of what caused it. Over the next few days the true story of why the King died became know amongst the city. The people rioted in the streets, and demanded that Kaikeyi be executed. Lakshmana came before the people of the city and asked that they respect the honor of the King, and in turn honor the promise he made to Kaikeyi. The people of the city respected Lakshmana, and did as he asked of them.

Bharatha arrived in the city and was crowned as King. As Bharatha was crowned King, an agent of Ravana entered the room disguised as one of the King's guards. Ravana had learned of the situation and decided to seize the opportunity. He sent an agent to assassinate the King, who would then surrender himself to the King's guard. When interrogated, the agent would lie and claim to be working for Kaikeyi. He hoped this would cause a rebellion among the people of the city, and his foes would be weakened by this divide.

The agent of Ravana moved closer to the King as the ceremony drew to a close. Just as the King tried to retire from the crowd, the assassin stuck the King's heart with a dagger. In the aftermath of the killing, the assassin was captured and interrogated. Ravana's plan had worked, and the investigators believed Kaikeyi had planned the killing so she could be Queen. The night before he was to be executed, the agent of Ravana escaped the dungeon. As he was leaving, he spotted Sita. Her beauty was unrivaled, and he decided to kidnap her and offer her to Ravana.


Author's note: This story was inspired by Buck's Ramayana: King Rama's Way. I wanted to tell an alternate version of Rama's banishment and how his quest against Ravana began.

Buck, William (1976). Ramayana: King Rama's Way.

Week 4: Reading Diary A

I'm really glad that Buck included a map on page xxiii, I was curious about where in India the different parts of the story were taking place. I also enjoyed how one character telling of Ramayana said "Before Ramayana there was no poetry on Earth". This must have truly been a great epic at the time of its' inception, the people of India had probably never seen anything like it. I wish we could enjoy the story as it was originally told, in poetic form with song and music, but learning Sanskrit is out of the question for me. 

I like the way Valmiki was introduced into the story. His career in poetry was inspired by the emotions he felt upon seeing a bird in love killed by a hunter. Valmiki then receives divine inspiration from Brahma, which gives him the authority to write the true story of Rama. This is a very cool way to tell the story of the story. The author’s authority was given to him by the god who created the entire universe, so nobody can dispute the story he will tell.

As the children of Rama begin reciting the story, they describe Ayodhya as a utopia. This was interesting considering that heaven was in ruins, as it had been sacked and razed by Ravana and his army of Rakshasa. I like that fact that the gods do not always prevail against their nefarious counterparts. The story is so much richer because the gods have weaknesses. However, I thought it was strange that Brahma's high heaven was described as beyond change. To me, this means that it is impervious to demons and gods alike. But this isn't the case, as Indra throws a rock through one of the windows in Brahma's palace. 

The situation with the gods and Ravana is very interesting. I don’t understand why Brahma would grant him immunity against all gods and demons. But I suppose that is sort of the nature of Brahma, we cannot understand why he does things. Anyway, because of Ravana’s immunity, he must be defeated by man. Ravana will not be suspecting this, as he has sacked heaven itself, he thinks he has nothing to fear from man.

I like Buck’s version of the epic much more than Narayan, the backstory is provided which is something I was curious about. Buck also goes into a lot more detail about certain things, which I am thankful for. Although I enjoy Buck’s version more, I am glad we started with Narayan’s. It is nice to know the general layout of the story in advance.