Monday, August 29, 2016

Reading Notes: Public Domain Ramayana, Part A

Rama: Avatar of Vishnu
I thought this story was so interesting! I liked that after such an intense process for Dasharatha to have heirs, Vishnu is coming to earth as one of these sons. This is a serious plot twist. I think it would be fun to use this in Storytelling somehow.

Vishvamitra
In this story, I was drawn to how Lakshmana was feeling. Dasharatha was so worried about Rama and the whole story is really focusing on Rama. It is interesting to think about how Lakshmana felt. Did he resent Rama? Was he jealous? What was his personality like that helped him deal with this favoritism? This would be an easy place to create a spin-off story.

Thataka In this section, I was drawn to the mystical gifts that he receives. If I were to change the story, what is something that he could have received instead?

Ahalya
This is the story where Gautama curses Ahalya to be invisible because she was unfaithful. I think I could do a lot with this story! Since Ahalya was tricked by Indra, I think Ahalya should use her invisibility to seek revenge on him...or maybe all men.

Sita
This is the eternal heavenly love story of Sita and Rama. I love the possibilities that exist here.

King Janaka/Rama Wins Sita
This is the part where the king has a challenge set in place for anyone who wants to marry his daughter. The challenge is to bend the bow, but it would be fun to create a story with a different challenge!

Rama the Heir Apparent
Here, Rama is decided to be the obvious heir. Again, I think it would be fascinating to hear from the other brothers. Rama has always been the favorite. He is very virtuous and well-loved, but how do his siblings feel about his popularity? There is definitely room for elaboration here.

Rama is Banished
It really shocked me how willing Rama was to be banished. I'm not sure what I could do here to change the story, but this part really fascinated me.

Rama Goes into Exile
I thought it was very touching that his brother and wife were so determined to accompany him in his banishment.

Source: http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2014/04/ramayana-online-public-domain-edition.html

(My favorite part of today's reading was when Rama won Shiva. Wikimedia)

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