Week 10: Reading Notes - Devi. Indian Fables and Folklore

Reading Notes Part B

Shibi and the Hawk - I wouldn't use this story, but I do like the idea behind it. I like the resolve that Shibi came to in order to save both birds. He had to give up a good part of himself in order to do so, but he was willing and so it was a valiant sacrifice. I feel like there is more behind this story.

The Fighting Blades of Grass - I think it is funny that a demi-god is born from a sneeze. Makes me think of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy!

The Logical Pupil - This could be a fun story to use to give some back story on Sarah and Gregor! Maybe give a little insight into some training they may have gone through when they were younger and just to have a fun story to explain their characters a little more.

Bibliography: Devi. Indian Fables and Folklore by Shovona Devi 1919

The Story of King Shibi

Source

Week 10: Reading Notes - Devi. Indian Fables and Folklore

Reading Notes Part A

The Man in the Eye - I'm not sure what it is about this story that I like so much, I don't even think I could recreate it into my own story, but I love the idea that the little person you see in your eye could be death looking forth. I know its a morbid thought, but the idea is mystical and intriguing to me.

The Hare in the Moon - I want to use this story SO BAD as another way to showcase how righteous and valiant Penny-Nichole can be!!! Maybe the earth could be in trouble some how and she comes along and saves everyone by being her awesome wise self who seeks justice.

The Gifts of the Sun - I think this story is cute! I think it is funny that there is an origin story behind how the parasol and shoes came about and that they were considered gifts from the sun. I wouldn't use this story for my stories, but I thought it was cute enough to comment on.

Bibliography: Devi. Indian Fables and Folklore by Shovona Devi 1919.

Hare from Hare in the Moon

Source

Week 9 Storytelling: Off With His Heads

The mighty monkey and bear army that had traveled to Lanka with Penny-Nichole and Gregor put up a valiant fight. However, as Penny-Nichole searched the battle field, she could not locate many that were still standing. Some had retreated back, lying in wait as they recovered some stamina as well as some courage. Others had completely run from the battle. Penny-Nichole didn't blame them. This was a battle that should have been fought between gods, not a battle to be fought by animals and men.

"Gregor!" Penny-Nichole cried out. She could barely see from the blood and sweat that poured across her eyes. She tried to stand from her kneeling position but quickly dropped back to the earth, gasping for the precious air that her lungs burned for. She assessed her wounds to see if there was anything that she could patch up with the scraps of medical supplies she still had on her. The large gashes that scored her body were not going to be fixed with just simple gauze wraps though.

"Gregor! Sarah!" she cried out once more. Penny-Nichole prayed to her own gods that the Strike siblings had not met their death.

Stand up, small one. Stand and let me strengthen your bones with my fires. Let my blood flow as yours and give new life to your muscles so that you may destroy Rava. A powerful voice boomed through Penny-Nichole's mind. Her eyes fluttered as she tried desperately to remain conscious.

Stand, Penny-Nichole of Earth! Stand and fight for the justice you so crave! A dam broke somewhere deep inside Penny-Nichole's soul. She felt fire race through her veins and cool water wash the blood and sweat from her brow. She bowed her head as the power of the gods flowed through her body and healed her of her wounds. She could feel the skin and muscle from her legs and arms as they knit themselves delicately back together. Slowly, the quiver and bow she broke in battle reappeared on her back, the quiver full of deadly arrows. The daggers she had thrown to save some of her men reformed on either side of her hips. Breathing deeply, Penny-Nichole stood. She lifted her head to the sun and let out a mighty and vicious battle cry that stopped all who were still fighting. All heads turned and stared at the now glowing form of Penny-Nichole. With her right hand extended, a new weapon took shape in her palm. She glanced down at it and took in all its fiery wonder.

This blade is my last help to you. I, Brahma, the lord of all knowledge and the universe itself, gift this sword so as to aid you in your victory against Rava. Use it well, my child. With his final gift clutched firmly in her hand, Penny-Nichole felt Brahma's presence slip from her mind.

Penny-Nichole stared at the sword for a moment, flipping it back and forth as she examined its details. Flames engulfed the entire sword as well as her hand but she felt no burn from it. Replacing the sword in the sheath that had formed on her hip behind the daggers, she scanned the field until she found who she was looking for. Gregor had Sarah back safe and sound and the two were rallying the troops that remained to prepare for another strike against the rest of the smaller demons. Penny-Nichole smiled. Gregor was always the wise and level-headed one of the group. He was always able to remain calm in even the most stressful of situations.

"You may have gotten your pet back, but I will still slaughter you all like the germs you are!" Penny-Nichole snapped her attention to Rava as he strode towards her. The great and gruesome Rava had remained a nonexistent part of that battle up to the moment that Penny-Nichole was healed by Brahma and even then he only sat back and watched. It was about time for him to show his ugly face. Penny-Nichole thought to herself. Rava's ten grotesque heads chuckled and laughed as his twenty arms swung their horrid weapons dangerously through the air.

"I have been gifted by your gods in ways you could not fathom, you disgusting creature. Feel my wrath as well as all of the pain and suffering you have caused these people! Die, Rava!" In one swift motion, Penny-Nichole nocked a flaming arrow and sprinted towards Rava. As she loosed the arrow towards him the fire grew into a mighty lion. Penny-Nichole released several more quickly behind her first arrow and soon there was a pride of flaming lions charging towards Rava.

A few of the arrows managed to sever some of Rava's heads, but that didn't slow him down. Penny-Nichole growled low in her throat. She stood her ground and nocked three arrows at a time, letting loose a flurry of flaming animals towards Rava. More of his heads were severed but still he stalked slowly towards her. Once Rava was close upon her she returned her mystical bow to her back and moved to grasped the flame sword on her hip. The arrows would do her no good if the demon's heads continued to regrow after she severed them.

"Now you die!" She pulled the sword from its sheath and, with a spin for momentum and unerring aim, Penny-Nichole sank the god's fire sword deep through Rava's heart. With his faces only inches from hers, Penny-Nichole could clearly see the smile on all the demon's ten faces fall and the color rush from him.

"No..." Rava's voice trailed off quietly. The last breath of the mighty demon god fled from his body and Rava crumpled to the blood-soaked earth.

It was finally over. The last of the smaller demons were easily demolished by Gregor and Sarah. Penny-Nichole sheathed her sword and sent many prayers and thanks to all of the great gods that had aided her on her journey. Gregor and Sarah rushed up to Penny-Nichole and the three embraced in a much needed group hug, shedding many tears of happiness at being reunited.


Author's note: This story is actually based on two stories. In Rama and Ravana, Rama is met by one of the gods chariots. Using it, he fights Ravana some more. Agastya tells Rama to send prayers to the sun god, which he does, and this in turn rejuvenates Rama. In the original story, Rama's arrows are said to each be like a flaming lion, which is why I described mine as such. This is also the story that shows that Ravana's heads regenerate. In the second story I used, Ravana's Death, Rama realized that the heads are regenerating and so, using the flaming weapon from Brahma, he pierces Ravana through the heart, killing him. I didn't use the very last part of this story because it brings in characters that I hadn't introduced and I didn't feel like I had the story in a place to bring them in. I don't remember where Sita actually comes back into the picture, but I chose to bring Sarah back here because I knew it would give Penny-Nichole more fuel to get back up and fight. I was also able to use it as another spot to work in some descriptions of Gregor's character. I really had fun adding in how Penny-Nichole got the divine flame sword. I don't remember when Rama got it, so I improvised! I hope you all enjoyed! This will probably be the last adventure with the stories of Rama.

Bibliography: Rama and Ravana by Sister Nivedita and Ravana's Death by Donald A. Mackenzie

Rama and Lakshmana attack Ravana

Week 9: Reading Notes - Dutton Fables of Bidpai

Part B (note: I do read all of the stories, I just only make notes from the ones I think I will use.)

The Rustic and the Nightingale - I like that at the end of this story the Rustic lets the bird go and the bird rewards him with the knowledge of the pot of gold. I feel like in most of these stories one or more of the characters does something stupid and everyone gets screwed over. I also like this story cause I can see a good application for it for my usual characters!

The King, The Falcon, and the Drinking-cup - I don't think I would use this story to make one of my own, but for some reason the story just really touched me and I wanted to make note of it! I had a feeling the bird was trying to save the king but it is awful that he killed it!

The Merchant and His Iron - This story would be fun to use with just young Gregor or just Penny-Nichole. They can both be pretty damn spunky!

The Lion and the Hare - This story reminds me of a book I read once called the Lottery. Its only sort of the same but it could be interesting to use this story to incorporate into one of my own.

Bibliography: The Baldwin Project by Maude Dutton

The Lion-king from the Lion and the Hare

Source

Week 9: Reading Notes - Dutton Fables of Bidpai

Part A

The Carpenter and the Ape - I like this story and I really feel like I could use it to make my own from it! The monkey watches the carpenter and then he thinks that he will be able to do the job just as well. I don't completely grasp the moral, but I think I could recreate it as another story!

The Scorpion and the Tortoise - This could be a cool story to use with my bounty hunters! I could see them befriending a strange creature and it betraying them in the end. I feel like I could do some cool things in it.

The Partridge and the Crow - I think this could be an interesting story to use Penny-Nichole and Sarah in. I haven't been able to do much to show their relationship and I feel like this could be a good story to show it. I don't completely understand the very last part of the story, but I could just chose to not use it.

The Tyrant Who Became a Just Ruler - This is story is basically about karma. I could easily use this story!

Bibliography: The Baldwin Project by Maude Dutton

1847 illustration of "The Scorpion and the Turtle"

Week 8 Reflections

 So, when I took mythology and folklore I felt like it was one of the easiest and most enjoyable classes I had ever taken. I loved being able to read the giant variety of stories and being able to let my imagination go as far as it wanted. When I was finally able to take this class I was so excited because I thought that it would be close to the same thing. Somehow, I was mistaken. For some reason, this class hasn't been as smooth as mythology and folklore. I had an awful time getting started and kept missing assignments and getting so confused on the most basic instructions! And it wasn't anyone else's fault but my own! I don't know why it was so much more challenging for me this semester than the other one, but goodness it was. I wanted so badly to just get in there and go with the same flow as the last class. It took me a while but I think I finally found my flow. I am having an easy time writing the stories, it is mostly finding the new stories that I am having such a difficult time with. Again, i'm not sure why it is so difficult, but I am managing to get through it!

The best part about this class when I was struggling to get everything together though, was reading everyone's introductions and other stories. They gave me some inspiration on what to do for my new stories and really helped me get up and running with my posts! I always love learning about people and their similarities and their differences. I love seeing how their lives and adventures shape how their write and what they write about. Its so fascinating!

Over the next few weeks I really want to try and build up my reoccurring characters. I want people to understand the smaller parts of their characters but to also see how they relate to the characters from the stories they are being based off of. That will take some dedication to the character but I feel that it would really bring them to the next level if I pulled it off! I haven't read ahead to see what new stories will be given to us, but I am excited to see where I can take my characters. As much as I love Sarah and Gregor from my old stories, I really want to make Penny-Nichole the new star. She holds a dear place in my heart and I can't wait to let her shine!

I believe that is all for now and I really look forward to reading and writing more stories and doing the best that I can with the rest of this class!

What I attempt to do when writing my stories.

Week 7: Extra Reading - Part B

Kincaid. Shri Krishna of Dwarka - Mahabharata

Part B - Author: C. A. Kincaid (1920)

8. The Syamantaka Jewel
I really like the whole story of Satrajit and the jewel that makes the sun god unable to be seen. I also think the qualities of the gem are cool. If owned by one who is brave and good it shall give them treasures but if they lead an evil life, they will meet their death. Since they don't go into great detail of the battle between the great bear king and Krishna, I think that could be another cool battle story.

9. Adventures of Balarama and Pradyumna
I could make a tale of the adventures the divine baby has inside the fish. Or make a story of how the demon wife finds the baby in the fish she is going to make for dinner.

10. Naraka and Bana
Just reading the first paragraph I feel like I could compare Naraka to a spoiled child who is too big for his own good. It could be fun to take this story and make it from the view that Naraka is in fact just a small child playing in his world where he gets everything he wants.

11. Nriga and Paundrika
I feel that it could be fun to use the chameleon character in another story.

12. Deaths of Jarasandha and Shishupala
I think it is really cool to have a crossover between this chapter and the Mahabharata. There are also a couple of instances that I feel I could turn into stories.

13. The Passing of Krishna
How the club is produced is interesting. The event where Balamara passes could also be used as a good story.

Bibliography: Shri Krishna of Dwarka by C. A. Kincaid. Link.

Death of Krishna

Week 7: Storytelling - Madam Moo the Planet Guru

Once upon a time there was a young planet named Earth. She was home to many creatures of many sizes. There was one particular species that seemed to think that they were in charge of all other species. Earth called these creatures, humans. She had a love hate relationship with the humans, see, they were fascinating to watch but they weren't the brightest of beings. Honestly, she wasn't entirely sure how they had managed to become rulers of the other creatures. The were able to build some very impressive structures, but they would also constantly engage in meaningless squabbles that would result in many of them dying. One day, while Earth was enjoying her time observing the humans as she often enjoyed doing, a particular baby was born to a particular family. This baby, Kansa, was the reincarnation of a great demon that had once plagued Earth while she was still very young. Earth didn't know that it was the same demon, but she knew that nothing good would come from this child. She had been watching its family and she'd never had a very good feeling about them, but since they had never posed any actual threat, she'd let them be. Not too long after the baby Kansa was born, Earth started to notice many more creatures appearing on her surface that she knew she did not want. These creatures quickly began picking on the weak humans and causing tremors through to her core. The demons were upsetting the balance of her generally peaceful residents. Earth knew that the only way to rid herself of these parasites was to speak to the great planet guru, Madam Moo. Earth sent out distress signals across the galaxy for Madam Moo to come to her aid. She called for years and years until finally, the great guru appeared before her.

"What is it yoooooou need my dear child?" Madam Moo asked softly. The great guru shifted between different forms of an animal that the humans would call cows. Earth wasn't really sure why the amazing and all powerful guru was named after such a humble creature, but she didn't pay the detail much heed.

"Madam Moo, oh please help me! I have these creatures appearing on my surface that are causing quite the ruckus! I need to be rid of them as soon as I can. They are making quite a mess of my fascinating little humans and if I am not rid of the creatures soon, they are sure to wipe out all other life on me. I am worried that if they finish with all the other life, will slowly start to take mine as well. I am too young to die! Please. What must I do, Madam Moo? Please, you must help! I'm not sure how much longer I cant take these trembles that are constantly stretching across my lands and seas." Earth wailed helplessly to her great guru.

Madam Moo smiled and continued in her soft and gentle tone, "My dear, you must take the shape of the noble cow, as I have chosen to doooo, and travel to Mount Meru. There you will implore the help of Brahma Deva. He will tell you what needs to be done. Goooo now, and you will find peace in due time. Stay strong, young one." With her final words, and moos, Madam Moo disappeared into the endless universe. Off to aid another planet in need or assist a helpless spaceship stuck in her web of existence.

Earth focused her energy and slowly transformed into a brilliantly golden cow. Her horns and ankles were adorned with simple silver cuffs and a small crown of lapis topped her head. She drifted through time, desperately trying to find the mountain. When she felt that she would just succumb to the creatures torment, she finally found what she was looking for. Earth found this Brahma Deva and from his help, a divine pair of children were born unto her surface. These were not like any ordinary humans that had been born on her lands. No, these children were as strong as thirty men by the time they could walk. Their skin never burned from the sun or was ever marred by scratches or scars. They were righteous and brave and any creature that dared stand against them was instantly put to death. As the two grew they extinguished the plague of parasitic demons. First they would just take them on one by one and then slowly hoards of the creatures would throw themselves at the children. Earth had a marvelous time watching the two destroy the infestation. After many years of the children fighting and hunting and destroying the creatures, Earth was free from their horrible deeds and balance was right on her world again.

Author's note:
This story is based on the story "The Coming of Krishna" from the C. A. Kincaid version of the Mahabharata, Shri Krishna of Dwarka. The begin of the story tells of how the earth takes the shape of a cow and goes to Mount Meru to seek the help of Brahma Deva to be rid of the demons that were tormenting her. The help resulted in the god Shiva and his serpent being reborn onto Earth to slay the demons. I found it confusing and hilarious that the Earth took the shape of a cow to seek help so I thought I would make a comedic story from the Earth's point of view! And as soon as I knew which story I wanted to use, the name Madam Moo popped into my head and I found it so funny I just had to use it. This isn't a story that goes with my usual characters, but it is a little refreshing to give the bounty hunters a day off and just tell a background story!

Bibiography: "The Coming of Krishna" by C. A. Kincaid. from Shri Krishna of Dwarka.

The Worship of Vishnu at the Birth of Krishna

Source

Week 7: Reading Notes - Part A

Kincaid. Shri Krishna of Dwarka - Mahabharata

Part A - Author: C. A. Kincaid (1920)

1. The Coming of Krishna

So the Earth turned into a cow? Or a cow went to Earth? Nope. It looks like the Earth turned into a cow.. Okay then..  But I feel like it could be fun to make a story of how the cow turned into an animal and went off seeking aid to be rid of its demons. I also think it is cool how Vishnu has two incarnations sent to earth, one as his serpent and the other as himself.
I'm not sure if I could bring myself to do it, but it could make for a really gripping story if I wrote about how Kansa ended up slaying his first six children.

2. Krishna
The part where the baby grabs the demon and throws it around reminds me of Disney's Hercules. I feel like I could do something interesting with the female demon with poisoned milk but I'm not quite sure what I would do. I would also love to do something with Krishna as a toddler, I feel like it could be super funny!

3. The Boyhood of Krishna
While it is a little gory, I could use the moment when the false buffalo seeks to try to kill Krishna and Krishna finds it instead and kills it. Or when he get swallowed by the giant demon crane but beats his way out of it then kills that demon. Or use the demon snake because the imagery of how large it is is very impressive.

4. The Youth of Krishna
I could use the part where Krishna raises the mountain over his people' heads or the part where he save Nanda from the man-slaying serpent that was actually just a cursed man.

5. The Manhood of Krishna
The fight between Krishna and Arishta, who takes the form of a bull as tall as the mountain peaks. I also like when Krishna meets Kubja and she gives them ointment and Krishna straightens her back. The fight between Krishna and Kuvalyapad the demon elephant would be fun.

6. Krishna Founds Dwarka
I could make something small out of why "no Yavada prince can rule over Mathura". They already gave me the background story. The battle between Krishna and Jarasandha's army.

7. Rukmani
I could make a story around when Rukmani writes the letter to Krishna. Or her wedding night.
Bibliography: Shri Krishna of Dwarka by C. A. Kincaid. Link

.

Kaliya Damana

(by Khitindra Nath Mazumadar,

from Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists, 1914)