Week 14: Reading Notes Part B

Reading Notes

Part B

Bibliography: Eastern Stories and Legends by Marie Shedlock 1920

The Bull that Demanded Fair Treatment - I like that the bull so easily taught the squire a lesson about being fare to those who help you. I was so angry about the fact that he called the bull a wretch when the bull had been so good to him!

The Elephant that was Honored in Old Age - I understood this story but the wording was a little hard to get through. I am glad that the elephant was able to be restored her honor. I like that the moral of these stories is usually someone standing up for the honor that they rightfully deserved.

The Faithful Friend - This story is adorable! I am so happy that the puppy dog and the elephant got be get back together and be friends again!

The Faithful Friend

Week 14: Reading Notes Part A

Reading Notes

Part A

Bibliography: Eastern Stories and Legends by Marie Shedlock 1920

The Hare That Ran Away - I thought this story was cute. I don't really need to find stories that I would turn into stories anymore, but I found this story to just be pleasant. I thought it was cute how patient the lion was with the little hare. It made me think of mob mentality where no one stops to see for themselves if the rumors are true, they just go along with the crowd.

A Spirit That Lived in a Tree - I was so worried the entire time that the king was actually going to cut down the tree! I am very glad that, since the main tree was willing to be cut down, and in such a painful way, he allowed the tree to be spared.

The Man Who Worked to Give Alms - I liked that the man was so willing to give alms that he began to work himself to collect something to give. He was even willing to give away his own valuables!

The tree that the tree-spirit lived in

Week 14: Extra Reading

Extra Reading - Part B

Bibliography: Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt 1912

The Elephant Girly-Face - It makes me so sad that the elephant is so easily taught to be mean and murderous. I guess the moral could be showing how easily susceptible to things our children are and how they can pick up on the wrong things so easily.

The Banyan Deer - I have read another version of this story before and it both makes me so happy and sad at the same time. In the other version the king agrees to not harm any living creature again, which I felt was going to far, but I love that the great king of the deer is so willing to put his life on the line for one of his own.

The King's White Elephant - This is such a sweet story! I was so worried that the people were going to kill the white elephant because it was different, but they took it in and treated it well! This is the kind of story I like to read.

The Ox Who Envied the Pig - This story was sweet and simple! I don't have much to say about it, but I like it and I think it is a good lesson.

The Banyan Deer

Week 13: Extra Reading

Extra reading - Part A

Bibliography: Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt 1912

The Monkey and the Crocodile - I like this story because I like the fact that the mom croc is challenging her child to think outside of his limitations to achieve something great. I also like that, though the crocodile doesn't succeed in catching the monkey, the two gain a mutual understanding and respect for each other.

How the Turtle Saved His Own Life - Haha! I thought this story was great. It reminded me of small children being tickled where they clearly want to be but they just keep yelling, "No, don't tickle me!" while basically laying there waiting to be tickled.

The Turtle Who Couldn't Stop Talking - I think this story has been in every Jataka tale combination I have read so far and every time I read it, it makes me think of my lack of faith in humanity. At the beginning of the story I don't trust the turtle to stay quiet even to save himself, just like I don't really trust humanity to shut up or do something against what they want to do just to save themselves.

Turtle who saved his own life

Week 13: Reading Notes - Part B

Part B
Bibliography: "The Giant Crab and Other Tales" by W. H. D. Rouse

Lioness from 'The Jackal Would A-Wooing Go'

Union is Strength - This story is interesting and I like that the group works so well together at t first and then starts to fight. I feel like I could use my trio somehow, but mostly I just found the story to be interesting.

Silence is Golden - I think it is so sad that the little lion has to hold his tongue around others just because he doesn't have a lions roar! He should be able to be himself as a little jackal-lion... but I guess that would defeat the moral of the story that silence is golden.

The Bold Beggar - For some reason I could totally see a young Gregor do this. I don't think I would write a story after it, but I found it entertaining!

The Jackal Would A-Wooing Go - This could make for an interesting story with P-N going back to visit her home planet earth and running into either a fan of her stories or a friend of her brothers (she would find that pretty repulsive) who proposes to her. She could end up seeing her brothers and telling them something about the friend. I would have to change their interaction, or maybe the brothers have changed and after they lost their little baby sister they had changed! I think I could do a good amount with this story.

Week 13: Reading Notes - The Giant Crab and Other Tales

Reading Notes Part A

Bibliography: "The Giant Crab and Other Tales" by W. H. D. Rouse

The Giant Crab

The Hypocritical Cat - I think this could be a good story to do something with my trio being with some sort of army or large clan and they have a mysterious problem losing their troop and the trio figures out its the strange statue siting outside of the entrance of the camp! Or something like that.

The Crocodile and the Monkey - I think this would be a fun story with either P-N or Sarah as the monkey out witting the crocodile.

The Dishonest Friend - I could possibly use this story. Mostly I thought it was an interesting story.

Week 11: Reading Notes Part B (extra reading) - The Divine Archer

Reading Notes (extra reading) - Part B

Bibliography: The Divine Archer by F. J. Gould (1911)

Hanuman's Leap to Lanka

Hanuman in Lanka - Could be cool to find one of the Strike's old allies in Rava's territory and have him/her/it help out the team!

The Battle Begins/The War Ends - I wish I had read this version along with our main version of the Ramayana. I have already done my stories from these particular sections but the shortened version make so much more sense and are easy to read!

Sita and the Twins - maybe way later down in the lives of our team, I could use this story somehow. It would be sad, but it would be cool!

Week 11: Reading Notes Part A - The Divine Archer

Reading Notes - Part A

Bibliography: The Divine Archer by F. J. Gould (1911)

Birth of Dasharatha's Sons

Birth of Dasharatha's Sons - I don't remember the note about Rama's mother seeing him as a cosmic being before he looked like a baby again. I think that is kind of neat! Maybe I could incorporate some mention of Penny-Nichole being a celestial being in some of my stories. That could give her a super mysterious background. 

Rama and Sita - Reading this section gave me an idea for something hilarious. Since P-N, Gregor, and Sarah are all supposed to represent different parts of Rama and P-N is kind of my main character at the moment, I think it would be really funny to put her in Sita's position of this story but have her be completely uninterested because she represents Rama's side of justice and righteousness, not his side of love and compassion. 

Parashurama - It would be really neat to do a story where P-N and the Strikes do something and then end up meeting different versions of themselves, like how Rama and Parashurama are different incarnations of Vishnu.

Bharata - P-N doesn't have a good relationship with her brothers when we first meet her but it could be cool to bring them back in. They could represent Rama's other two brothers that aren't Laskshmana.

Agastya - if I ever run low on ideas for stories, this would be a good go to so that I could explain some of the divine weapons P-N had from the battle with Rava story.

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: 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 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: 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)

Week 6: Reading Notes - Part D

THIS IS NOT COMPLETE. Obviously. I just accidentally hit publish instead of saving it as a draft.

1. Bhisma Falls
So wait... Arjuna was actually born a girl?? I am so confused...
Donald A. Mackenzie
2. Drona in Command
Romesh C. Dutt
3. Abhimanyu and Jayadratha
I can only imagine the pain of losing a child. I am not surprised that Arjuna wants revenge.
Donald A. Mackenzie
4. Ghatotkacha
This story and the last are both about two of the Pandavas losing their children. I feel like this, and possibly the last story, would be good to use for my storytellings.
Donald A. Mackenzie
5. Death of Drona
The trickery used here and the image of the kuru's soul is pretty cool. I feel like this could also be a good story to use for my storytelling.
Sister Nivedita
6. Bhima and Duhshasana
As gross as it is that he drank the guy's blood, I am impressed that he kept his vow and it makes me happy that he avenged the wrong done to Draupadi.
Donald A Mackenzie
7. Arjuna and Karna
I would really like to use this story as another one of my storytelling stories.
Donald A. Mackenzie
8. Duryodhana in the Lake
Donald A. Mackenzie
9. The Raid
This would be an excellent story to use since it is not what one would expect to happen at all! The gods seemed to always help the Pandavas but then shiva just let the guy in!
Donald A. Mackenzie & Romesh Dutt
10. Ashwatthaman's Jewel
So I could also use Ashwatthaman as one of my celestial beings. I want to use the story of his amulet somehow.
Donald A. Mackenzie
11. Mourning
As sad and painful as this story would be, I can completely see a retelling of this story to be super useful in my portfolio.
Donald A. Mackenzie
12. The Pandavas and Bhishma
The idea of being able to chose the moment of ones death is a SUPER cool idea! I feel like it could be easy to misuse, but it could also create an excellent was to forward a plot.
John Mandeville Macfie
13.  Parikshit
John Mandeville Macfie and Sunity Devee
14. King Yudhishthira's Horse
This ritual is still fascinating to me.
Donald A. Mackenzie
15. Horse Sacrifice
Its about damn time.
Donald A. Mackenzie
16. The Mongoose
I like the idea of switching narrators and having the actual narrator be an animal!
Annie Besant
17. The Forest and its Ghosts
This would be a really cool story as well.
Donald A. Mackenzie
18. Death of Krishna
This reads like a Shakespearian tragedy where EVERYONE dies at the end...
Donald A. Mackenzie
19. The Pandavas Depart
Donald A. Mackenzie
20. The Afterlife
I LOVE the idea of him going through a test and, after succeeding, becoming a celestial. I also really like how it is explained how each brother is basically paired with another god.
Donald A. Mackenzie

Yudhishthira's Journey to Hell

Bibliography: Since each chapter is written by a different author each author, link and title are provided above.

Week 6: Reading Notes - Part C

Reading Notes Part C
1. Life in the Forest
This chapter reminds me of the story of Sugriva I think it was? Where he was told that his kingdom would be restored to him, probably after he met Rama, because that was the theme to all things in tha epic. I like the idea of having an all powerful diety that wont necessarily spek for itsself, but will send messangers for it.
Donald A. Mackenzie
2. Krishna's Visit
The seeds of deception are planted early in this story it looks like.
Donald A. Mackenzie
3. Arjuna and Shiva
I like that even though Arjuna is incredibly devout, he cannot fight his warrior instinct. I also like the imagery of his devotions. I would really like to use Gandiva, the divine bow, in one of my stories.
Sister Nivedita
4. Arjuna and Indra
Indra - King of Gods, Varuna - God of Waters, Yama - King of the Dead, Kubera - Lord of Treasures, Swarga - the celestial city, Apsaras - heavenly brides of gods and heros, Kama - God of Love, Daityas and Danavas - demons and giants, the ancient enemies of Indra. The image of Arjuna fighting the giants and demons is really cool. He basically parts the ocean and then calls forth his celestial weapons and kicks their butts.
Donald A. Mackenzie
5. The Himalayas
What is the Deluge?
Donald A. Mackenzie
6. Bhima and Hanuman
Okay, so I need to remember that Bhima is also a son of the wind god Vayu. I'm so excited that Hanuman is back! He was one of my favorite characters in the Ramayana. The story of bascially how the religion came to be was very interesting.
John Mandeville Macfie
7. Duryodhana and the Gandharvas
Donald A. Mackenzie
8. Karna and Indra
Based on this chapter I am very interested to see what happens should Karna and Arjuna ever get into a battle.
Sister Nivedita
9. Jayadratha and Draupadi
These men need to stop leaving their women in the forests alone...
Donald A. Mackenzie
10. Riddles a the Lake
This would be a good chapter to get some ideas from if my characters ever needed some riddles to deal with! Which I think is a good stepping stone in stories.
Donald A. Mackenzie
11. The Court of the King Virata
I guess it is a good fit for Arjuna to become the dance teacher since he became so skilled in it at the celestial city.
Donald A. Mackenzie
12. Bhima and Kichaka
I don't understand why her husbands cannpt depend her. Or why they have to do so in secret.
C. A. Kincaid
13. The Cattle Raid
I bet having to fight those brothers would be a surprise.
Donald A. Mackenzie
14. Preparations for War
War is going to happen no matter how hard even the gods try to stop it. I like it. :)
Donald A. Mackenie
15. Krishna and His Army
I love the relationship between Krishna and Arjuna. I think it is so cool and I would love to use it in some stories.
Annie Besant
16. Krishna's Mission to the Kauravas
This isn't even my final form is the only thing I keep thinking with this entire chapter. But I like the idea of it.
Donald A. Mackenzie
17. Krishna and Karna
That has to be an awful intense reaction to learning that your lifelong enemies are actually your brothers.
Donald A. Mackenzie
18. The Armies at Kurukshetra
Donald A. Mackenzie
19. Bhagavad - Gita
As much as I love battle scenes, I am more interested in the celestial character from these stories.
Edwin Arnold
20. The Battle Begins
This will be a pretty epic fight.
Donald A. Mackenzie

Karna

Bibliography: Since each chapter is written by a different author each link, author, and titles are given at the top of the page.

Week 5: Reading Notes B

Part B
Authors: C. A. Kincaid (1, 4, 11)
Donald A. Mackenzie (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 19, 20)
V. Venkatachellam Iyer (8)
John Mandeville Macfie (14, 15)
Romesh Dutt (18)
Reading Notes:
I think I want to incorporate the image of the bow somewhere into my story. Almost all of the main heros seem to have a celestial bow and I personally like to do archery so I like the feel of bows as well. They are very powerful but also sleek and seemingly harmless. I also like that the five brothers are such a force to be reckoned with. I kind of want to incorporate that group family sense as well. Which I kind of do with the Strikes and Penny-Nichole.

I think it is sweet that the rakshasa and Bhima can be happily in love!

Dhrishtadyumna and Draupadi are two more that could fit into my theme of celestial beings for my stories. I haven't read too much about them but it seems like they are both warriors. I like the idea of brother and sister warriors, as one can tell by my bounty hunter siblings. So if the daughter is actaully a warrior also, then I could easily use these two.

Nalayani is an interesting character because of the amount of sexualization that surrounds her character. And how she is reborn to be the wife of five men. I'm not sure I'd use her as a character, but she is interesting to me.

Iravat, the son of Arjuna and naga princess Ulupi, is another character that could be used as a celestial being. I don't know anything about him yet, except for his lineage. And Arjuna gets a new cool power from having a child with the princess of the nagas. It is a neat little quest that he goes on to turn all the water nymphs back to their original forms. It reminds me a little bit of a video game.

Maya is also an interesting character but that is probably because she/he is a god, or a worker of the gods.

Draupadi and the Pandavas go into exile.

Bibliography: Since each chapter has a different author the links to each chapter are listed with their respected author at the top of the page.

Week 5: Reading Notes A

Part A
Authors: John Mandeville Macfie (1)
Donald A. Mackenzie (2,3,4,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,18,19)
Sister Nivedita (5,6)
Elizabeth Seeger (11,12)
Romesh Dutt (17)
C. A. Kincaid (20)
Reading notes:
I generally like origin stories for this very reason, they are so strange and creative that it couldn't possibly ever be true. I think the idea of a river goddess becoming human so she can save the cursed celestial beings is pretty cool. Even more so neat that the beings then granted her human son an either each of their power. It made me laugh that she agreed to marry the king so long as he treated her well. It makes sense! Thats what anyone wants in a relationship! But I can imagine that after watching your wife drown seven sons, that would be a lot of rage pent up not saying anything. I don't know if the river goddess character will come back into play, but I like that she came, had her story, and then was no longer needed. Unnecessary characters are frustrating.

The story of Satyavati is an interesting one. I like the line, "If ever thou hast need of me, think of me, and I shall come to thine aid.". That idea of her son being so devoted to her even though he wasn't there for very long is sweet to me. I also appreciate that Shantanu didn't disinherit his own son just to wed the other beautiful maiden. Thats pretty noble of Bhishma to basically disinherit himself so that is father could marry the woman he wanted. It was already his destiny to not marry or bear children of his own, but it was still a very noble thing to do for one's father. This is a pretty cool dude. Hes going to fight to seize bride for his younger brother who is on the throne that he should have. He is making such an effort to secure the throne for his half-brother. I think so far he is my favorite character!

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, and in this case Amba is the woman scorned and she is going to get her revenge on Bhishma it sounds like. The set up of this plot it very intriguing and I would definitely use it somehow in my stories! It sucks that the younger brother died before he could have any successors. I really liked how they bring back in the slightly forgotten actual first born child to Satyavati. While it is sad that Vyasa was so horrid to behold, I find it interesting how the sons came to be and how their names relate to their characteristics.

The play fight turning deadly is another image that I really like and feel like it would be fun to use in one of my own stories. Arjuna would be another celestial being, seeing as he is the son of the Sun God.

I feel like I could do a cool story with all of the celestial born characters in this epic. So far we have Kunit, who's mother was a nymph, Vyasa, who was gifted an eighth of power from eight celestials, Vidura, who is the reincarnation of the god of justice, and Ganga, who is a river goddess. And any of the sons of Vyasa and any of his son's sons are all technically celestial beings by being related to Vyasa. I also like the idea of having omens surrounding the birth of certain characters, I feel like that is something I could easily add into my stories.

I am not surprised that there is competition between the sons of the two kings. I am excited about the ideas of the nagas though and how they give Bhima supernatural strength. I could use that in a story with the other celestial beings! I like the relationship between the sons and their teacher Drona. Starting with friendship and turning to disdain is an interesting relationship that could lead to many different paths.

 

Amba, Javanese Shadow Puppet

Bibliography: Since each chapter has a different author the links to each chapter are listed with their respected author at the top of the page.

Week 4: Reading Notes

1. The Bridge
The amount of pain and anguish that can be felt from Rama in this particular chapter as he desperately tries to make it to Sita only to be ignored is a very powerful image that I feel like I could easily use somehow to make a very gripping story. I also liked the image of the god of the ocean who would seem as though he would be horribly angry, but instead he was incredibly gentle with Rama.
Written by: Donald A. Mackenzie (1913)
2. Rama Attacks
I like the image of haivng the spies "in monkey shape". I could use that word choice to come up with something cool. I also still like that there is such a strong level of emotion coming from Rama as he goes off to save his love.
Written by: Sister Nivedita (1914)
3. Indrajit
Ravana is a very trickster-y character and I really like that he doesn't completely fight fair! It gives him another element as a character that I really feel I could use to build a better main villain in my story.
Written by: Sister Nivedita (1914)
4. Kumbhakarna
I think it is hilarious that the only way to wake up the great giant warrior is by the caresses of women. This guy is almost scarier than his all powerful brother though... He is huge and devours basically everything and still isn't satisfied. I don't know a lot about Ravana's size or really all of his power, but his brother seems to have more raw power than him.
Written by: Donald A. Mackenzie (1913)
5. Hanuman and the Mountain
This is an interesting little story and I think its funny that Hanuman returned the hill after he uprooted it to heal Rama's warriors. At least I think thats who he healed...
Written by: Sister Nivedita (1914)
6. Lakshmana and Indrajit
I like all of the deception that is going on by means of illusions. Then no one is actually getting hurt but it messes with people's minds enough that it causes serious damage. Then if they see that the person is still alive, it could make for an interesting character change.
Written by: Romesh Dutt (1899)
7. Ravana's Lament
This is pretty similar to several of the other chapters with Rama's father lamenting over having to exile his son.
Written by: Donald A. Mackenzie (1913) and Romesh Dutt (1899)
8. Ravana and Lakshmana
Near death experience of the close and glorious brother would make for an EXCELLENT attention getter for a story! Fighting scenes are my favorite and I feel like death or near-death scenes are so much fun to write.
Written by: Donald A. Mackenzie (1913)
9. Indra's Chariot
Having the Gods themselves step into the picture for Rama to win is interesting. Rama already has celestial weapons so I am surprised that he needs help from the Gods at all.
Written by: Romesh Dutt (1899)
10. Battle of Rama and Ravana
Its a pretty bloody image of Rama cutting off all of the heads of Ravana, but it reminds me of the final boss battle of a video game. You have to get the special object and find the certain weakness of the boss before you can actually defeat it.
Written by: Sister Nivedita (1914)
11. Ravana's Death
That was kind of anticlimactic how Ravana died, but I guess they did spend several chapters tellingo of how Rama had to get close to Ravana and get all of the aid from the Gods. It was also anticlimactic because you already knew that he was going to win all along.
Written by: Donald A Mackenzie (1913) and Romesh Dutt (1899)
12. Mandodari's Lament
I think it is nobel how Rama acted towards the death of Ravana.
Written by: Romesh Dutt (1899)
13. Sita and Rama
Well... that was definitely not what I was expecting to happen... He fought so hard to get Sita back only to unclaim her because she resided with another man for so long. I like the interest it brings to the story but I think its a little harsh!
Written by: Sister Nivedita (1914)
14. Sita Tested
I'm glad that she was proven to be worthy of him still otherwise this whole story would have been completely pointless!!!
Written by: Sister Nivedita (1914)
15. Pushpaka
This is a cool thing to have the main character telling all of the adventures to the woman he went through the adventures to save.
Written by: Romesh Dutt (1899)
16. Rama and Bharata
Its nice that his brother held his place for so long and that Rama made it back just in time.
Written by: Donald A Mackenzie (1913) and Romesh Dutt (1899)
17. Rama Crowned King
This is a pretty straight forward chapter.
Written by: Romesh Dutt (1899)
18. Valmiki's Hermitage
OOOOHHHHH!!!! He banished his wife because his people didnt trust his word on her purity and then he has to go and fight his sons!!! vThe plot thickens.
Written by: Donald A. Mackenzie (1913)
19. Sita Departs
So she had to die in order to prove her purity? That seems dumb but I like the twist it gives to the story.
Written by: Sister Nivedita (1914)
20. Rama Departs
After all of his loved ones die I can understand that he would be tired and ready to return to the heavens.
Written by: Sister Nivedita (1914)

The Earth Takes Sita

Bibliography: Since each of these has a different author the title, author, and links to each chapter are included in each section.

Week 4: Reading Notes (Extra Reading) C

Somehow I missed this section...
1. Sugriva and Hanuman
I like Hanuman's character. I like that he can change shape and that his original form is a monkey. I don't know what it is, but the way he is portrayed in his particular chapter is very friendly but also protective. I just like him.
Written by: Geraldine Hodgson
2. Sugriva's Story
I can understand where Vali is coming from, it would have looked very much like his brother had betrayed him for the kingdom but it would also be frustrating to have waited for your brother for so long and to believe him dead and then have him show up again to only exile you.
Written by: Geraldine Hodgson
3. Sugriva and Vali
A fight scene between brothers is always a good attention getter.
Written by: Romesh Dutt
4. Vali's Death
With Rama allied Sugriva, I wasn't expecting Vali to end up alive from this battle.
Written by: Romesh Dutt
5. King Sugriva
The main thing I get from this chapter that I really like is the idea of the Vanars. The word is translated to "monkey" in english, but it means more than just monkey, according to the preview of the chapter. I like that the people of Sugriva are considered monkeys, but not really. They can be more than just monkeys.
Written by: Romesh Dutt
6. The Rainy Season
I can imagine it being hard to just sit and wait for a whole season to pass while your wife is in the hands of the demon king! That would be awful! But I think it is nice that Sugriva is willing to help out Rama. I mean, I don't see why he wouldn't, but its still nice.
Written by: Romesh Dutt and Arthur William Ryder
7. The Armies
I wonder what significance it has that there are bears fighting with the monkeys. Why bears and not some sort of cat or wolf or something?
Written by: Donald A. Mackenzie
8. Sampati
I wonder why the monkeys of the south search party didn't want to return to Sugriva but all of the other ones did, even thoough they had all failed. I think it is neat that Jatayu's brother also helped Rama in his search for Sita.
Written by: Sister Nivedita
9. Sampati and Jatayu
The image of the two brother birds nesting so close together that they could hear each other's heart beats is so sweet to me! And the fact that Sampati burnt his wings in order to try to save his brother is a valiant story, and though it has a sad ending, it gives me more respect for Sampati. It makes sense that Rama is the one that Sampati is waiting on so he can get his wings again. Rama seems to be the turing point in a profecy for many creatures.
Written by: Frederika Richardson Macdonald
10. Hanuman's Leap
Hanuman keeps becoming one of my favorite characters the more I read about him!
Written by: Sister Nivedita
11. Hanuman in Lanka
The comparison of the city being like a woman was very interesting... I kind of understood it, but I felt it may have also been a little much. It was a very effective imagery.
Written by: Sister Nivedita
12. The Askhoka
They make the demons sound so completely horrible. I like that they stick to that kind of image for demons. Sometimes people try to make them in a prettier image, which isn't a problem, sometimes that can be even scarier, but I like the traditional idea of the ugly and gruesome creature.
Written by: Donald A. Mackenzie
13. Sita and Ravana
It seems like the entire time Sita is around Ravana, she truly is never tempted by Ravana. I mean, he seems to be pretty terrifying, but he does try so hard and she seems to be there for so long that it seems like something would happen for him to succeed in tempting her.
Written by: Sister Nivedita
14. Hanuman and Sita
She is even so devoted to Rama that she refuses to touch any other male! Having read the last section before this one and knowing that Rama shuns Sita because he does not believe her to have been faithful to him, it makes me even more mad at him! I know he has no way of knowing how faithful she was to him, but still...
Written by: Donald A. Mackenzie
15. Hanuman Captured
Crap... He was so close to getting away and letting Rama know that Sita was alright... Dang it! This does make the story more exciting though.
Written by: Sister Nivedita
16. Hanuman and Ravana
This story is so short, I want to know why it is such a bad idea to set Hanuman's tail on fire, other than the reason that it would royaly piss off Rama and Sugriva.
Written by: Sister Nivedita
17. The Burning of Lanka
This is a pretty cool chapter. Since Hanuman is the son of the wind (which is interesting that a monkey is son to the wind), his "father" kept his tail from actually burning and it allowed Hanuman to flee his captors and set Lanka ablaze. At least he checked on Sita first.
Written by: Sister Nivedita
18. The March on Lanka
I can get Rama being afraid of the Rakshasa's but I already know, with some help, he will kick ass and lay waste to them! But I guess it is their magic that lays him low a couple of times.
Written by: Sister Nivedita
19. Ravana's Court
It would have been much smarter to have just given back Sita... But she is supposed to be very beautiful and he is trying to piss off Rama, so whether it would have actually been a smart thing to do or not, I'm sure he wouldn't care. I feel like when he took Sita he was ready to battle the the death (that he thought would be Rama's).
Written by: Romesh Dutt
20. Vibhishana 
There has to be one voice of reason among the family of craizes. He made the smart decision to leave and go with the obvious winning side.
Written by: Donald A. Mackenzie

Image Source - Rama and Hanuman

Bibliography: Since each of these has a different author the title, author, and links to each chapter are included in each section.