Reading Notes: The Five Tall Sons of Pandu- Part A

The Indian Story Book: The Five Tall Sons of Pandu by Richard Wilson

• This is the story of the Pandava brothers: Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, and the twins Nakula and Sahadeva.
• Dhritarashtra, Pandu's brother, takes over as king once Pandu dies
•  Dhritarashtra has 100 sons and is blind 
• Duryodhana is the eldest son of Shritarashtra
• Karna challenges Arjuna to a duel
• Karna is the son of kunti, which makes him a half brother to the Pandava brothers
• But, he does not know that 
• Duryodhana is furious when Yudhishthira is named heir
• I thought this was interesting especially compared to the Ramayana where Rama's brothers had no desire for the thrown
• Its a different division of power 
• One element of this story that was changed from the original was that Kunti declared that Draupadi would marry Yudhishthira since he is the oldest
• This is slightly better than the first version where she becomes the wife of all five brothers
• Duryodhana tricks Yudhishthira in a game of dice because he is jealous that he gets his own kingdom 
• I didn't know that Duryodhana needed the Pandava's help when he got stuck in the jungle


• This was an interesting element that I feel could have transformed the entire series

Arjuna versus Karna. Web Source

Reflections and Improvements: Two Semesters Wiser

After taking this class (two different sections) for two semesters now I feel like I have gotten to see some great changes being made! I really enjoyed my time in these classes (Epics and Myth) because it allowed me to write creatively, which is something we don't get to do a lot of in college and because of the great feedback I received throughout the semester.

The biggest change to the class coming into this year was the option to do story planning posts. I loved this change because it allowed me the time to do my research and organize my thoughts on what I wanted to write about. It also helped me to plan my storybook, which I am very grateful for!

Out of the improvement list I really liked the idea to do "thematic reading units." I think this will help expose students to a broader range of topics. While the Myth class already gets exposed to a lot of different readings, this recommendation is mainly targeted at the Epics class. In my epics readings I often had a hard time picking the reading for the week and often read the different versions of the same story over and over. While I liked the new perspectives I think by dividing it by genre, students will be able to find more diverse material!

Another recommendation I have it to make everything due on Sunday. While the due dates throughout the week keeps me on top of my assignments I often had to rush my assignments because I had other work or activities. I think by making it all due on Sunday students will be able to better fit the assignments into their own schedule!

Overall, I have really enjoyed these classes! I feel like I have become a better writer and thinker after taking these courses!


Thank you so much for all of your feedback over the semesters!

Reading Notes: The Ramayana Part B

Ramayana by William Buck (1976)

Bharata goes after Rama into the forest. Web Source 

• It is interesting to me that Kaikeyi was swayed by her servant Manthara, to convince the king to banish Rama and make Bharata king
• In my storybook, I think it could be interesting to have Sita come back with Rama
• She was willing to go into exile for him, so I feel like it is only right that she goes into battle with him
• This story also explains more about how manipulative Kaikeyi was. I feel like in the original story this was a very underrated aspect 
• She tried to get the king to teach her the secret language of the animals, if he told her the secret it would kill him 
• I am always amazed by the lengths that Lakshmana is willing to go to for Rama and Sita 
• Rama and Lakshmana will get the featured speaking role in my story
• I feel like they have the closest connection and are the most well-known characters
• Bharata's loyalty to Rama, even after receiving the title of king, is an underrepresented part of the story! 
• Yes, the story is featured on Rama but this act of brotherly devotion deserves recognition 

Reading Notes: The Ramayana Part A

Ramayana by William Buck (1976)

• This story starts off right after Sita is banished because she is pregnant and Rama doesn't think the babies are his 
• Kusha and Lava are Rama's sons
• Ravana has challenges and beat the god, Indra. 
• Because of his powers, Ravana is able to defeat the god, he then imprisons them and makes them work as servants in his palace
• Indra sought out  Narayana (Vishnu) for help
• King Dasharatha performs a sacrifice in order to have kids, when his wives eat the rice from the sacrifice they then have Rama and his brothers
• This rice might be a fun element to bring into my storybook
• Brahma made Vaishravana the lord of treasures and wealth.
• He also received the chariot called Pushpaka and the gift of immortality.
• This is something I want to work into my stories. Lately I have been looking for more Indian elements to bring into the stories and I think this would be a nice addition
• One thing that I find fascinating about Indian Epics is the different legendary weapons and gifts many of the heroes receive from the gods
• Kaikasi (daughter of one of the first Rakshasa demons) married Vaishravanan and from their union they had four children 
• The ten-headed Ravana, 
• The giant Kumbhakarna, 
• Vibhishana the good rakshasa,
• rakshasi daughter, Shurpanakha.
• Both Kumbhakarna and Ravana are featured in my story but it might be a fun twist to have all four siblings show up!
• This is very much like belatirx and the Malfoy family

Hundred-Handed Arjuna Defeats Ravana. Web Source

Story Planning: The Patil Sisters

• Harry Potter Themed 
• 4 Hogwarts Houses are named after the Rama and his brothers
• Lord Voldemort is now Lord Ravana 
• The Pandava Brothers (who are now ghosts) will help Harry, Ron and Hermione defeat Lord Ravana 
• They will also be assisted by the Patil Sister
• New Story 1
• For my story planning I really want to outline the different ways I can introduce the Patil Sisters into my storybook. I only have time to add two more stories to my storybook so I need to make sure I am quick to introduce the characters
• Idea Number 1
• If you've read my storybook then you know that my POV has been from McGonagall's perspective, one idea I have for my new story is just to start from the perspectives of the Patil Twins 
• This would be an easy way to introduce their characters more into the story. I am worried that by adding their POV into the story suddenly like that, that my readers might get confused. 
• Idea Number 2
• Is continue like normal with McGonagall's POV and then have it switch mid-story. Either way, I think in order to have the twins become the focal point we will need to switch over to their point of view
• New Story 2
• This week I also want to plan my last Storybook story. 
• In my last story I will need a resolution to the conflict between my main characters and my villain, Lord Ravana. 
• For this, one of my ideas is to have the ghosts of the castle (If you are unfamiliar with the Harry Potter series, the ghosts I'm referring to live in the Hogwarts castle, where the students go to school) aid the students in defeating Lord Ravana
• I have already set the scene with this in my earlier stories. I have introduced the Pandava brothers who could help fight Lord Ravana. 
• Within in this I would bring in the divine "magical" gifts that each of the brothers had. This would add an element of surprise to my existing story. 

Mahabharata, Epic of the Bharatas by Romesh C. Dutt

These are the Patil Sisters with Ron and Harry at the Yule Ball in The Goblet of Fire (Movie 4). Web Source

Reading Notes: Part A, Epic of the Bharatas

• The sons of Pandu (Pandavas) and the sons of Pandu's brother Dhritarashtra (Kauravas)
• Arjuna is a great archer, I think his ghost should have a big role in the defeat of my Lord Ravana character in my storybook. 
• Its cool that they ride elephants (tuskers) into the contest, this is definitely something I want to incorporate into my story
• Karna: is the oldest son of Kunti (she had him with the sun god) and is a brother to the pandava brothers 
• Surya the sun-god favors Karna (his son), while Indra the rain-god favors Arjuna (his son).
• Karna and Arjuna want to kill each other because they are jealous 
• This story, especially the scenes between Karna and the Pandavas puts an emphasis on birthright
• Even though the pandavas and Karna share the same mother (neither know it) There is a big deal placed on the fact that Karna's adoptive father is a chariot driver
• Duryodhana, son of Dhritarashtra (blind king), grants Karna a title just with the hopes that he can defeat the Pandavas. 
• I want to bring this emphasis of birthright into my story, especially with the original emphasis placed on muggle vs. pure blood in Harry Potter
• I have to admit that this story does not paint the Pandavas in the best light, or Draupadi who laughs at Karna for being the son of a chariot driver

Arjuna and His Charioteer Krishna Confront Karna. Web Source

Mahabharata, Epic of the Bharatas by Romesh C. Dutt

Famous Last Words : Don't Let the Week Get Ahead of You

This week I learned the hard way that if you don't prioritize you can get into trouble! I am usually good about scheduling my week so I can get all of my work done, but this week I fell behind. I had a huge semester-long project due (thank goodness, it's finally turned in) and because of that I fell behind finishing up the work for this class! I am glad that we get a grace period in this class, because this week it was necessary. 

It is important to remember that even when you have a busy week and you feel like you are drowning, a simple "To Do" list can help organize your life. My plans for next week, since I am finally done with this project, is to get as much work as I can have done earlier in the week! My birthday is on Easter, so I am trying to keep my weekend free for celebration! 

Overall, I have been really impressed with my fellow classmates this week. It is so cool to see how they use their personal experiences and hobbies to influence their stories! I especially love seeing how people bring their pets into their stories! It is a great. way to not only see their passion for their hobbies and pets, but to see the Indian Epics retold in familiar ways! I also really enjoy the stories like the Gossip Girl one, that bring in a well-known show. Its fun to see the different ideas people have in rewriting these shows. By far though, my favorite storybook is the one that made the PR Agency for Rama. As a PR major, I thought this was an extremely clever and fun way to handle the many “blunders” Rama had.

Going into next week I just want to get ahead! That is my goal for this week, that way as we approach finals I won't have to worry about my assignments that are due! 

Don't let the bumps define you. Web Source