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