Storytelling for Week 7: The golden Sita

Once the last person of Ayodhya  was left, he began to wonder about what would happen to Rama's beloved golden statue of Sita. The person began to try to place it somewhere safe so that it would withstand the storms and changes of earth without it's people protecting it. However, finding the perfect location was the hardest part.

The person searched high and low and finally found a good place in the palace to store her. He placed the statue there and felt at peace about leaving this earth. And so the final person of Ayodhya died in peace and Rama's kingdom was no longer.

Moreover, the statue of Sita swooshed around and transformed into a brand new animal that Brahma had created. It was a mixture between a squirrel, a monkey, and a bear to symbolize the creatures that assisted in saving Sita from her captured state.

The animal traveled to the kingdom of Surgriva as to be with people of his own kind, but he was shunned because he wasn't completely similar to him. Next, it traveled to the squirrels village, but he was entirely too large to fit in with the squirrels. The squirrels were afraid that this creature would stomp and smash them all to death on accident. Finally, the sad creature traveled to Jambavan's kingdom in desperations hope that he could find a home to live. Although, Jambavan was reluctant to accept him. He began to see the resemblance in Sita. Jambavan had an epiphany and knew this was what was made of Rama's golden statue of Sita. With this knowledge Jambavan created the perfect place for this creature to fit into their kingdom. 

Jambavan called to Surgirva once he had heard that he had denied this creature into his kingdom. However, Hanuman traveled to Jambavan as his messenger to pay Surgriva's respect to this creature of Sita's statue and to apologize for their naive response of him. The squirrels traveled to the kingdom as well, but Jambavan was more understanding to their case of not accepting the creature as he was far too large to fit into their tribe. Once all was aware of the importance of this creature, they all were drawn together for eternity in remembrance of the great Rama and Sita . And so once all was calmed down, all the creature of the forest lived happily ever after while Sita and Rama's legend lived on forever.  

(Image Source: Rama and Sita by Ayan Gupta)

Author's Note: I wrote this story as an explanation of what happened to the golden statue of Sita. I wanted it to be something that would allow the other creatures of the story to know that Sita and Rama's legend would live on forever. Also, it needed to commemorate all the creatures that assisted her during her lifetime. I liked how the creature was so different it was hard for them to accept it into their kingdom at first. I chose this image because I couldn't find one that was the golden statue of Sita. But, it still shows the legend of Rama and Sita lives on forever!

Bibliography:  Buck, William (1973). Mahabharata.  

Reading Diary B: Rama returns to Ayodhya

I like how this version actually tells of Rama's life after he returns home to Ayodhya.

In the other version the entire book the reader is hoping he will return home and when he finally does that is where the story ends. It leaves the reader dying for what happened next. I enjoyed this version better.

I can't believe after the journey Rama took to save Sita he allows a little gossip of peasants to get in the way of his relationship with his beloved Sita. It is astonishing that he abandons her. As a woman, of course I love that fact that someone rescues her and returns the precious princess to her father to take of her. She deserves to live as royalty as she is so pure and priceless after all. 

I also find it funny that Rama thinks he should have a festival and has the audacity to go to Janka to invite Sita's family. I am glad he saw her there.

Although Narayan leaves his book after Rama returns home to Ayodhya, I can understand why. In his version, I was left absolutely loving Rama, but in Buck's version the end makes me feel differently about Rama. I spent the entire book routing for him, and then he abandons Sita. It shows even the best of us let the opinions of others into our heads. It is surprising how influential a couple of little words can have on all of us. This speaks volumes to the situations going on in my life right now.

(Image Source: Rama returns to Ayodhya)

Reading Diary A: Ravana and Rama fight

I like how much more detail is provided in Buck's version of The Ramayana.

I feel like I can really visualize the battle at a deeper level.

It was different how the demons fought at night in this version

I liked how Indra sends Rama his chariot because even though he hasn't been the nicest character he wants Ravana dead. Especially since his son had defeated him, and Lakshmana has already taken him out.

It is interesting in the middle of battle Rama hears Sita, and it gives him enhanced strength to fight on.

Rama and Ravana exchanged thousands of arrows when finally Ravana charged at Rama with mace. It took out his chariot.

Monetheless the fight went on and as sunrise came, Rama had killed Ravana by sending an arrow right through his heart.

It is unbelievable that Rama beat Ravana without his chariot.

(Image Source: Rama in battle by Monro W. D.)

  

Famous Last Words for Week 6

I had a lot of fun writing about Hanuman turning into a cat in order to prowl around Lanka. I thought it was awesome that Hanuman could change into different animals too! As if he wasn't a cool enough character already. Also, I love cats! Because life without animals would be dull and pointless

I really hope it snows tomorrow so we can have a snow day! It isn't supposed to get here until 11 ish which is perfect because I don't have class until 12 ish! Some of my friends already have real people jobs and they have to work regardless of the weather. So no more snow days for them. I can definitely take my time to get to that point.

There was one writing I really enjoyed reading this week. It was about King Anjura. I am not fond of Ravana. So it was nice to be reminded that there was one character in The Ramayana that put Ravana in his place. I hate character or people for that matter with a big ego. I had actually forgotten about this character so it was fun to remember this tale and read a different person's perspective.

I guess midterm season has hit. I have exams in all four of my classes with test within about a week. It is going to be intense. Luckily I got 1 out of the way and I have 3 more to go at this point. Oh well, I will survive it again.

Tonight a few friends and I are having burgers and going to watch a movie. It is going to be fun and a good end to a rough week. It always seems like the middle of the semester is so stressful for me and then some how lessens up.  Good luck this week everybody! 

(Can't wait to be back: Me playing golf taken by my dad)

Storytelling for Week 6: A Day as a Cat

As Hanuman stood near the wall protecting Lanka, he knew he couldn't simply climb over it and enter Lanka as a monkey. The demons of Lanka would see him and immediately take the intruder to their king, Ravana. He needed to create a scheme to be able to look around in order to find Sita before he was noticed. 

So, he pondered his options for a moment. He first considered a mouse, but he assumed if someone saw him, they may try to kill the rodent. Things could end very badly. Then he considered a bird. Yet again though, he recognized the flaws in becoming this creature as well. As a bird, he would have to view the city from the sky. He wouldn't be able to spy as well as he needed to at such a distance away from the demons of Lanka. When finally it hit Hanuman, he will transform himself into an innocent cat and enter at night. No one would suspect a thing as cats are known for snooping around at night. His plan was perfect!

As night drew near, Hanuman had to practice transforming into a cat because he was using a new power he was unfamiliar with. However, on the first try he was successful. Hanuman was surprised by how strong his powers were. He knew he possessed some powerful talents, but tried not to become overwhelmed by this thought. All he wanted to do was use them to serve Rama. 

Once a cat, Hanuman felt uncomfortable as he had never transformed into a different animal before. He walked awkwardly on all fours and practiced his meow. Then finally the sunlight vanished and it was night. Hanuman looked around for the guards of Lanka by the wall. When the coast was clear, he jumped over, and began searching for Sita. Anyone that saw him didn't think a thing of the nomadic cat.

While wandering the streets of Lanka, he noticed how peculiar everything looked as a cat. He was enticed to play with balls of yarn and strings he saw in some of the demons' homes. This distraction felt bizarre as these were never items of entertainment as a monkey. Nonetheless, he worked hard to stay focused on the task of discovering Sita for Rama. However, Hanuman felt overwhelmed as the city was the largest land he had ever came across. But still, he stayed fixated on his goal and assumed this was due to the small stature he had taken as a cat. He crept into all the houses and began to lose hope, when finally he discovered a grand palace positioned at the furthermost point of the city. He knew the palace had to belonged to Ravana. 

As he had looked everywhere, Hanuman went into the palace in desperation of seeing Sita. However, all he saw was a room full of beautiful women that were under Ravana's trance. They were sprawled out on the floor surrounding Ravana. in disappointment, Hanuman knew Sita wouldn't be in Ravana's room as she was loyal to Rama. However, as he was a cat and not feeling as himself, he felt mesmerized by every girl's beauty and spent time being infatuated with every one of them. Finally, Hanuman caught a glimpse of Sita outside the window in the garden. This helped him to snap out of his daze of the other beautiful women. Remembering his mission, he rushed to the garden to speak to Sita.

(Image Source: Hanuman and Sita)

Author's note: I decided to write about Hanuman's experience as a cat in Lanka because I love animal character, and I love cats. I tried show a difference in Hanuman's character as a cat compared to a monkey. As a monkey, Hanuman is very dedicated to Rama. He is devoted to his mission. However, as a cat, I thought he could become a little distracted as cats are such playful animals. Also, I wanted to create a moment of pondering for Hanuman to show the readers how he decided on becoming a cat instead of any other animal. It displays his reasoning for his decision. I choose this picture because at the end of the story Hanuman goes to speak with Sita, and also because I couldn't find a good picture of Hanuman as a monkey that I was able to use. This story was pretty straight forward. Hanuman was on a mission to search through Lanka to find Sita, and he accomplished this by transforming into a cat. As we know, Hanuman is a very powerful character in The Ramayana, and I tried to tell the readers that transforming into other animals was an unfamiliar power that Hanuman possesses. What an amazing creature! He can grow to be a giant size, he can jump further than any other animal, he has eternal life, and now he can transform himself into different animals.

Bibliography: Buck, William (1976). Ramayana: King Rama's Way.

Reading Diary B: Lakshmana kills Indrajit

Thunder-Tooth and Lightening-Tongue

• Thunder- Tooth creates an illusion of Rama's bow
• Lightening- Tongue creates an illusion of Rama's head
• Ravana takes the illusions to Sita to show her that Rama is dead in an attempt to get her to give into him (get in his bed)
• However, Sita knows Rama well and the illusions were not an accurate enough depiction of Rama to fool her
• Oblivious to what is going on, Prahasta the General, barges in and announces Rama's arrival to Lanka on the bridge Nala had created
• Trijata (girl), a demon that grows compassionate of Sita, begins spying on Ravana and informing Sita about what is going on with the war between Rama and Ravana

Kumbhakarna

• Ravana wakes up Kumbhakarna, Ravana's brother who sleeps 6 months for every one day he is awake, in order to get him to kill Rama for him
• Kumbhakarna urges Ravana to simply give Sita back
• Ravana still disagrees
• Kumbhakarna goes to fight Rama but Rama slices every limb one by one with his powerful arrows
• Kumbhakarna doesn't give up easily however
• Rama, finally, cuts his head off with an arrow

Indrajit's first attack

• Indrajit comes to attack Rama with his invisible tiger- drawn chariot
• Indrajit is launching thousands of arrows and succeeds in killing Lakshmana and Rama
• However, Indrajit only injured Jambavan,Vibhishana, and Hanuman, the monkey with eternal life
• Vibhishana finds Hanuman and Jambavan  just greatly injured and Jambavan asks desperately if Hanuman was still alive. This irritated Vibhishana
• However, Jambavan tells Hanuman to go to the medicine and bring back the plants which will bring Rama back to life

The Medicine Hill

• Hanuman goes to the medicine and is overwhelmed by all the medical herbs' glow
• Hanuman brings the whole mountain to the battlefield
• Because he jumped with the hill, the herbs heated up and all the allies including Rama were restored
• Rama feels terrible for the events and wishes Sugriva would take everyone home
• But all the monkeys and bears remain

Lakshmana kills Indrajit

• As Rama is still alive, Ravana asks Indrajit to kill him again
• Indrajit tells his dad that Dharma is on Rama's side but agrees to help Ravana again
• As Indrajit's invisible chariot was destroyed in his first battle, Indrajit uses illusions to kill a fake Sita in front of Hanuman
• Vibhishana pleads that it is only another one of his illusions
• Vibhishana uses his powers to reveal Indrajit in his invisble mediation place
• Lakshmana attacks Indrajit and gets into a one on one battle with him
• Lakshmana kills Indrajit!
• Ravana is devastated and question why he should live on without his son
• Ravana decides to go to war, he has nothing left to lose
• Kumbhakarna, his younger brother, Indrajit, his son, are dead and he has sent Vibhishana, his older brother, away and accused him of treason

 

(Image Source: Lakshmana and Indrajit by Fazl)

Reading Diary A: Hanuman as a cat

Rakshasi Sinhika

• In the sea lived a whale and as Hanuman was flying to Lanka he swallowed him
• Sinhika grabbed him by his shadow
• Hanuman warned him not to eat him but he did anyways
• Hanuman punctured his heart with his claws and escaped through his ear
• I think that this could offer an interesting story for my story retelling assignment because I could elaborate what happened inside the whale with Hanuman.
• Also, I could elaborate how intrigued Sinhika was

Hanuman as a cat

• In order to enter Lanka, Hanuman decides to transform into a cat as a cat can innocently wander anywhere he wishes
• But when Hanuman is about to jump Lanka's wall, a creature tells him not to do it
• The creature is Lanka and he kicks Hanuman and knocks him over
• Hanuman punches him and makes it into the city
• I think this would be an interesting story to retell because I love cats and animal characters
• I could really elaborate on the struggle between Lanka and Hanuman, cat fight!

  Hanuman causing mischief

• Before Hanuman leaves Lanka after visting Sita, he decides to leave Sita a sign of good faith by wrecking havoc in Lanka.
• Hanuman grows to be giant and pounces through town destroying everything
• Even destroys the statue of the goddess Lanka
• Hanuman kills the royal bodyguard
• Also, Jambumali, son of the demon General Prahasta, dies due to trying to kill Hanuman which winds up falling on himself
• This could be a great story retelling by putting my own details of the events that Hanuman did in Lanka.
• I enjoyed this because Sita had begun to doubt Rama's arrival when Hanuman arrives to cheer her up. She is going to be saved.

  (Image Source: Hanuman slaying demons)