Ledha and the Leopard was actually a really great story. I enjoyed it and could see it written from Ledha's perspective. He sure did get himself into a mess of trouble.
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| Leopard (Source) |
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Week 11 Reading Diary A: Santal Folktales
Santal Folktales
Ledha and the Leopard was actually a really great story. I enjoyed it and could see it written from Ledha's perspective. He sure did get himself into a mess of trouble.
Ledha and the Leopard was actually a really great story. I enjoyed it and could see it written from Ledha's perspective. He sure did get himself into a mess of trouble.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Week 10 Famous Last Words
This week was certainly a crazy week and an even crazier
weekend. Not only did I have a lot of assignments I had to do this week, but
also then there was that tornado. I actually ended up staying over at my friend’s
house because I did not feel safe at my apartment complex. I feel as though
there should be a policy that all apartment complexes should have to include
instructions on what to do and locations to go incase of a tornado.
This weekend I actually had to fly to New Orleans, Louisiana
because my cousin Sarah was getting married!!! I always love weddings,
especially ones in the family, because they bring everyone together to
celebrate something that brings all of us joy. Since hurricane Katrina, my
family has not been able to get together with each other as often as we used
to, and it is even more difficult for me. Every year my mom’s first cousin,
Robby, throws a huge crawfish boil at his house for the entire family.
Unfortunately for me the date of the crawfish boil always falls on the weekend
before final exams, so of course there is not way I am going to be able to fly
all the way to New Orleans and then all the way back to Norman just to spend
one day with them family and then take all of my exams and make good grades.
Anyway, the wedding was amazing! She had her wedding outside
at this huge plantation, which had actually been a real working plantation at
one point in time. The alter was located underneath this gigantic tree that was
covered in Spanish Moss and it was just beautiful. I was not too hot, but it
was not too cold either, and the ceremony was around 6 so it was just
beautiful. It was a perfect wedding and was just beautiful. The picture below is actually a picture of me and my cousin Aaron at the wedding. You can see a tree with Spanish Moss on it behind us.
 |
| Me and my cousin Aaron at Wedding (personal picture) |
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Week 10 Storytelling: The Unknown Soldier
Day 1
It was pitch black outside. The only light came from that of the fires burning at the campgrounds as the rest of my unit begin to suit up for
battle. With my sword in my left hand and a torch in my right, I walked over to
the edge of Kurukshetra Field and just stared. Other soldiers began to join me.
I turned around and saw what must have been at least a million men all gathered
along the field in anticipation.
I looked around some more and realized that dawn was growing
near. It was not until sunrise that we could begin the battle. The next thing I
knew, Arjuna and Krishna were standing five feet away from me in their
beautiful gold-plated chariot. I could literally feel my confidence growing. I
knew I had made a wise decision in choosing to fight alongside of the
Pandavas.
Day 3
Thus far there has not been one clear victor. It has pretty
much gone back and forth. Each day the battle commences at sunrise and ends at
sunset. I like that everyone has a strict understanding of this because it
keeps things fair and honorable and it allows me to get some rest. After
everyone ceases fighting at sunset, we normally retreat back to our tents so
that we can relax. At night some of the men will play music, sing songs, dance,
and generally be merry. Personally, I prefer to sit back and observe the
jolliness. I find it best to conserve as much energy as possible. I can have my
big celebration after this war is won and the Pandavas are seated in their
rightful kingdom.
Day 4
I am hopeful about the outcome of this war. The losses have
not been too great thus far and we have been fighting tirelessly. Many of the Kauravas have been slain, while we have only lost a few. My
entire unit is still intact! My commander has been wise in his strategies. Our
formations have been complex and difficult for the Kaurava's army to counterattack. Our
counter-moves have also been strong, especially with Bhima and Arjuna by our sides.
Yesterday, as I was engaged in a sword battle, I had the privilege of fighting
right alongside of Bhima! Well, it was not directly next to him, but it was
pretty close.
Day 7
A devastating blow has occurred to our army. I do not think
that even the God of Death, Yama, could have predicted such devastation. In
only two days our losses have been thousands. Twenty men from my unit perished
at the hands of the Kaurava army. And today I was informed of the death of
Nehru, my closest and dearest friend. I feel hopeless to continue. Not even the
encouraging words of Krishna can keep my spirit alive.
Day 12
The once beautiful ground of Kurukshetra Field is now soaked
with blood and the stench of rotting corpses is almost unbearable. I lie awake
at night unable to sleep through the screaming and moaning of mutilated men left
behind to succumb to their extensive injuries.
Each day as I head into battle I pass thousands of mangled
corpses stained crimson. The mercy of quick death no longer comes to those
defeated, only slow suffering and agony. Even the fading colors of the sunset
seem to reflect the gore of the battleground.
I could feel the warmth of crimson cascading down the side
of my face. The scarlet droplets rhythmically tapping on my shoulder. I did not
know whether this warm, ruby liquid was mine or if it belonged to that of my
enemy. The faint sounds of gasping and wheezing echoed in my ears as I trudged
through the sea of butchered bodies on the long journey back to my tent.
I have no way of knowing if I will survive this war.
 |
| Indian Soldier Walks Alone (Source) |
Author's Note. This storytelling is based solely on page 149 of "The
Mahabharata" by R.K. Narayan. That one page gives a very brief
introduction of the war, but it had enough for me to think about how the
war would have been for a random soldier. Since that page did not go into great
detail about the war (unlike the pages to follow) I felt as though my
storytelling should reflect just that. I wanted to make the storytelling more
about what a regular soldier would have experienced – how he felt, the things
he saw, what he smelled – which is why the detailed elements of the Pandavas
and Kauravas were excluded. A young, low-ranking soldier would not have know
about any of the intimate details of the war unless he was directly involved.
I chose to make each day a different aspect of the war: Day 1 –
preparation and anticipation, Day 3 – free time, Day 5 – hopefulness, Day 7 –
despair (Day 5 and 7 are descriptions of the see-saw that is discussed on page
149), and Day 12 – the description of what the war looked like. Each day, while
representing different components of the page, includes the thoughts and
emotions of the Unknown Soldier. Since he was of low rank, he did not know much
detail as to what was going on and he only knew the things he could see, smell,
and feel. I chose to leave the story open-ended so that the reader could decide
the young soldier's fate.
Bibliography. Narayan, R. K. (1978). The Mahabharata
Week 10 Reading Diary B
(pg. 133) Yudhistira had second thoughts about going to war. He does not like being a kshatriya because he does not like the idea of total extermination. He asks Krishna to go talk to the Kauravas. Brim then worries about Krishna's safety. All of the brothers, except Sahadeva, told Krishna to be mild in his approach when speaking to Duryodhana.
(pg. 133) Dhritarashtra wants to give Krishna a ton of gifts. Vidura advises him not and that he should give him what Krishna is coming for: peace and justice. Duryodhana heard Vidura's advise and tells them that he is going to make Krishna their prisoner because he believe once Krishna is confined the Pandavas will collapse and become his salves.
(pg. 140) Krishna spoke at the assembly. Dussasana agreed with Krishna and the elders. Duryodhana spoke, believing he had done not wrong and then walked out. Krishna advised the king not to go to war with the Pandavas and to restrain his son. Gandhari summoned her son Duryodhana and tried to talk some sense to him, but he just walked out while she was still speaking. Duryodhana then spoke to Sakuni, Dussasanan and Karna, telling them that it was time to capture Krishna and make him prisoner. Satyaki told Krishna of this and said that he and his troops would protect him, but Krishna refused and said that they could try and seize him if they wished. Dhritarashtra and Vidura spoke to Duryodhana in attempt to dissuade him from his evil plan.
(pg. 141) Krishna appeared in his god form when they tried to capture him. He told Karna to join him in his chariot on his way back and Karna obeyed. Krishna tried to sway him but Karna told him that he was indebted to Duryodhana.
(pg. 145) The Pandavas chose to make Dhrishtadyumna supreme commander of their army. They are preparing for war.
(pg. 146) Description of Duryodhana's army preparing for war. Their supreme commander was Bhishma. The battle was on Kurukshetra Field.
(pg. 147) Both sides are ready to fight at dawn. Arjuna was in his chariot and saw his kinsmen, his guru, his uncle, grandfather, and cousins and broke down crying saying he could not fight them and that it wasn't worth it. Krishna began to comfort Arjuna and then appeared in his God form and did not return to his mortal form until after Arjuna stated that his weakness had passed.
(pg. 148) Before the battle began, Yudhishtra went up to Drona and Bhishma and bowed before them, touching their feet. After that he returned to his post, pit back on his armor, and gave the signal for attack.
*(pg. 149) Decription/Summary of the battle. Could write this from a soldiers point of view.
(pg. 151) More detailed description of the battle. Abhimanyu fights Bhishma, then Arjuna fought Bhishma. Dona and Dhrishtadyumna were engaged in deadly combat until Bhima came and rescued Dhrishtadyumna.
(pg. 153) Krishna became annoyed that Arjuna was not destroying Bhishma and so he said he would kill him himself. Arjuna pleaded for him not to.
(pg. 154) Description of the battle on the 2nd day. Brim killed 8 of Duryodhana's brothers.
(pg. 155) Description of the battle on the 6th day. Arjuna was battling Bhishma when Bhishma fell on arrows. This caused both sides to stop fighting. He announced that the could lie on his bed of arrows for many days until it was time for him to die. On his death bed, Bhishma told Karna to go back to the Pandavas and end their strife. Karen declined the advise. Bhishma died.
(pg. 156) Duryodhana decides that they should capture Yudhishtira and orders Drona to make that a priority. Dona informs Duryodhana that they cannot capture Yudhistira as long as Arjuna is there and suggest that they distract him. They had another chief distract Arjuna by making a suicide squad which was a challenge Arjuna had to accept.
(pg. 158) The 13th day of battle. Suicide squad challenged Arjuna again. Dona created a lotus formation. Abhimanyu was required to break the formation. Abhimanyu attempted to breach the formation but was ultimately killed by the Kauravas.
(pg. 159) Bhima battled Karna and some of Duryodhana's brothers. Bhima killed 12 of Duryodhana's brothers. Karen destroyed all of Bhima's weapons, even his chariot, charioteer, and horses, leaving Bhima basically defenseless. Bhima had to run from shelter to shelter because of this and had to defend himself with whatever article he could lay his hands on. Karen taunted him. The temper of both armies increased. They no longer respected the conventions of war. Fought at night.
(pg. 160) Ghatotkacha was attcking and harassing the Kauravas and caused great damage to their armies. The Kauravas asked Karna to destroy him. Karna used a magical spear and killed Ghatotkacha.
(pg. 161) Krishna declares that they must destroy Drona and that Drona's only weak spot was his son Aswathama. Krishna said that they should lie to Drona and tell them that his son was dead so they could defeat him. Arjuna and the others declined telling the lie and refused to take part in the deceit. Yudhistira said that he would do it. Bhima smashed the skull of an elephant named Aswathama so as to give some truth to the lie. Drona heard Bhima yell that he killed Aswathama and asked Yudhistira about it. Yudhistira said yes. Bhima then told Drona that he had degraded himself because instead of teaching of knowledge and peace like the brahmin he was supposed to be, he acted out of war and violence as a warrior like a kshatriya. This greatly hurt Drona. He sat down in his chariot and Dhrishtadyumna cut off Drona's head.
(pg. 162) Karna was made Commander-in-Chief. Bhima attacked Dussasana. He ripped off his arm, throwing the limb in Duryodhana's face, sucked the blood gushing out of Dussasana's body, thus fulfilling the vow he made when Draupadi was being dragged be for an assembly. Karna then decided to attack Arjuna. Karna's chariot wheel became stuck in the ground. He begged for them to wait until his chariot would work again, but Krishna said that Karna never had any honor so why should they. Arjuna then used the Gandiva and cut off Karna's head.
(pg. 163) Duryodhana was advised to sue for peace but he said no. Salya was made commander in chief. Yudhistira personally led forces against Salya and defeated him.
(pg. 164)Bhima destroyed the last remaining son's of Dhritarashtra. Bhima decided to go after Duryodhana. Duryodhana used mystic powers to hide at the bottom of a lake. Yudhistira and his brothers found him Duryodhana said he was not hiding but trying to cool down the fire within him. He then came out of the water and told him that he would fight all of them one by one and that they must have enough chivalry not to fight him as a pack. Yudhistira then mentioned how the Kauravas all at one attacked Abhimanyu.
(pg. 165) Yudhistira told Duryodhana that he could pick one of them to fight. Bhima and Duryodhana began to fight, both being equally skilled with the mace. Krishna asked Arjuna if Bhima had forgotten that he had vowed to smash Duryodhana's though during the station when Draupadi had been dragged through the assembly. Bhima overheard this and then smashed Duryodhana's thigh.
(pg. 166) They decided to just leave Duryodhana there. As they were leaving, he called out to Krishna but Krishna shut down his insult saying that he brough this upon himself and should use his last minutes to repent. Duryodhana was defiant until the end.
(pg. 167) The Pandavas returned to Hastinapura.
(pg. 168) Gandhari lashed out at Krishna and Krishna told her everything that had happened was fated to happen. The Pandavas, Vidura, Sanjaya, and Dhritarashtra camped outside of the city for 1 month period of mourning.
(pg. 169) Narada and Yudhistira discussed those who were lost in the war and the grid. Yudhistira then discussed his feelings about Karna and asked Narada why the unfortunate events occurred too Karna even though he was really a Pandava.
(pg. 170) Narada explains why Karna's chariot wheel got stuck and why he could not shoot the Brahastra.
(pg. 171-174) Yudhistira speaks to Arjuna about his overwhelming grief and need for repentance. He told Arjunato be king and then began to describe his vision of living a recluse life. Arjuna told him that it was his duty to be king. Yudhistira still continued to repeat his vision. Him then became angry about it and told him that if he gave up all his kingly duties the entire war would have been for nothing. The twins gave their opinion. Draped added in by saying Yudhistira should not ignore what she and her brothers have been saying. Arjuna then spoke of the duties of a king and the circle of life. Yudhistira let everyone express their opinions and then rejected them. Vyasa then intervened and told him that he has no choice but to become king. Yudhistira continued to lanentate and grieve excessively. Krishna lost his patience and told him that he needed to get it together for those suffering out of obedience to his orders and to forget his own tried. Yudhistira suddenly realized how reasonable all of their arguments had been and decided to become king.
(pg. 175) They arrived in the city in a celebration. There was a description of how everyone was seated in the palace. Yudhistira announced that they all must still respect Dhsitarashtra because he is still in the head of their country and the whole world belongs to him.
(pg. 176) Yudhistira makes Bhima second in command. Tells what each person is now in charge of.
(pg. 177-179) Yudhistira went and spoke to Bhishma who was still lying on his bed of arrow heads. They spoke about the duties being king for several days and afterwards Bhishma breathed his last breath. Yudhistira cremated Bhishma's body on the banks of the Ganges where his soul was received by the deity and returned to the celestial rely. Yudhistira ruled for 36 years. Dhritarashtra decided to retire into the woods with Ganshari and Kunthi. Yudhistira visited them until one day they died in a forest fire. Krishna's clan destroyed each other in a civil war. Depressed by certain events, the Pandavas decided to leave the world one by one including Draupadi. Vidura merged his should with Yudhistira. Yudhistira is gifted with the power to reach heaven in his physical body. Abhimanyu's child is the only one left and eventually becomes king and continues the Pandava lineage.
(pg. 133) Dhritarashtra wants to give Krishna a ton of gifts. Vidura advises him not and that he should give him what Krishna is coming for: peace and justice. Duryodhana heard Vidura's advise and tells them that he is going to make Krishna their prisoner because he believe once Krishna is confined the Pandavas will collapse and become his salves.
(pg. 140) Krishna spoke at the assembly. Dussasana agreed with Krishna and the elders. Duryodhana spoke, believing he had done not wrong and then walked out. Krishna advised the king not to go to war with the Pandavas and to restrain his son. Gandhari summoned her son Duryodhana and tried to talk some sense to him, but he just walked out while she was still speaking. Duryodhana then spoke to Sakuni, Dussasanan and Karna, telling them that it was time to capture Krishna and make him prisoner. Satyaki told Krishna of this and said that he and his troops would protect him, but Krishna refused and said that they could try and seize him if they wished. Dhritarashtra and Vidura spoke to Duryodhana in attempt to dissuade him from his evil plan.
(pg. 141) Krishna appeared in his god form when they tried to capture him. He told Karna to join him in his chariot on his way back and Karna obeyed. Krishna tried to sway him but Karna told him that he was indebted to Duryodhana.
(pg. 145) The Pandavas chose to make Dhrishtadyumna supreme commander of their army. They are preparing for war.
(pg. 146) Description of Duryodhana's army preparing for war. Their supreme commander was Bhishma. The battle was on Kurukshetra Field.
(pg. 147) Both sides are ready to fight at dawn. Arjuna was in his chariot and saw his kinsmen, his guru, his uncle, grandfather, and cousins and broke down crying saying he could not fight them and that it wasn't worth it. Krishna began to comfort Arjuna and then appeared in his God form and did not return to his mortal form until after Arjuna stated that his weakness had passed.
(pg. 148) Before the battle began, Yudhishtra went up to Drona and Bhishma and bowed before them, touching their feet. After that he returned to his post, pit back on his armor, and gave the signal for attack.
*(pg. 149) Decription/Summary of the battle. Could write this from a soldiers point of view.
(pg. 151) More detailed description of the battle. Abhimanyu fights Bhishma, then Arjuna fought Bhishma. Dona and Dhrishtadyumna were engaged in deadly combat until Bhima came and rescued Dhrishtadyumna.
(pg. 153) Krishna became annoyed that Arjuna was not destroying Bhishma and so he said he would kill him himself. Arjuna pleaded for him not to.
(pg. 154) Description of the battle on the 2nd day. Brim killed 8 of Duryodhana's brothers.
(pg. 155) Description of the battle on the 6th day. Arjuna was battling Bhishma when Bhishma fell on arrows. This caused both sides to stop fighting. He announced that the could lie on his bed of arrows for many days until it was time for him to die. On his death bed, Bhishma told Karna to go back to the Pandavas and end their strife. Karen declined the advise. Bhishma died.
(pg. 156) Duryodhana decides that they should capture Yudhishtira and orders Drona to make that a priority. Dona informs Duryodhana that they cannot capture Yudhistira as long as Arjuna is there and suggest that they distract him. They had another chief distract Arjuna by making a suicide squad which was a challenge Arjuna had to accept.
(pg. 158) The 13th day of battle. Suicide squad challenged Arjuna again. Dona created a lotus formation. Abhimanyu was required to break the formation. Abhimanyu attempted to breach the formation but was ultimately killed by the Kauravas.
(pg. 159) Bhima battled Karna and some of Duryodhana's brothers. Bhima killed 12 of Duryodhana's brothers. Karen destroyed all of Bhima's weapons, even his chariot, charioteer, and horses, leaving Bhima basically defenseless. Bhima had to run from shelter to shelter because of this and had to defend himself with whatever article he could lay his hands on. Karen taunted him. The temper of both armies increased. They no longer respected the conventions of war. Fought at night.
(pg. 160) Ghatotkacha was attcking and harassing the Kauravas and caused great damage to their armies. The Kauravas asked Karna to destroy him. Karna used a magical spear and killed Ghatotkacha.
(pg. 161) Krishna declares that they must destroy Drona and that Drona's only weak spot was his son Aswathama. Krishna said that they should lie to Drona and tell them that his son was dead so they could defeat him. Arjuna and the others declined telling the lie and refused to take part in the deceit. Yudhistira said that he would do it. Bhima smashed the skull of an elephant named Aswathama so as to give some truth to the lie. Drona heard Bhima yell that he killed Aswathama and asked Yudhistira about it. Yudhistira said yes. Bhima then told Drona that he had degraded himself because instead of teaching of knowledge and peace like the brahmin he was supposed to be, he acted out of war and violence as a warrior like a kshatriya. This greatly hurt Drona. He sat down in his chariot and Dhrishtadyumna cut off Drona's head.
(pg. 162) Karna was made Commander-in-Chief. Bhima attacked Dussasana. He ripped off his arm, throwing the limb in Duryodhana's face, sucked the blood gushing out of Dussasana's body, thus fulfilling the vow he made when Draupadi was being dragged be for an assembly. Karna then decided to attack Arjuna. Karna's chariot wheel became stuck in the ground. He begged for them to wait until his chariot would work again, but Krishna said that Karna never had any honor so why should they. Arjuna then used the Gandiva and cut off Karna's head.
(pg. 163) Duryodhana was advised to sue for peace but he said no. Salya was made commander in chief. Yudhistira personally led forces against Salya and defeated him.
(pg. 164)Bhima destroyed the last remaining son's of Dhritarashtra. Bhima decided to go after Duryodhana. Duryodhana used mystic powers to hide at the bottom of a lake. Yudhistira and his brothers found him Duryodhana said he was not hiding but trying to cool down the fire within him. He then came out of the water and told him that he would fight all of them one by one and that they must have enough chivalry not to fight him as a pack. Yudhistira then mentioned how the Kauravas all at one attacked Abhimanyu.
(pg. 165) Yudhistira told Duryodhana that he could pick one of them to fight. Bhima and Duryodhana began to fight, both being equally skilled with the mace. Krishna asked Arjuna if Bhima had forgotten that he had vowed to smash Duryodhana's though during the station when Draupadi had been dragged through the assembly. Bhima overheard this and then smashed Duryodhana's thigh.
(pg. 166) They decided to just leave Duryodhana there. As they were leaving, he called out to Krishna but Krishna shut down his insult saying that he brough this upon himself and should use his last minutes to repent. Duryodhana was defiant until the end.
(pg. 167) The Pandavas returned to Hastinapura.
(pg. 168) Gandhari lashed out at Krishna and Krishna told her everything that had happened was fated to happen. The Pandavas, Vidura, Sanjaya, and Dhritarashtra camped outside of the city for 1 month period of mourning.
(pg. 169) Narada and Yudhistira discussed those who were lost in the war and the grid. Yudhistira then discussed his feelings about Karna and asked Narada why the unfortunate events occurred too Karna even though he was really a Pandava.
(pg. 170) Narada explains why Karna's chariot wheel got stuck and why he could not shoot the Brahastra.
(pg. 171-174) Yudhistira speaks to Arjuna about his overwhelming grief and need for repentance. He told Arjunato be king and then began to describe his vision of living a recluse life. Arjuna told him that it was his duty to be king. Yudhistira still continued to repeat his vision. Him then became angry about it and told him that if he gave up all his kingly duties the entire war would have been for nothing. The twins gave their opinion. Draped added in by saying Yudhistira should not ignore what she and her brothers have been saying. Arjuna then spoke of the duties of a king and the circle of life. Yudhistira let everyone express their opinions and then rejected them. Vyasa then intervened and told him that he has no choice but to become king. Yudhistira continued to lanentate and grieve excessively. Krishna lost his patience and told him that he needed to get it together for those suffering out of obedience to his orders and to forget his own tried. Yudhistira suddenly realized how reasonable all of their arguments had been and decided to become king.
(pg. 175) They arrived in the city in a celebration. There was a description of how everyone was seated in the palace. Yudhistira announced that they all must still respect Dhsitarashtra because he is still in the head of their country and the whole world belongs to him.
(pg. 176) Yudhistira makes Bhima second in command. Tells what each person is now in charge of.
(pg. 177-179) Yudhistira went and spoke to Bhishma who was still lying on his bed of arrow heads. They spoke about the duties being king for several days and afterwards Bhishma breathed his last breath. Yudhistira cremated Bhishma's body on the banks of the Ganges where his soul was received by the deity and returned to the celestial rely. Yudhistira ruled for 36 years. Dhritarashtra decided to retire into the woods with Ganshari and Kunthi. Yudhistira visited them until one day they died in a forest fire. Krishna's clan destroyed each other in a civil war. Depressed by certain events, the Pandavas decided to leave the world one by one including Draupadi. Vidura merged his should with Yudhistira. Yudhistira is gifted with the power to reach heaven in his physical body. Abhimanyu's child is the only one left and eventually becomes king and continues the Pandava lineage.
 |
| Krishna pleading to avoid war (Source) |
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Week 10 Reading Diary A
(pg. 86) Duryodhana and his accomplices decided to make camp near where the Pandavas were located during their 13th year. A full-fledged fight developed between the armies of the gandharavs and Duryodhana. Duryodhana was taken prisoner along with his allies and was bound in chains. When the Pandavas heard of what happened, Bhima and Arjuna were sent to rescue Duryodhana and were successful.
(pg. 88-92) The 5 brothers went out in search of things that belonged to a brima. One at a time, each brother went out to a lake and drank some of the water and fell dead from ignoring the warning of a voice. Yudhistira went and followed the instructions of the voice and answered all of the voice's questions. He pleased the god, which was the source of the voice, and because of this all of his brothers arose and were alive again. The yacht had been Yudhistira's father Yama, the God of Justive. He has been pleased with Yudhistira's answers and let his brothers live and blessed them with the power to remain incognito.
(pg. 93) The brothers decide on the city to live their 13th year and what they should do while there and what their names shall be. The decide to work in the palace of the King of Virata.
(pg. 97) Draupadi is assaulted by Kichaka, the brother of the Queen. She seeks help from Bhima and they devise a plan. Kichaka falls for the plan and Bhima kills him. Draupadi explains that he was killed by her gandharva husbands and the citizens then see her as an evil spirit. They seize her and decide to cremate her on Kichaka's funeral pyre. Bhima rescues her and, while doing so, destroys Kichaka's soldiers.
(pg. 100) Duryodhana realizes the Pandavas only have 13 days left until they are free from their exile. His spires cannot find them for they are hidden by the protection of Yama. One of his spies tells him about the events at Virata. They decide to look there.
(pg. 102) Duryodhana decided to attack Virata because he believes the Pandavas are there. He has also chose to attack the kingdom because the general of the army (Kichaka) was dead. Susurman took the king of Virata prisoner. Bhima saved the king. Thousands of Virata cattle were being stolen, so prince Uttara decided to do something about it. He spent most of his time in the women's quarters along with Arjuna. With the help of Draupadi, he decided to make Arjuna his charioteer.
(pg. 105) Uttara and Arjuna took off in the chariot. The prince told Arjuna to stop and/or slow down once he saw that Karna and Duryodhana were present, but Arjuna did not stop. Instead he sped up. Prince Uttara became very afraid and began to make up excuses, but Arjuna continued on and said that if they did not return with cattle the women would laugh at them. Arjuna told the prince that he intended to fight and that he would still fight even if the prince could not.
(pg. 105-106) Uttara became desperate, proclaiming that he did not care if anything happened. He then jumped off the chariot and ran in the other direction. Arjuna ran after him and told the prince to drive the chariot while he (Arjuna) did the fighting. They went over to a certain tree and got down the weapons Arjuna had hid in the tree earlier in the story. Arjuna then revealed the true identity of himself and the others to the prince.
(pg. 109) Arjuna battles his master, Drona. His battle was friendly, except with Karna. Arjuna mauled Karna. The war was over. Arjuna told Uttara not to reveal who he or the rest of his family really was and to tell the King that it was Uttara who has fought and won.
(pg. 110) The king got mad at Yudhistira and threw dice at him. Uttar scolded his father for doing so. Then he told his father that he did nothing in the battle and that it was the son of a deity who has been successful. When questioned, Uttara said that the son of a deity had disappeared after the war but might appear again in the days to come.
(pg. 113) 3 days after the battle, King Virata found Yudhistira and his brothers sitting on the seats meant for kings whilst wearing costly robes and jewelry. He became outraged and ordered them to leave. Yudhistira announced himself and his brothers and Virata was so overcome that he offered his wealth, cattle, and entire kingdom to them in recompense for treating them as servants. He then offered his daughter to Arjuna, but Arjuna turned her down and said she would be better suited for his son Abhimanyu.
*(pg. 114) The description of Abhmanyu and Uttarai's wedding.
(pg. 115-116) Hall became quiet as everyone looked at Krishna. This signified the starting point of his leadership in the impending conflict with he Kauravas. Krishna addressed the assembly. Balarama spoke to the assembly. They spoke about Duryodhana and how the Pandavas deserved half of his kingdom, as well as the fact that they must be careful and tread lightly around Duryodhana. Satyaki spoke and clarified the dice situation. He then stated that the only way to appeal to the Kauravas would be with arrows rather than words. Drupada agreed with Satyaki and said they must prepare for war and summon their allies. Goal is to reestablish the Pandavas.
(pg. 117-118) Both Arjuna and Duryodhana went to request the help of Krishna. Because Arjuna sat at Krishna's feet and Duryodhana sat at his head, Arjuna was the first to be seen by Krishna and was therefore the first to chose. Krishna said that he could either give his army of a million strong soldiers or himself. Arjuna chose Krishna. Duryodhana was happy to accept the million soldiers and thought Arjuna was a fool.
(pg. 119) Salya, a powerful king, was on his way with his troops to assist Yudhistira. Duryodhana organized receptions for Salya along the way. Sala asked for the person responsible because he wanted to reward him. Duryodhana was brought to him and asked Salya to lead his arm. Sala accepted. He then spoke to Yudhistira and promised him that he would discourage Karna at a crucial moment.
(pg. 121) The priest chosen to be messenger arrived at the Kauravas and spoke to them. Bhishma spike first saying that everything the priest said was true. Karen interrupted him angrily.
(pg. 123) Dhritarashtra ended the discussion and sought the advise of Sanjaya. He said to say nothing to the Pandavas that might be disagreeable or could provoke war (basically be careful what you say). Sanjaya traveled to Virata and spoke to Yudhistira, asking him for peace rather than war. Krishna then spoke about how the universe is a balance between action and reaction
(pg. 125) Sanjaya returns and speaks to Dhritarashtra about his exchange with Yudhistira. Dhritarashtra seeks the advise of Vidura. Voider advises him to give Yudhistira his kingdom and to get rid of Duryodhana because he is evil.
(pg. 129) Duryodhana speaks to his father and tells him that he is confident they will win and defeat Arjuna and the rest of the Pandavas. Dhritarashtra believes his son to be delirious. He believes that his son only wants war because of his companions Karna, Sakuni, and Dussasana. Duryodhana then states that he will not live side by side with the Pandavas and that either they will die or he will die. Karna then says that he will not fight as long as Bhishma is still alive.
(pg. 131) Vyasa assured Dhritarashtra that the Kaurava's end was coming.
(pg. 88-92) The 5 brothers went out in search of things that belonged to a brima. One at a time, each brother went out to a lake and drank some of the water and fell dead from ignoring the warning of a voice. Yudhistira went and followed the instructions of the voice and answered all of the voice's questions. He pleased the god, which was the source of the voice, and because of this all of his brothers arose and were alive again. The yacht had been Yudhistira's father Yama, the God of Justive. He has been pleased with Yudhistira's answers and let his brothers live and blessed them with the power to remain incognito.
(pg. 93) The brothers decide on the city to live their 13th year and what they should do while there and what their names shall be. The decide to work in the palace of the King of Virata.
(pg. 97) Draupadi is assaulted by Kichaka, the brother of the Queen. She seeks help from Bhima and they devise a plan. Kichaka falls for the plan and Bhima kills him. Draupadi explains that he was killed by her gandharva husbands and the citizens then see her as an evil spirit. They seize her and decide to cremate her on Kichaka's funeral pyre. Bhima rescues her and, while doing so, destroys Kichaka's soldiers.
(pg. 100) Duryodhana realizes the Pandavas only have 13 days left until they are free from their exile. His spires cannot find them for they are hidden by the protection of Yama. One of his spies tells him about the events at Virata. They decide to look there.
(pg. 102) Duryodhana decided to attack Virata because he believes the Pandavas are there. He has also chose to attack the kingdom because the general of the army (Kichaka) was dead. Susurman took the king of Virata prisoner. Bhima saved the king. Thousands of Virata cattle were being stolen, so prince Uttara decided to do something about it. He spent most of his time in the women's quarters along with Arjuna. With the help of Draupadi, he decided to make Arjuna his charioteer.
(pg. 105) Uttara and Arjuna took off in the chariot. The prince told Arjuna to stop and/or slow down once he saw that Karna and Duryodhana were present, but Arjuna did not stop. Instead he sped up. Prince Uttara became very afraid and began to make up excuses, but Arjuna continued on and said that if they did not return with cattle the women would laugh at them. Arjuna told the prince that he intended to fight and that he would still fight even if the prince could not.
(pg. 105-106) Uttara became desperate, proclaiming that he did not care if anything happened. He then jumped off the chariot and ran in the other direction. Arjuna ran after him and told the prince to drive the chariot while he (Arjuna) did the fighting. They went over to a certain tree and got down the weapons Arjuna had hid in the tree earlier in the story. Arjuna then revealed the true identity of himself and the others to the prince.
(pg. 109) Arjuna battles his master, Drona. His battle was friendly, except with Karna. Arjuna mauled Karna. The war was over. Arjuna told Uttara not to reveal who he or the rest of his family really was and to tell the King that it was Uttara who has fought and won.
(pg. 110) The king got mad at Yudhistira and threw dice at him. Uttar scolded his father for doing so. Then he told his father that he did nothing in the battle and that it was the son of a deity who has been successful. When questioned, Uttara said that the son of a deity had disappeared after the war but might appear again in the days to come.
(pg. 113) 3 days after the battle, King Virata found Yudhistira and his brothers sitting on the seats meant for kings whilst wearing costly robes and jewelry. He became outraged and ordered them to leave. Yudhistira announced himself and his brothers and Virata was so overcome that he offered his wealth, cattle, and entire kingdom to them in recompense for treating them as servants. He then offered his daughter to Arjuna, but Arjuna turned her down and said she would be better suited for his son Abhimanyu.
*(pg. 114) The description of Abhmanyu and Uttarai's wedding.
(pg. 115-116) Hall became quiet as everyone looked at Krishna. This signified the starting point of his leadership in the impending conflict with he Kauravas. Krishna addressed the assembly. Balarama spoke to the assembly. They spoke about Duryodhana and how the Pandavas deserved half of his kingdom, as well as the fact that they must be careful and tread lightly around Duryodhana. Satyaki spoke and clarified the dice situation. He then stated that the only way to appeal to the Kauravas would be with arrows rather than words. Drupada agreed with Satyaki and said they must prepare for war and summon their allies. Goal is to reestablish the Pandavas.
(pg. 117-118) Both Arjuna and Duryodhana went to request the help of Krishna. Because Arjuna sat at Krishna's feet and Duryodhana sat at his head, Arjuna was the first to be seen by Krishna and was therefore the first to chose. Krishna said that he could either give his army of a million strong soldiers or himself. Arjuna chose Krishna. Duryodhana was happy to accept the million soldiers and thought Arjuna was a fool.
(pg. 119) Salya, a powerful king, was on his way with his troops to assist Yudhistira. Duryodhana organized receptions for Salya along the way. Sala asked for the person responsible because he wanted to reward him. Duryodhana was brought to him and asked Salya to lead his arm. Sala accepted. He then spoke to Yudhistira and promised him that he would discourage Karna at a crucial moment.
(pg. 121) The priest chosen to be messenger arrived at the Kauravas and spoke to them. Bhishma spike first saying that everything the priest said was true. Karen interrupted him angrily.
(pg. 123) Dhritarashtra ended the discussion and sought the advise of Sanjaya. He said to say nothing to the Pandavas that might be disagreeable or could provoke war (basically be careful what you say). Sanjaya traveled to Virata and spoke to Yudhistira, asking him for peace rather than war. Krishna then spoke about how the universe is a balance between action and reaction
(pg. 125) Sanjaya returns and speaks to Dhritarashtra about his exchange with Yudhistira. Dhritarashtra seeks the advise of Vidura. Voider advises him to give Yudhistira his kingdom and to get rid of Duryodhana because he is evil.
(pg. 129) Duryodhana speaks to his father and tells him that he is confident they will win and defeat Arjuna and the rest of the Pandavas. Dhritarashtra believes his son to be delirious. He believes that his son only wants war because of his companions Karna, Sakuni, and Dussasana. Duryodhana then states that he will not live side by side with the Pandavas and that either they will die or he will die. Karna then says that he will not fight as long as Bhishma is still alive.
(pg. 131) Vyasa assured Dhritarashtra that the Kaurava's end was coming.
 |
| Duryodhana and Drona (Source) |
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Week 9 Famous Last Words
This week has been an interesting one, that’s for sure.
Emotions have been high, stress was at an all time max, and everyone has just
been counting down the days until they get an entire week off of school for
spring break! Between the racism scandal and midterms, this has not been the
best week here at the University of Oklahoma.
It is almost funny how one horribly racist video can, in an
instant, tear people apart and bring people together. No one was denying that
it was bad, because it was absolutely atrocious, but it did cause some controversy
all over the country. I do not want to dwell on the issue, especially since I
have already done a lot of writing about it in my free time, but I do want to
say that it is sad that it happened and my heart breaks knowing that I living
in a country where racism is still and issue.
Now, on to more happy topics! This week I finished watching
Criminal Minds. I am still so sad that it is over! I really think that should
be my job. How awesome would it be to study serial killers and psychopaths all
day? If you are like me and you have a dark and twisted side of you, I highly recommend
you watch this show! It is amazing! And the main characters are incredible. It
is almost impossible not to fall in love with them.
Since I finished my show, I of course had to find a new one
to replace it! How else am I supposed to wake up in the morning? The sound of
silence is not getting anyone up out of bed at seven in the morning! I decided
that my new show would be House of Cards. I had already seen the first season
and the first episode of the second, so now I just have to go on from there.
 |
| Ellison Hall (Source) |
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Week 9 Reading Diary B
*Pandu's sons: Yudhistira, Arjuna, Bhima & Nakula, Sahadeva
*Dhritarashtra is blind, his son is Duryodhana + 99 others
*Pandavas = Kunthi (the mother) and the 5 sons.
*Kauravas = general name for Dhritarashtra and his 100 sons
(pg. 41) They found out the Pandavas were still alive and are all married to Drupada's daughter. Duryodhana angrily confronts his father about the issue. They discuss how they are in more danger because the Pandavas and Drupada are now allies. Dhritarashtra has internal conflict with himself because he loves his son but cannot hate the Pandavas. He has not mind of his own and has perpetual conflict with his instincts.
(pg. 43) Drona, Vidura, and Bhishima talk to Dhritarashtra about the Pandavas. All said that the Pandavas should return and no long be exiled. Karna told Dhritarashtra not to listen to them and that the best course of action would be to go to war. Dhritarashtra decides that the Pandavas may return to Hastinapura.
(pg. 44) When the Pandavas return they bring the god Krishna with them. Dhritarashtra informs Yudhistira that the kingdom will be divided and that he may have Khandavapratha to rule over with his family. They later change the name to Indraprastha.
(pg. 48) Duryodhana visited the Pandavas. He felt tormented by their accomplishments and the fact everyone loved them and that their city was beautiful. He needed them to be degraded for himself to find happiness and peace. He believed the Pandavas laughed in his face on purpose. Wanting to humiliate them, he decided to he would challenge Yudhistira to a game of dice.
(pg. 56-73) Yudhistira plays a game of dice and loses everything. Dhritarashtra felt repentant and tells Draupadi to ask for any favor. She asks for her husbands freedom and the she asked for everything back, and all of her favors were granted. As the Pandavas were leaving they challenged Yudhistira to another game of dice. The new rule was that the loser must live in exile for 12 years and then incognito for 1 full year in a city. The Pandavas lost and went out into exile.
(pg. 75) 2 sages talk to the king and his sons. One places a curse upon Duryodhana and the sages tell the Kuravas to make peace with the Pandavas.
(pg. 76) Many kings come to give aid to Yudhistira and tell him that they all believe that the Kauravas are evil. Krishna told him that the Kauravas would be punished.
(pg. 77-79) An amazing exchange between Draupadi and Yudhistira. Brim then joins in the argument.
(pg. 82) Arjuna was sent to obtain weapons that would make him invincible.
*Dhritarashtra is blind, his son is Duryodhana + 99 others
*Pandavas = Kunthi (the mother) and the 5 sons.
*Kauravas = general name for Dhritarashtra and his 100 sons
(pg. 41) They found out the Pandavas were still alive and are all married to Drupada's daughter. Duryodhana angrily confronts his father about the issue. They discuss how they are in more danger because the Pandavas and Drupada are now allies. Dhritarashtra has internal conflict with himself because he loves his son but cannot hate the Pandavas. He has not mind of his own and has perpetual conflict with his instincts.
(pg. 43) Drona, Vidura, and Bhishima talk to Dhritarashtra about the Pandavas. All said that the Pandavas should return and no long be exiled. Karna told Dhritarashtra not to listen to them and that the best course of action would be to go to war. Dhritarashtra decides that the Pandavas may return to Hastinapura.
(pg. 44) When the Pandavas return they bring the god Krishna with them. Dhritarashtra informs Yudhistira that the kingdom will be divided and that he may have Khandavapratha to rule over with his family. They later change the name to Indraprastha.
(pg. 48) Duryodhana visited the Pandavas. He felt tormented by their accomplishments and the fact everyone loved them and that their city was beautiful. He needed them to be degraded for himself to find happiness and peace. He believed the Pandavas laughed in his face on purpose. Wanting to humiliate them, he decided to he would challenge Yudhistira to a game of dice.
(pg. 56-73) Yudhistira plays a game of dice and loses everything. Dhritarashtra felt repentant and tells Draupadi to ask for any favor. She asks for her husbands freedom and the she asked for everything back, and all of her favors were granted. As the Pandavas were leaving they challenged Yudhistira to another game of dice. The new rule was that the loser must live in exile for 12 years and then incognito for 1 full year in a city. The Pandavas lost and went out into exile.
(pg. 75) 2 sages talk to the king and his sons. One places a curse upon Duryodhana and the sages tell the Kuravas to make peace with the Pandavas.
(pg. 76) Many kings come to give aid to Yudhistira and tell him that they all believe that the Kauravas are evil. Krishna told him that the Kauravas would be punished.
(pg. 77-79) An amazing exchange between Draupadi and Yudhistira. Brim then joins in the argument.
(pg. 82) Arjuna was sent to obtain weapons that would make him invincible.
 |
| Arjuna (Source) |
Monday, March 9, 2015
Week 9 Reading Diary A
(pg. 1-10) This is where we hear how the family tree is established and created.
(pg. 1-3) Santanu asks a woman to marry him. The woman agrees, but only because she is Ganga, the deity of the river, and she is there to carry out a specific task. They have children and she drowns them, but she then keeps the eighth child. She disappears with the kid and then returns a few years later to give it back to Santanu.
[This could be good to write from Ganga's perspective]
(pg. 3) Devavratha seems as though he is a very good son. When his father, Santanu, becomes love-struck with the fisherman's daughter (Satyavathi), he gives up his birth-right to make his father happy.
(pg. 4) Devavratha (now known by Bhishma) is looking for a wife. He acquires three maiden's by force and takes them back to his home so that he and his half brother each may marry one of them.
(pg. 5-7) Satyavathi attempts to get Bhishma to impregnate her daughters-in-law after the death of her only son. Bhishma has now taken a vow of celibacy and refuses to do so because vows can never be broken. She does not want the family to die out so she tells Bhishma a story about how she was impregnated by a rishi. She gave birth on an island to her eldest son who is a sage and a savant named Vyasa. She summoned Vyasa and explained to him how she wanted him to perpetuate their race through her daughters-in-law. He agreed. Vyasa slept with Ambika, but because she shut her eyes during conception, her son was born blind. Vyasa then slept with Ambalika, but because she grew pale at the sight of him her son was born pallid. Vyasa was then tricked into sleeping with Ambalika's maidservant, who was bold and responsive during conception so her child was born normal. [Would be funny to hear from the girl's perspectives].
(pg. 11) The whole family is now living together, children, children of children, etc. Bhishma has hired a guru to train all of the children.
(pg. 12-13) We hear of Arjuna's incredible marksmanship and how he is a great warrior.
(pg. 13) The guru tells the king (now Dhritarashtra) that the children have finished their training and that there needs to be an exhibition of their skills at a public ceremony for all of the citizens to see.
(pg. 15) Karna as showed up to the ceremony uninvited and has now challenged Arjuna in combat.
(pg. 16) Suddenly Duryodhana made Karna king.
(pg. 17) Drona asks for payment from his pupils for his training. He wants them to bring back Drupada, King of Panchala, as a prisoner.
(pg. 18) Drona tell his pupils a story. He had been childhood friends with a boy who became king. When Drona went to visit his friend, the king said that they were not friends because people of unequal status could not be friends and that time changes everything.
(pg. 19) The pupils go to war, capture King Drupada, and bring him to Drona. Drona tells the King the reason he had originally visited him so many years ago. Then he tells the king that he will give him back half the kingdom but keep half of it to rule for himself, that way they would remain equals and always be friends.
*Pandu's sons: Yudhistira, Arjuna, Bhima & Nakula, Sahadeva
*Dhritarashtra is blind, his son is Duryodhana + 99 others
(pg. 21-24) Dhritarashtra is wondering why his nephews are getting all of the attention rather than his own sons. He seeks advice from the minister. The minister suggests that the King exile his nephews, so the King and his son Duryodhana hatch a plan to get rid of Pandu's sons (the nephews). He had chosen Yudhustira as heir. Dhritarashra decides to send Yudhustira to Varanavata to get him out of the city. He said that is to give Y a break to relax and enjoy himself. Y leaves to go to Varanavata, Vidura gives Y a waring in a coded language. Warning is about enemies and how Y should me cautious about the Kings motives (code phrase, "remember, the jackal emerges from many outlets underground).
(pg. 25) They arrive at Varanavata for the Shiva festival. A man named Purochana (who is an agent of Duryodhana) give them a place to stay. The boys tell their mother to be carful because they could smell oil and knew that the man was waiting for a signal from Duryodhana to start a fire at midnight and kill them, which was what Vidura was warning them about. When Y hears about Purochana's instructions from a visitor sent by Vidura, he responds by saying "How thoughtful of them!" LOL The visitor built a tunnel under the mansion.
(pg. 26) Once the tunnel was ready, they had a big feast at the mansion. Once the guests had been fed and left, the family left through the secret passage. Brim stayed behind to set the house on fire. The family emerged at the river's edge where there was a boat waiting for them, sent by Vidura, which took them to the other side to a thick forest. Charred remains of the family were found in the mansion. Dhritarashtra became conscience stricken.
*Pandavas = Kunthi (the mother) and the 5 sons.
*Kauravas = Dhritarashtra (the king) and his 100 sons and everyone working with him.
(pg. 27) Bhima has great physical might and courage. Looks after and cares for family. Kills a rakshasa to make forest safer. The rakshasa's sister falls in love with Bhima and bore him a son named Ghatotkacha (who is important in the battle later).
(pg. 28) Vyasa is composer of book! During their journey, the run into Vyasa. He gives them advise to go to a town called Ekavrata because it is safe. He then tells them that they will live in their palace and rule the country once again.
(pg. 29-31) The Pandavas are staying with a host family. The host family is crying a lot one day and tells the Pandavas that a rakshasa lives on the edge of the town but leaves the town alone as long as the members of the town follow his conditions. He requires that each day a member from one of the homes brings to him a cartload of rice and 2 buffaloes so that he may eat it all including the member of the house who brought it to him. The hosts are upset because that day it was their turn and they did not want to have to lose a family member. They decide to send Bhima instead. Brim entices the rakshasa and ultimately defeats him
(pg. 31) The Pandavas decide to leave for fear that they might be recognized. They head to Panchala because the king (Drupada) is looking for a husband for his daughter.
(pg. 32-34) The ceremony of Draupadi's swayamwara. Arjuna was able to complete the task at hand and married Draupadi.
(pg. 34) Kunthi, without looking, told the boys to share what they had. Then she realized that they had a girl and not an object. No one knew if they really were supposed to share her or not. The situation was very uncomfortable (and hilarious). [Would be funny to hear from Draupadi's perspective].
(pg. 35) Lots of awkward moments. The family debated about sharing Draupadi. Arjuna suggested that Yudhistira decide and he decide that she should be wife to all of them.
(pg. 36-37) The family goes to palace. They tell the King who they really are. Yudhistira decides that Draupadi should be all of the 5 brother's wife and informs the King of this. They debate. Vyasa appears and tells all of them at in this instance it is okay for Daupadi to marry all 5 men.
(pg. 38) The Lives of Draupadi. Discusses her past live. She was named Nalayani and was married to a horrible, disgusting man who she cared for and loved very much in spite of him being grotesque. One day he told her that his vicious and disgusting appearance had just be a disguise in order to test her and that he would give her anything she wanted. She said that she wanted him to love her as 5 men, assuming 5 forms and always coming together as one. He granted it to her. Then he became bored and left her. She prayed to a god and told the god she wanted her husband back (except she said husband 5 times), so the god said that she would be reincarnated and have 5 husbands.
(pg. 39) Draupadi married all five of the men. Their arrangement was that she would be the wife of one of the men for a year and then she would be passed on to the next. At the end of each year she would be the wife of a new brother.
(pg. 1-3) Santanu asks a woman to marry him. The woman agrees, but only because she is Ganga, the deity of the river, and she is there to carry out a specific task. They have children and she drowns them, but she then keeps the eighth child. She disappears with the kid and then returns a few years later to give it back to Santanu.
[This could be good to write from Ganga's perspective]
(pg. 3) Devavratha seems as though he is a very good son. When his father, Santanu, becomes love-struck with the fisherman's daughter (Satyavathi), he gives up his birth-right to make his father happy.
(pg. 4) Devavratha (now known by Bhishma) is looking for a wife. He acquires three maiden's by force and takes them back to his home so that he and his half brother each may marry one of them.
(pg. 5-7) Satyavathi attempts to get Bhishma to impregnate her daughters-in-law after the death of her only son. Bhishma has now taken a vow of celibacy and refuses to do so because vows can never be broken. She does not want the family to die out so she tells Bhishma a story about how she was impregnated by a rishi. She gave birth on an island to her eldest son who is a sage and a savant named Vyasa. She summoned Vyasa and explained to him how she wanted him to perpetuate their race through her daughters-in-law. He agreed. Vyasa slept with Ambika, but because she shut her eyes during conception, her son was born blind. Vyasa then slept with Ambalika, but because she grew pale at the sight of him her son was born pallid. Vyasa was then tricked into sleeping with Ambalika's maidservant, who was bold and responsive during conception so her child was born normal. [Would be funny to hear from the girl's perspectives].
(pg. 11) The whole family is now living together, children, children of children, etc. Bhishma has hired a guru to train all of the children.
(pg. 12-13) We hear of Arjuna's incredible marksmanship and how he is a great warrior.
(pg. 13) The guru tells the king (now Dhritarashtra) that the children have finished their training and that there needs to be an exhibition of their skills at a public ceremony for all of the citizens to see.
(pg. 15) Karna as showed up to the ceremony uninvited and has now challenged Arjuna in combat.
(pg. 16) Suddenly Duryodhana made Karna king.
(pg. 17) Drona asks for payment from his pupils for his training. He wants them to bring back Drupada, King of Panchala, as a prisoner.
(pg. 18) Drona tell his pupils a story. He had been childhood friends with a boy who became king. When Drona went to visit his friend, the king said that they were not friends because people of unequal status could not be friends and that time changes everything.
(pg. 19) The pupils go to war, capture King Drupada, and bring him to Drona. Drona tells the King the reason he had originally visited him so many years ago. Then he tells the king that he will give him back half the kingdom but keep half of it to rule for himself, that way they would remain equals and always be friends.
*Pandu's sons: Yudhistira, Arjuna, Bhima & Nakula, Sahadeva
*Dhritarashtra is blind, his son is Duryodhana + 99 others
(pg. 21-24) Dhritarashtra is wondering why his nephews are getting all of the attention rather than his own sons. He seeks advice from the minister. The minister suggests that the King exile his nephews, so the King and his son Duryodhana hatch a plan to get rid of Pandu's sons (the nephews). He had chosen Yudhustira as heir. Dhritarashra decides to send Yudhustira to Varanavata to get him out of the city. He said that is to give Y a break to relax and enjoy himself. Y leaves to go to Varanavata, Vidura gives Y a waring in a coded language. Warning is about enemies and how Y should me cautious about the Kings motives (code phrase, "remember, the jackal emerges from many outlets underground).
(pg. 25) They arrive at Varanavata for the Shiva festival. A man named Purochana (who is an agent of Duryodhana) give them a place to stay. The boys tell their mother to be carful because they could smell oil and knew that the man was waiting for a signal from Duryodhana to start a fire at midnight and kill them, which was what Vidura was warning them about. When Y hears about Purochana's instructions from a visitor sent by Vidura, he responds by saying "How thoughtful of them!" LOL The visitor built a tunnel under the mansion.
(pg. 26) Once the tunnel was ready, they had a big feast at the mansion. Once the guests had been fed and left, the family left through the secret passage. Brim stayed behind to set the house on fire. The family emerged at the river's edge where there was a boat waiting for them, sent by Vidura, which took them to the other side to a thick forest. Charred remains of the family were found in the mansion. Dhritarashtra became conscience stricken.
*Pandavas = Kunthi (the mother) and the 5 sons.
*Kauravas = Dhritarashtra (the king) and his 100 sons and everyone working with him.
(pg. 27) Bhima has great physical might and courage. Looks after and cares for family. Kills a rakshasa to make forest safer. The rakshasa's sister falls in love with Bhima and bore him a son named Ghatotkacha (who is important in the battle later).
(pg. 28) Vyasa is composer of book! During their journey, the run into Vyasa. He gives them advise to go to a town called Ekavrata because it is safe. He then tells them that they will live in their palace and rule the country once again.
(pg. 29-31) The Pandavas are staying with a host family. The host family is crying a lot one day and tells the Pandavas that a rakshasa lives on the edge of the town but leaves the town alone as long as the members of the town follow his conditions. He requires that each day a member from one of the homes brings to him a cartload of rice and 2 buffaloes so that he may eat it all including the member of the house who brought it to him. The hosts are upset because that day it was their turn and they did not want to have to lose a family member. They decide to send Bhima instead. Brim entices the rakshasa and ultimately defeats him
(pg. 31) The Pandavas decide to leave for fear that they might be recognized. They head to Panchala because the king (Drupada) is looking for a husband for his daughter.
(pg. 32-34) The ceremony of Draupadi's swayamwara. Arjuna was able to complete the task at hand and married Draupadi.
(pg. 34) Kunthi, without looking, told the boys to share what they had. Then she realized that they had a girl and not an object. No one knew if they really were supposed to share her or not. The situation was very uncomfortable (and hilarious). [Would be funny to hear from Draupadi's perspective].
(pg. 35) Lots of awkward moments. The family debated about sharing Draupadi. Arjuna suggested that Yudhistira decide and he decide that she should be wife to all of them.
(pg. 36-37) The family goes to palace. They tell the King who they really are. Yudhistira decides that Draupadi should be all of the 5 brother's wife and informs the King of this. They debate. Vyasa appears and tells all of them at in this instance it is okay for Daupadi to marry all 5 men.
(pg. 38) The Lives of Draupadi. Discusses her past live. She was named Nalayani and was married to a horrible, disgusting man who she cared for and loved very much in spite of him being grotesque. One day he told her that his vicious and disgusting appearance had just be a disguise in order to test her and that he would give her anything she wanted. She said that she wanted him to love her as 5 men, assuming 5 forms and always coming together as one. He granted it to her. Then he became bored and left her. She prayed to a god and told the god she wanted her husband back (except she said husband 5 times), so the god said that she would be reincarnated and have 5 husbands.
(pg. 39) Draupadi married all five of the men. Their arrangement was that she would be the wife of one of the men for a year and then she would be passed on to the next. At the end of each year she would be the wife of a new brother.
.jpg) |
| Ganga with her eighth son (Source) |
.jpg){kind=link}
Week 9 Storytelling: Santanu Goes to Therapy
"Good afternoon, Santanu. It's good to see you
again. How are you today?"
"I'm doing well. I have been doing a lot of thinking since the last
time we met."
“Good, good! Why don’t you take a seat and we can get our session
started, okay?”
“Alright, Doc.”
“Now, this is your fifth therapy session with me. We have talked about
quite a lot thus far, but last week you mentioned something about the women in
your life. Why don’t we talk about that?”
“Okay. Well, you see, Dr. Nezbin, I have fallen in love at first sight
twice. Each time I have asked these women to marry me, and each time they have
required me to agree to some sort of condition before saying yes.”
“Ah, I see. And how do you feel about that?”
“I... don’t know. Not great. I just wanted to marry them. Why would they
even need conditions? I am the king for goodness sake! But for some reason each
time they gave me conditions, and each time I agreed to them.”
“Why don’t you tell me more about these conditions you speak of? Start
from the beginning.”
“Well, the first time it happen was when I met Ganga. She is my psycho
ex-wife.”
“Ah, I see. Please, continue.”
“Well, she was so beautiful. When our eyes first met, I knew I had to
make her my wife. With my gaze still fixated on those crystal-blue eyes of her,
I marched right up to her and proposed on the spot! That was when she told me of her
conditions.”
“And what were those?”
“She said that she would only marry me if she was able to be free and do
anything she wanted without me asking about it. I could not waste another
moment without her being mine, so I agreed. I mean, what was the worst that
could happen?”
“And what did happen, exactly?”
“Ganga was bat-shit crazy!!! What’s the worst that could happen, indeed? That woman, that deranged lunatic, drowned seven of our children!!! Each time
she had a kid, she would take it and drown it in the river. At least she spared
the life of my son Devavratha."
“Mmhmm. Interesting. So what happened to Ganga? I am assuming that you
two split up after that.”
“Apparently she was the deity of that river who had taken human form.
She told me that there were these eight men who had harmed a cow or something, and she was required to birth them and then drown them. I didn’t really
understand her, to be honest. After that, she vanished into the river with Devavratha, promising she would return him to me. Eventually she did bring him back, although it had been a few years and Devavratha had grown into a young man. After that she just disappeared and I haven’t seen or heard from her since.”
“Fascinating. Now, tell me about this other woman you mentioned. What
about her?”
“It was only a few days ago, so about four years after Ganga brought Devavratha back, that I met Satyavathi.
I was out hunting deer in the woods when suddenly, I saw the most beautiful
creature. She was like an angel! I knew I had to have her, so I asked her
father, the fisherman, if I could marry her. That is when he told me of his
conditions.”
“So this time it was the father who had conditions, rather than the woman herself. Hmmm. So what were
those exactly?”
“He told me that the only way I would be able to marry Satyavathi would be if
our firstborn son would be my heir. Well, I already have a son, obviously. Needless to
say I was very upset. I went back to my castle and have been thinking about the
future of my kingdom ever since. I just don’t know what to do. On the one
hand I would do anything to marry Styavathi, but on the other hand I don’t want
to take something away from Devavratha that is rightfully his.”
“It seems to me that the best thing to do would be to talk to your son.
In our first session you told me about how caring and understanding he is. Why would
this situation be any different? Open and honest communication is the only way to resolve this.”
“That’s a good point. If I tell him that I'm worried about the future
and how I do not have enough children, he might figure it out and come to a
decision of his own! Thanks, Dr. Nezbin!!!”
“Anytime. It appears that's all the time we have scheduled for
today. I will see you next week!”
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| Therapist Couch (Source) |
Author's Note.
This is based off of the first three pages of Narayan's Mahabharata. This is when we first learn about King Santanu. He first falls in love with a woman. He asks her to
marry him, and she tells him she would as long as he allowed her to be free and
do anything she wanted without him ever questioning her. He agreed and they
were married. Every time she give birth, she would drown the baby in the river. She
did this seven times and on the eighth time Santanu could no longer control
himself and told her to stop. She explained that she was Ganga, deity of the
river, and that she had only taken human form in order to give birth to the
eight babies because in their past life they had harmed a rare cow and were
cursed. She disappeared with the eighth child and it to Santanu later. She had named the child Devavratha. Then she disappeared forever. The next woman he met while he was hunting. Santanu saw her
beauty and became love-stricken. She was the daughter of a fisherman. When
Santanu asked her father if he could marry her, the fisherman said that he
could only if her firstborn son would be Santanu’s successor. Santanu felt as
though he could not accept this because of Devavratha. He returned to the
palace frustrated and in a melancholic state.
While reading this I saw that Santanu fell in love with two beautiful women the first time he ever saw them and then he asked them to marry him. I immediately thought, “This guy needs therapy!” That is how I came up with the idea! I honestly thought it would be funny hearing Santanu complain about all of his lady problems.
Bibliography. Narayan, R. K. (1978). The Mahabharata.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Week 8 Famous Last Words
Have you heard of vine? Well I am addicted to it. Basically
it is an app that consists of six-second videos, and it is awesome! People all
over the world can post videos of them doing just about anything. I do not post
videos of myself (although I did post one of it snowing the other day with the
song Mr. Sandman playing in the background), but I enjoy watching the videos
that others post. I actually get quite a bit of my music from there. I really
like finding new artists and there are so many aspiring musicians on there, and
so many of them are incredibly talented. If I could, my job would consist of me
listening to music all day and deciding what musician or band would be the next
big thing. Music is so inspired. I mean could you imagine a movie without music?
It would suck! There are so many songs and musicians out there that very few
people have heard of that are just amazing! Right now I have been listening to
Amy Stroup. I should really just start a blog about this stuff. I just really
liked underrated music. High Highs are probably one of my favorite bands ever.
Let us discuss the weather. Well, it has definitely been one
of the weirder seasons here in Oklahoma. I swear the weather here is bipolar!
“Oh, it’s supposed to be spring? Naw, I don’t think so!” Then boom!!! Snow! “Oh,
it’s freezing cold outside? Boom! Hurricane force winds!” Seriously! Why can’t
it be windy in the summer when it is super hot outside? That is when I want
wind to cool me down! Oklahoma is the only state that gets to zero degrees in
the winter and then one hundred and five in the summer. Even Canada is not that
bad! Oh my gosh! Oklahoma is the Siberia of the United States!!! The weather is never normal, it is always extreme, and I do not know very many people who are like "Oh hell yes! I get to go to Oklahoma! Woohoo!" It is the Siberia of the US!
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| Fire-breathing Tornado! (Source) |
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Commenting Review Week
I love it when people comment about what needs to be fixed or improved in my story. It is just so incredibly helpful. There are times I can make silly little mistakes, and it makes all the difference when other people catch them and point them out so that I can fix them.
Generally when I leave comments I try to be encouraging as well as point out mistakes or issues I found with the story. Positive commenting is definitely the way to go.
There definitely have been some absolutely amazing comments people have left on my stories and such. I highly encourage anyone and everyone to leave comments on my comment wall.
I definitely have to say thank you to everyone who has given me their feedback on my stories. I love hearing what everyone has to say, and the comments really have helped to improve my writing. So thank you again.
Generally when I leave comments I try to be encouraging as well as point out mistakes or issues I found with the story. Positive commenting is definitely the way to go.
There definitely have been some absolutely amazing comments people have left on my stories and such. I highly encourage anyone and everyone to leave comments on my comment wall.
I definitely have to say thank you to everyone who has given me their feedback on my stories. I love hearing what everyone has to say, and the comments really have helped to improve my writing. So thank you again.
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| Autumn Scenery (Source) |
Writing Review Post
So far I have learned that making mistakes a normal part of the writing process. I tend to make more grammatical mistakes than spelling. I very much enjoy the storytellings. Having to be that creative is so much fun.
I have also learned that making the stories short is the best way to keep up good flow. When the stories become too long, they can become repetitive.
The way I have learned to come up with storytelling ideas is to think about different ideas while you read. You can form a connection with certain stories, and from that your creativity will spark. Generally while I read a story, I try to see how easily I would be able to make it into something else - whether that be a diary, a memoir, turning the characters into animals, first person perspective.
I find the reading diaries to be the most challenging. Silly, I know, but I just feels like more I have to write before I can get to my story. However, it is very beneficial the majority of the time.
I have also learned that making the stories short is the best way to keep up good flow. When the stories become too long, they can become repetitive.
The way I have learned to come up with storytelling ideas is to think about different ideas while you read. You can form a connection with certain stories, and from that your creativity will spark. Generally while I read a story, I try to see how easily I would be able to make it into something else - whether that be a diary, a memoir, turning the characters into animals, first person perspective.
I find the reading diaries to be the most challenging. Silly, I know, but I just feels like more I have to write before I can get to my story. However, it is very beneficial the majority of the time.
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| Writing Station (Source) |
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Reading Review Week
I definitely enjoyed the untextbook so much! Generally I just read and then will write about something that I liked and could see becoming a storytelling post. I can definitely tell that I had a more difficult time with the Reading Diaries earlier in the semester and more so with the book. I'm not really sure why that is but I am going to try and fix that for next week.
I wish I could read for pleasure, but it seems ad though I am spending the majority of my time reading for my classes. I try not to pleasure read so I don't have any overlap in my stories.
I like the untextbook a lot! Often, I do some of my readings in situations where I cannot have a book out, so it is nice to be able to read via my laptop.
I chose to use the picture from my week 7 reading diary. It is just such a good picture and is what I would imagine the scene from all of the animal stories to look like. Big trees, lots of green and leaves. It is just beautiful and quant.
I wish I could read for pleasure, but it seems ad though I am spending the majority of my time reading for my classes. I try not to pleasure read so I don't have any overlap in my stories.
I like the untextbook a lot! Often, I do some of my readings in situations where I cannot have a book out, so it is nice to be able to read via my laptop.
I chose to use the picture from my week 7 reading diary. It is just such a good picture and is what I would imagine the scene from all of the animal stories to look like. Big trees, lots of green and leaves. It is just beautiful and quant.
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| Root Bridge (Source) |
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Indian Epic Untextbook
Rama and the Monkeys by Geraldine Hodgson
Link to Online
I was honestly curious about how this would translate from a book onto a computer. I definitely like the way the Untextbook was formatted better. It was a little bit bigger and, because it was typed, it was easier to read. I definitely appreciate that this has been broken up into sections! It gives one definitive markers for each story.
I would like backstory to be included with each of the separate links, but this allows for easier access to a specific story. It is much easier to understand and to do storytellings when the stories are direct.
Link to Online
I was honestly curious about how this would translate from a book onto a computer. I definitely like the way the Untextbook was formatted better. It was a little bit bigger and, because it was typed, it was easier to read. I definitely appreciate that this has been broken up into sections! It gives one definitive markers for each story.
I would like backstory to be included with each of the separate links, but this allows for easier access to a specific story. It is much easier to understand and to do storytellings when the stories are direct.
Week 7 Famous Last Words
This has been an interesting week for sure. I have to say,
the snow has been absolutely amazing! This is only the second time I have even
seen snow in my entire life, so my perspective is very much like that of a
child’s. Although I was hoping that it would continue to snow until Tuesday. I
just really hate going to my capstone class every Tuesday/Thursday. I learn
nothing. Honestly, it would be more fun watching the grass grow or paint dry
than attend that class. But that’s life I guess.
Back to the snow, it is awesome! I do feel bad for all of
those people up in the New England area, though. One of my really close friends
actually goes to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) up in Boston,
and he was telling me that some of the snow is taller than him! Now I know this
might not shock you very much, so let me put this into perspective. My MIT
friend, David, is a genius in all manners of the word, but he is also on the
MIT varsity basketball team. David is about six-foot-five-inches tall. So to
say that the snow is taller than he is means that the snow is taller than six
foot five inches!! I’m pretty sure he was talking about the snow that had been
plowed to the side of the road, but still!!! It must be like walking through
tunnels! And they don’t even get class canceled! Poor things!
The rest of the week has been pretty good. I am trying to
get ahead in my classes, as well as caught up. I have been seriously lacking
lately. I think that this senioritis is really starting to kick in. I just want
to not have to do anything anymore, you know?
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| Winter Wonderland (Source) |
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