Week 14 Reading Diary B: Ryder's Panchatantra

Ryder's Panchatantra

Right-Minded and Wrong-Minded:  I found this story to be very predictable. It was enjoyable, but felt tedious.

Mouse-Maid Made Mouse: This holy man turns a mouse into a girl and he and his wife raise it. Then when she turns 12 they decide that she of age to be married. The holy man summons the sun and asks her if she liked him. She replies no because the sun is too hot. The holy man then summons the clouds, but the girl does not like him either because he is too black and frigid. So the holy man summons the wind, but she finds him too fidgety. The holy man summons the mountain, but the girl finds him to be took rough and stiff. Then the holy man summoned a mouse. When the girl saw him she knew he was of her kind, and so the holy man turned her back into a mouse where she lived happily ever after. This one was definitely my favorite!

Wood Mouse (Source)

Week 13 Reading Diary B: Bengal Fairy Tales

Bengal Fairy Tales

All of the stories were great and fairly entertaining. Currently I am having issues with my creativity: I want to be creative but my brain does not.

Ocean (Source)

Week 12 Reading Diary B: Jataka Tales (Babbitt)

Jataka Tales (Babbitt)

The Golden Goose would be really cool to retell with another animal. It reminded me of that children's book about the fish with the sparkly scales. This would be fun to do with a porcupine, and alligator, a fish, a deer, maybe a snake shedding its skin.

 Many of the story's from this unit were about trickery, which are all very entertaining stories but ones I am not sure how to retell. I found it interesting that the trickster was a wolf the majority of the time (5 times actually). I wonder if this is because wolves were more prevalent than most other carnivores or if they were more difficult to deal with.

Beauty and Brownie was an interesting contrast of two different personalities. It makes me think of how different siblings can be from one another. This would also make a good storytelling. Possibly about birds migrating down south for the winter?

Children's Book (Source)

Week 12 Reading Diary A: Jatakas Tales (Babbitt)

Jataka Tales (Babbitt)


How the Turtle Saved His Own Life was an interesting story. It was about 2 princes who had a pond. The pond was filled and a turtle was in it. The boys thought the turtle was a demon so they asked their father, the King, if he would get rid of it. Ultimately it was decided that the turtle be thrown into a rough river, which was ok for the turtle because that was where he was originally from and his element. I could see this being a storytelling.

The OX Who Won the Forfeit  was a good story about moral character, second chances, and kindness. I very much liked this one and I could definitely see it being a good story to tell children.

The Turtle Who Couldn't Stop Talking is a story I have heard many times before. I am pretty sure I have actually read at least four different versions of this story. It got me thinking, what would have happened if the turtle could stop talking?

The Foolish, Timid Rabbit reminded me a lot of the story of Chicken Little, aka "the sky is falling."

The Banyan Deer was a fantastic story! Probably one of my favorites. It reminded me of this story I had once heard about a similar situation during the Holocaust.

The Princes and the Water-Sprite reminded me a great deal of The Mahabharata! I am also beginning to see a similar theme of the moon, sun, and stars in Indian fables. Could be a good storytelling, maybe from the middle or eldest brothers perspective.

Jataka Tales (Source) 

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.

Leopard (Source)

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.

Krishna pleading to avoid war (Source)

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.

Duryodhana and Drona (Source)

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.

Arjuna (Source)

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.

Ganga with her eighth son (Source)

Week 7 Reading Diary B: Khasi Folktales

Khasi Folktales

One similar theme I noticed was that a tiger was always put in charge. Stags are also used quite often in the stories. 

These stories seem as though the best style to rewrite them in would be a diary format. Each story is somewhat composed in chunks so a diary would be the best way to facilitate this. This seems as though it is the best way to keep the stories from becoming too long, but still make it interesting. 

How the Cat came to live with Man was also a cute story. Similar idea to the dog one, but different in its own way (as it should be).

Double Decker Living Root Bridge (Source)

Week 7 Reading Diary A: Khasi Folktales

Khasi Folktales


The story of The Stag and The Snail was definitely my favorite from this unit. It was a much more fun, and morbid, version of the Tortoise and the Hare that I grew up hearing. The Stag brags the entire time about a long journey and the Snail does not like the Stags arrogance. The Snail challenges the Stag to a race, but the snail family is concerned and decides to line-up, hidden, the entire length of the race. Once the race begins the Stag runs off and after a certain distance he yells for the Snail, where he the hears a reply right behind him and starts running faster. The Stag continues this over and  over again until he collapse near the finish line. The Snail ends up winning and the Stag, from sheer exhaustion, spits up his gallbladder, which is why Stags do not have gallbladders to this very day.

Another story I enjoyed was The Legend of the Iei Tree. It reminded that wisdom and help can come from the smallest of places. In the story these men want to chop down a mighty tree that is causing much damage to their homes. They spend all day trying to cut down the tree, and when they return to it the next day all of their work from the previous day is gone. A little bird then comes to them and offers assistance. The men laugh at the little bird. The bird they scolds them and tells them that the tiger has been healing the tree at night. The men feel ashamed and end up defeating the tiger and finishing their task of cutting down the tree.


How the Dog Came to live with Man was another story I greatly enjoyed. It would be interesting to hear the entire thing first-hand from the dog.

Stag (Source)

Week 6 Reading Diary B: Indian Fairy Tales

Indian Fairy Tales

I very much enjoyed the story How the Sun, Moon, and Wind Went Out to Dinner. It has an awesome moral to it, seeing as the one who thought of others was rewarded. It teaches selflessness in a fun way that also tells the story of how the sun, moon, and wind are as we think of them today: the sun is hot, the wind is vicious (especially here in Oklahoma), and the moon is calm and cool.


Another story that I liked was Pride Goeth Before a Fall because of how incredibly true it is. So many of us are wrapped up in pride that we often succumb to our own demise. It tells of three robbers who steal from, and capture, ten traders. They let their pride get a head of themselves by making the traders do a dance. The traders signal to each other during the dance, over power the robbers and leave to go home.

The story of The Talkative Tortoise is definitely one for the ages. I'm pretty sure I read an Aesop's fable just like it. In this version, the future Buddha was a kings adviser. The king could not stop talking and would speak without give others a chance to say a word. One day a talkative tortoise had made friends with two wild ducks. The ducks wanted to show the tortoise where they lived, so they told him to hold on to a stick while the ducks held on to either end and they flew into the air. Unfortunately the tortoise could not hold his tongue and fell into the king's courtyard and split in two. The king rushed over to see what had happened and that is when the future Buddha decided to use it as a lesson for the king. From then on the king refrained himself and became a man of few words.

Why The Fish Laughed was an awesome story. I would definitely tell this as a bedtime story!

Talkative Tortoise (Source)

Week 6 Reading Diary A: Indian Fairy Tales

Indian Fairy Tales

Last semester I wrote a storytelling (Madhavi's Memoir) on The Magic Fiddle. It was a story I very much enjoyed because it is a story of a woman who is turned into a Bonga girl because her sisters-in-law were all jealous of her and plotted against her. The woman then reappears as bamboo where she was then cut down by a Yogi and turned into a fiddle. The village chief then took the fiddle from the Yogi for his son. Everyday the Bonga girl would emerge from the fiddle until the chief caught her. He realized she was both woman and Bonga. Shortly after her brothers all visited and did not recognize her, so she told them about what their wives had done to her saying that her brothers must have known all along, which was all the revenge she took.

I loved the stories so much from the Indian Fairy Tales unit that I was so incredibly excited that I would be able to read it again!

The Lion and the Crane is a great story. The lion needs help but the crane does not want to help him because he knows if he does then he will be eaten. The lion promises not to eat and so the crane helps, thinking that now the lion will owe him a favor. When the crane comes to collect on this the lion tells the crane that the crane should just feel lucky to even be alive. The crane, angered by this, the crane told the lion that he (the lion) was ungrateful, has no gratitude, to serve him as king is useless, and that they are not friends.  It really teaches one to be kind and courteous to others.

Harisarman was a great story! It is a story about lying and deception. Basically the Harisarman stole things from Sthuladatta when no one was around. Harisarman then had his wife tell Sthuladatta that Harisarman had magical powers. Harisarman then pretended to use magical powers to bring back the items that he himself had stolen and hid in the first place, but he blamed it on thieves and such. Harisarman continues to have good luck and fake his magical abilities, and is able to prosper in the world due to sheer luck.

Harisarman (Source)

Week 5 Reading Diary B

Personally I feel as though Ravana is obsessed with Sita. These stories remind me a lot of the dermal in destress movies, or kind of like King Kong. Something evil steals the woman and then the good guy has to go on a journey to save her from his evil clutches.

I did not think about it until last week, but making the characters into animals in my retelling would be interesting. I was thinking of doing a safari kind of theme, but, since this is India, animals native to  India might be more appropriate and allow me to be more creative.

Ravana (Source)

Week 4 Reading Diary B: Ayodhya Throne

p. 60-62
Dasaratha wants to see his son, Rama, become king. He assembles the Kosala Council and tells them that he is very old and wishes to see Rama become king. They cheer is agreement. Dasaratha becomes upset by this, believing that they think of his as a lesser king and they do not like him. Sumantra, the charioteer, tells the king that they love him but Rama was born to be king and he is amazingly great. The king then goes back to his original thoughts of being old and wanting to retire and rest and see his son become a great king.

Dasaratha and his sons (Source)

Week 4 Reading Diary A: Sauti Begins

p. 3

Sauti begins telling the story. While the storyteller has told many stories in the past, Saunaka demands a new story.

p.6

Rama is apparently going to have to get rid of Sita because his people do not approve of her. She must be saved since Rama is a great King.

P.7 

Valmiki's curse on the bird-hunter. Bird hunter ran but was dead anyway because of the curse. 

p. 9

Sita has Rama's twin sons, Kusa and Lava. Valmiki wrote Ramayana and taught it to the boys.

p. 13

Brahma says, "Think before and not after you act."

p.17 

Lakshmana is Rama's brother but also his company. Basically Rama's second self. We also see that Rama is the only man born knowing his own heart. Rama is a great and powerful king. 

P. 29

Why does Brahma want Ravana alive?

p. 48

Taste This Water. Rama and his brother are on their journey. Viswamitra taught the mantras of power and more power.

pg 59

Explains how it is the ending of Rama's youth and how his adulthood will begin

Sita and Rama (Source) 

Week 3 Reading Diary B: Ramayana

Since I missed all of last week, I am just now beginning the book. My organizational skills will be much better in the weeks to come.


This begins by Rama needing to save his brother and essentially asking others for advise on the matter. What really stood out to me was, what were Rama and Vibishana thinking during this time? It is interesting to me the way wisdom plays through this story. There is an expression I like to use: We have two ears and one mouth, which means we should listen twice as much and twice as hard. When you are one to listen more than you speak your words become more important. This is definitely the case with Hanuman.

The battle with Ravana was very interesting, yet familiar. I thought it was really fascinating that they faked their deaths. Trickery at its finest.

When I think of these stories, I imagine them being read to young children. Since it is one of India's epic tales, I would imagine that it would have been read to children hundreds of years ago. A story of a hero who over comes odds, has a great adventure, and a battle is one of great imagination.

Siege of Lanka (Source)