Storybook Topics

1)      Possible topic: Exploring the Himalayan Mountains. This is such a large landmark in the area in which the stories take place. From photographs that I’ve seen over the years I can see why it would be subject to much discussion. I’m sure that there are many spectacular features around the mountain range. I would enjoy finding out why each peak is so significant to different groups of people.

Research so far: I’ve looked at the sample storybook section titled “Traveling India.” This offered many geographical features that whetted my interest in the subject matter. Also, I browsed google images for some photographs of the mountain range and I found it to be quite the spectacle.

Source; Humbling horizon; By: Himanshu Punetha

 

2)      Possible topic: Exploring the Ganges River. Again, its cultural significance is something that intrigues me. Furthermore, I would enjoy being able to learn about all of its features.

 

Research so far: I know that it flows through several countries as well as it has several tributaries. It makes sense that several societal groups would settle down near its banks because of the rich source of food it would be.

 

3)      Possible topic: Exploration of multiple major land features (i.e. mountains, rivers, forests, etc.)  in the southwest Asian area. I’m intrigued by the beauty of these landmarks. I want to learn just what the stories are about all of these spectacular places. I think what I would do is trek through the area and come into contact with several groups of people in the respective areas and learn more about the landmarks through adventure and their narrative.

Research so far: Well, several stories exist regarding the importance if the various landmarks from what I’ve read on the storybook examples page. I’d like to incorporate actual accounts as well as include many photographs of the scenery.  

 

4)      Possible Topic: The moral code of The Ramayana. Although somewhat spoken about in the story, I would enjoy learning more about the code that seemingly all of the characters strive to follow. Most literary figures lack this type of responsibility and it struck me as intriguing how the characters of Ramayana followed it.

 

Research so far: The book itself provided me with my first exposure to the fact that all of the characters noted the importance of this type of morality. According to an internet search, the purpose of these traits in most all of the characters was to live according to dharma.

 

Week 2 Storytelling: Mareecha's journey

“He must be killed at once!” exclaimed Mareecha. “Not a soul on this earth can kill my mother and get away with it.” These were Mareecha’s feelings following Thataka’s death at the hand of Rama in the forest of Sidhasrama. Just before Mareecha was set to pounce, Rama pivoted and released an arrow, catapulting Mareecha into the sea of Madartha with the force of the strike. Unconscious, Mareecha was guided by the current onto the sandy cove. At the break of dawn the next day, Mareecha awoke to the screech of feral baboons. Startled, he jolted up and looked around – there was nothing but water his east and jungle in remaining directions. “I can’t survive in there,” he remarked, “I’ll be eaten by some voracious beast before sundown.” He panicked and called upon the one being that could help him out of his situation – Yatha, overseer of the jungle. “Yatha,” he pleaded, “return me to my village and I promise to live a life of rectitude.” “No.” Replied Yatha. “You must live in the jungle AND carry out good works for those in need.” Mareecha, frayed by the approaching sounds of the jungle creatures, agreed. Abiding by the commands of Yatha, Mareecha lived on the outskirts of the jungle practicing goodwill and spirituality.

Source; Mareecha's cove

Meanwhile, Ravana, insatiable because of the description of Sita, burst into Mareecha’s living accommodation. “Mareecha! My uncle, I am in dire need of your help.” said Ravana. “I know that under your agreement with Yatha you can assist only those in need. And, well, I’m in need.” Ravana pleaded, “The love of my life is being held captive by two mortals. Won’t you aid me in liberating her?” Mareecha, fulfilling his oath to Yatha, obliged. “Present yourself as a fox of the forest and draw her away from her captors and towards me” said Ravana. Mareecha lauded the idea for its feasibility, “What a fantastic idea!”

 Upon arrival near the camp, Mareecha noticed just who her captors were – Rama and his brother. “I can’t; I can’t do this,” he quipped.  Just the look of Rama’s face made Mareecha frightened. “He’ll surely take my life if he catches me and realizes who I really am,” said Mareecha. So he darted for the thick of the forest and Rama chased shortly behind. “I just wanted a life of tranquility,” thought Mareecha as he pondered in what would surely be his last moments. Rama, realizing that this was no ordinary fox, drew a spear and hurled it in the path of Mareecha. It grazed Mareecha in the tail but not such it would do him any harm. “Yatha, please help me out of this!” claimed Mareecha. “I thought this was an innocuous instance of help. Rama tricked me!” Yatha, understanding the nature of what unfolded, granted Mareecha his wish and whisked him back to his hut. “Surely now you know who and who not to help, right?” said Yatha. “Your nephew wanted nothing more than to use you in order to fulfill his lustful desires.” Ravana made away with Sita and arrived back home with a new woman in hand. Because of the wrong he did to a harmless Rama, Mareecha felt compelled to reach out to Rama and offer his services in recapturing Sita.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Narayan, R. K. (1972) The Ramayana.

Authors note: I chose to write this story in a third person style in order to provide more depth to the character Mareecha. It seemed as if he was forced to comply in the actual story and I wanted to provide more details as well as his cognitions moving forward. In my story I altered the animal that is pursued as well as Ravana's character -- I made him more of a deceiver in this retelling.

Reading Diary B: Rama's Exile

1)      What envy was created by the sight of Rama in Soorpanaka! This was an all-consuming, incendiary, and bothersome envy. Also, Ravana fell under the same trance at the description of Rama’s wife, Sita.  It is almost unimaginable to think that someone could become so entranced by someone’s looks.

2)      How foolish of Rama to go against his intuition and attempt to please Sita. Because of an obligation to please his wife, he almost loses Sita to Ravana. He knew better than to be isolated by a fairytale-esque deer.

3)      What power Rama holds. Mareecha, recounting battles he had with Rama several years ago, feared to even tamper with the well-being of Rama. He (Mareecha) had been struck by such a powerful bow that it sent him a great distance out into the ocean. Being that my studies focus on the types of impulse/work/forces that would have happened to been imparted on Mareecha to send him such a distance is fascinating to ponder (I know, I’m a nerd)!

4)      Even with the counsel of someone who had come into contact with Rama on a few occasions and understood the power he possessed, Ravana was still stubborn enough to attempt to capture Sita. What control a figment of imagination can hold over someone. How foolish can someone be?

5)      What type of a battle will ensue when Rama finally encounters Ravana and attempts to recapture his wife? Ravana has already mentioned that he is not one for physical confrontation.

 

 

Source; Sita and Ravana; Author: Nina Paley;

 

 

 

 

Reading Diary A: Marvelous Rama

What stood out to me in this story was the character Rama. Chosen as an adolescent to battle spiritual powers, Rama was unequivocally special. After displaying his exceptional talent of using the crossbow, Rama decided to next make an attempt at marrying Sita, daughter of King Janaka. He succeeds in the test and is allowed to marry as prize. Immediately, Rama becomes a figure worthy of veneration. It amazes me at how quickly Rama rises to prominence following his achievements. Not only is Rama great on the battlefield, but he also displays great moral aptitude -- something that is quite uncommon in story today. It seems like the respect for moral code is paramount to Rama and his father and both of these are highly commendable. For example, after having been informed of the decision to strip him of his status as king AND to send him into to exile, Rama gracefully accepts his father’s decree and proceeds to leave.  I’m very excited to see just how the story unfolds after having come to know the quality of Rama’s character. Will he actually spend such an extended period in the wilderness or will there be a twist in the plot? Also, can Rama maintain the character that he has demonstrated thus far? Rama is adored by the inhabitants of the kingdom; will they accept the exile as gracefully as he did?

                                           Source; Rama: an exceptional man; Rama in battle.