Week 3 Story
Author's Note: I used the readings from this week to create my own story. My story is based on Ramayana: the Public Domain edition.
Bibliography: Laura Gibbs, Ramayana Online: Public Domain Edition, http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/search/label/PDE%20Ramayana
Ramayana:
There are two kings, Dasharatha and Janka. Dashratha is the ruler of the Koshala kingdom. He is the king of the Solar dynasty. This story takes place in a city called Ayodhya, a beautiful and prosperous city. Dashratha does not have any sons. A horse sacrifice takes place and the gods promise him four sons.
Ravana must be defeated. He cannot be defeated by gods though, only humans or monkeys. Vishnu is born on earth as a human to defeat Ravana. He is born to be one of Dasharatha's sons. He becomes Rama, the most beautiful child.
When they grow older, Rama and his brother Lakshmana are asked by Vishvamitra to battle demons. This signals the beginning of their manhood.
In the Jungle, they cross a woman named Thataka. Rama cuts off her arms and she becomes invisible. Rama eventually kills her and great weapons appear to him.
Eventually, Rama falls in love with a woman named Sita. She is the goddess Lakshmi. King Janaka presents a challenge. Any man who wants to marry Sita must bend the bow of the god Shiva. Rama wins this challenge and makes Sita his bride. They marry.
Rama is chosen as the heir to carry on the royal line, but Dashratha is convinced to send his son Rama to exile. Rama does not resist and goes into exile. Dasharatha is overwhelmed with guilt. The suffering he is going through is his karma for banishing his son. He dies and no sons are present at his death.
Bharata returns but did not know his father had died and does not know that Rama has been exiled. He mourns for ten days then goes into the forest in search of Rama. He tries to convince Rama to return to the city and Rama refuses. Bharata takes Rama's sandals as a representation of him. He waits for Rama's return in Nandigram.
Hey Megan! I really like you story about the Ramayana; it gives a clear narrative with a summary of Rama and Sita’s experience. A lot of these experiences also give the readers insight on Rama’s character. For example, Rama’s strength and virtue is shown through his ability to bend Shiva’s bow. Likewise, his diligence and respect for his elders is shown when Rama does not resist when his father exiles him. Rather than reacting in anger and rage, Rama accepts his father’s decision. I enjoy that the narrative gives a clear summary of what’s happening, but I wonder if dialogue would assist in highlighting more characteristics of Rama, Sita, and others. It would also be interesting to use dialogue in order to explain more about secondary characters like Lakshmana. One other aspect that could help would be to explain more about the environment. By describing the forests and cities, it would help readers imagine what’s happening.
ReplyDeleteHey Megan! Your story over the Ramayana. You did a great job of introducing all the main characters and why they are important. I like how you mentioned that Ravana can only be defeated by humans or monkeys and not gods because that shows how powerful he is. Overall I think you are on a great path and this was easy to follow and understand!
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