Storytelling for Week 7- The Statue of Sita

I have seen many things in my life. I have been to many kingdoms and been to many distant lands. I have been in secret meetings, war plans, and been the confidant to many kings. I have seen many people come and go. I am the Statute of Sita and this is my story.

Many moons ago I once stood proudly next to Rama, the greatest king to ever live. I followed him everywhere. I was his ever constant companion. I never left his side. After losing his wife I stayed with him until his passing. After Rama had passed on, the ruler displayed me next to his throne so that everyone might remember Rama. Sadly though more and more people began to forget who Rama was.

I became a statue that no one knew or appreciated. I was left there in the dark until the raiders came. These people had defeated the current ruler and his armies. I was about to be destroyed when the leader came in and saw me. He said I was the most beautiful thing he had ever laid eyes on. He took me away from the palace and placed me in his own. I was put on display for all his subjects to see. People came from miles around to see me. People left offerings at my feet hoping that I would communicate to their gods about their problems. It was strange being so far away from Rama’s palace. I missed all the familiar sights, but this new palace was beautiful in it’s own way. There were fountains everywhere, gardens, and trees as far as I could see. The king would come in at all hours of the day and talk with me. He told me of his fears, his dreams, and his desires. He wanted to unite the region under his rule. Sadly his dream did not come to reality. He was assassinated before he could make it happen.

After his death began the process of changing hands of many different kings. I have been around the world more times than I can count. I have had people admire me, and I have had people hate me. I am now in the British History Museum, where I am finally happy. I am around the images of Rama and his great adventures. I am admired daily by hundreds of people who come to visit. I am the Statue of Sita and this is my story.

Author’s Note- I decided to follow the story prompt this week and write about the Statue of Sita. I thought this would be a great story to tell. I can just imagine the things that statue would have seen changing hands of all those kings. Since the book doesn’t give any information about what happened to the statue I decided I would make up my own history for it.

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

Rama and Sita. Source

Reading Diary B: Week 7- The End

Pgs. 374-432

• I find it interesting that Rama takes Sita to every major spot from their journey, even the ones that she was there for.
• I like that they destroyed the bridge that led to Lanka. I know that the sea was happy to have the bridge gone.
• If Hanuman hadn’t gone to the city to announce that Rama would be returning tomorrow I think that Bharata would have killed himself for letting Rama down.
• Also it was nice to see Bharata so welcoming to all the other rulers and the other people to their city.
• It was great to see that because of Rama the world was in a much better place. Everyone was kind and everyone lived to a great age. There was no trouble with crops or food.
• I am sad that Rama had to send Sita away. I could tell that it really devastated him to send her away.
• The story of why Rama had to send Sita away was crazy. I am so surprised that a human had the ability to curse a god, I would have thought that humans wouldn’t have that kind of power.
• I still am surprised that it took Rama so long to figure out that Lava and Kusa were his sons.

Lava and Kusa. Source

Reading Diary A: Week 7- The Final Battle Begins

Pgs. 325-373

• Ravana is clearly a mess. He seems that he will do just about anything no matter the cost to defeat Rama.
• The description of Shiva is very detailed. It even describes his eyes as being like honey.
• It is sad that the demons are killing all the animals around Lanka. The bear king is quite a formidable opponent. He destories any demons that get in his grasp. I found it funny that the demons thought they were outnumbered because of the bear king.
• All the gods have come out to watch the final battle between Rama and Ravana. I am surprised that Ravana has the power to call the Wind.
• Rama seems very confident that he will have the ability needed to defeat Ravana. I  would be much more nervous about fighting someone so strong.
• Just when Rama was in need of a chariot, one arrives to help him defeat Ravana. Not just any chariot either it is the chariot of Indra.
• I laughed the chariot was going to tell Rama that he wasn’t wearing any fancy rings.
• I think Matali didn’t believe that Rama was going to be able to defeat Rama until Rama hit Ravana with a arrow in the shoulder as they flew past each other.

Rama and Ravana battling. Source

Storytelling for Week 6: Hanuman the cat

Being in cat form was quite an experience. Objects that were once small when I was human size now seem suddenly massive. As I passed a by the wall to the city, I was shocked to see how massive it was. It seemed to stretch from all the way to the heavens.

As I continued to wander around the city I began to smell things that I didn’t think were possible. The first thing I noticed was the smell of demons. I had began to smell this distinct odor long before I made it into the city, but I had no clue as to what the smell could be. I finally discovered that it was a demon when I rounded the corner of a house and there was a demon standing at a door. The smell almost made me throw up hairballs. The best smell I could find in the city was the smell of mice. Since I became a cat there were certain parts of my mind that thought like a cat. It was a small part, but once I smelled the mice that part of my mind became dominant. I struggled to rein this part of my mind back under my control. I was able to do it, but the cat part of my mind fought quite hard. This is the downside to morphing into other animals. When I morph a part of that animal’s mind is there the whole time I am that animal. If that animal mind is able to take dominance for too long, I will become that animal forever.

The best part about this whole experience of being a cat was the sense of wonder I felt when I was in Lanka. Even though Lanka is infested with demons, it is still a gorgeous city. I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful city if I tried. The house are all made out of a glorious stone that reflects the sun’s brilliant light. The gardens are filled with the most beautiful flowers you have ever seen! At night when all the lights are on in the houses it seems as though the moon and stars are revolving around Lanka. In all my years on this earth I have never seen a more beautiful city then this one.

I wonder if I was in original form would I still think that all of these things? I would hope so, but maybe sometimes you need a different perspective to appreciate the beauty around you.

The beautiful city of Lanka. Source

Author’s Note- I decided I wanted to tell what Hanuman saw when he was a cat. Since the architect of heaven designed the city original I thought that the city had to be amazing. I thought since Hanuman didn’t have to worry too much about the demons trying to kill him, he could appreciate the beauty of the city.

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

Reading Diary A: Week 6- Hanuman in Lanka

Pgs. 219-270

• I liked that Hanuman is telling the story of Rama to everyone present.
• I loved that since Hanuman is telling the story of Rama it stops Jatayu’s older brother from taking and eating the listeners of the Hanuman’s story.
• I really liked that Sampati saved his younger brother from experiencing the intense heat that made his wings useless!
• It is weird to think that the city of Lanka is actually a goddess. I can’t believe Hanuman defeated Lanka so easily, and that she let him pass with no repercussions for his actions.
• I like that Hanuman has utter faith that Sita wouldn’t betray Rama when he is searching for her.
• Hanuman still thinks that Sita is beautiful even though she has been suffering at the hands of Ravana. Even in the face of Ravana Sita is still defiant. I am amazed that she can put up such a resistance to him since she has been fasting since she was taken.
• It is interesting that Indrajit takes the time to worship Shiva. I would have thought that he wouldn’t worship the gods. Also it is funny that he cast the mantra against Hanuman and it worked, but the other demons tied him up with other chains so the effect of the mantra didn’t work.

Hanuman setting Lanka on fire. Source

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Storytelling Week 5- Bharata and Shatrughna

“Brother, we need to make it obvious to the people that I am just a interim ruler. That I have no desire whatsoever to take the throne from Rama. I know that people who weren’t present will think that I will try and steal the throne. I will do all in my power to make sure the people know that I am but a servant of Rama till he has fulfilled our father’s command,” said Bharata.

“You are correct Bharata. There will be people who believe you want the power of the crown. All you can do is be the kind of man that Rama knows you to be. There will be many struggles in the time before Rama can return. We will meet these challenges head on. We will make Rama proud. No one will question our devotion to seeing Rama on the throne, where he should be. We shall place his shoes on the throne as soon as we arrive home. They will stay on the throne until Rama removes them himself. We will also bow to the throne as if Rama was there when we enter,” said Shatrughna.

“Yes, we will make the unbelievers see that we are servants of Rama. We need to also make sure that everyone in the kingdom knows that just because Rama isn’t here, our kingdom is still not to be taken lightly. We will defeat any threats. We must be prepared for any outside threats. I worry that other kingdoms will seek to undermine our authority, and they will try to conquer us. I hope that the kingdom will be strong enough to endure these challenges,” said Bharata.

“Brother, you worry too much. We will be fine. You don’t have faith in our people. Yes there will be some that think you want power, but that is a very insignificant portion. Everyone else knows that you are here to serve Rama. All the outsiders that think we are weaker because we have a interim ruler are in for a sad realization. We will crush any opposition that comes against us,” said Shatrughna.

“You are right brother. We will cross those bridges when the time comes. There is one thing that we must do above all else, we must have the kingdom in better shape from when Rama left. This shall be our number one priority,” said Bharata.

Author’s Note- I decided to make up a dialogue that Bharata and Shatrughna may have had when they were coming back home from visiting Rama in his banishment. I thought it was important to show that Bharata wanted nothing more than to try and honor Rama. I think that Bharata wants to make Rama proud.

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

Family Photo. Source

Reading Diary A: Week 5- Rama and Bharata

Pages 110-161

• I thought it was interesting that Bharata and his brother both knew that something bad had happened the night that their father passed away.
• I really admire that Bharata has no desire to be king. He wants Rama to be king.
• I also am glad that Bharata forgave his mother for what she did.
• I am glad that they had the funeral for the King so that his spirit could escape Time.
• I thought it was interesting that everyone from the city followed Bharata to try and bring Rama back. Sumitra should’ve known there was no way Rama would come back before the fourteen years.
• I can only imagine what it must’ve been like for Bharata to leave the little hut, and come back to this eloquent dinner and place.
• I thought it was cool that Bharadwaja blessed each of the wives of the King. Especially Bharata mother. I thought for sure that she wouldn’t get blessed.
• The exchange between Rama and Bharata is excellent. It really shows their true character. Bharata wants nothing more than to see Rama on the throne right now. Rama wants to wait out his exile of fourteen years. No matter how hard Bharata tries to convince Rama to come back early, Rama won’t.
• I thought it was honorable for Bharata to rule in his stead until the fourteen years are up. Though I think it is a little over the top for him to kill himself if Rama doesn’t show up on the first day after the fourteen years are up.

Rama and Bharata. Source

Storytelling Week 4- Valmiki, the Birds, and the Hunter

“Listen hear lads and I will tell you the story of how I became cursed. This is quite a long tale so grab a pint of ale and listen well.”

“It all began a morning much like today. It was dark and gloomy day. This weather mean that I would find plenty of birds in their nests. As I was preparing to leave, I picked up my new bow and as luck would have it, the bow broke. Now I should’ve taken this as a sign from the lords above that I shouldn’t go out today, but I knew there would be no better time to find fresh food so I continued on.”

“Upon leaving the house I found that a tree had fallen into the shed where I kept my firewood. I cursed and scoffed, but I continued on for there was birds to be killed. As I continued on my path I came upon a beggar. He was old, frail, and not well washed. As I passed by he asked if I could spare him some food. I replied that I have no time for dirt like you. I must find my prey and slay it. If you want food so bad go work for it! As I left the old beggar, I heard him mutter under his breath that by the end of today I will wish I had been kinder. This was but another reason why I shouldn’t have gone after the birds.”

Valmiki and the Hunter. Source

“As I rounded the final bend, I heard it. The sweet song of my prey. I strung my old and weathered bow and took aim at my target. Right as the bird hit the high note, I let fly my arrow. No truer has my aim been then on that shot. Straight through the heart is where my arrow land. As I approach my kill, I hear a voice crying. When I reach my prize I see that it is a old hermit. The hermit locks eyes on me, and begins to get angry. I can see his face turning bright red with rage. He shouted at me saying that I was cursed to wander for all eternity because I killed a bird in love. Then he started chasing me with his staff, and I decided it was best to run then to try and reason with him.”

“As I made my way back to my house, I laughed that the old hermit had tried to curse me. He was just a old and crazy hermit. He had no real power that I should be afraid of. When I tried to lay down to sleep that night, I began to get a pounding headache. It only lasted as long as I tried to rest. The words of the old man came suddenly to my head. I was doomed to wander for all eternity. I finally realized that the old man really had cursed me.”

Author’s Note- I decided to tell the story of Valmiki, the Birds, and the Hunter, pg 7. Instead of telling the story from Valmiki point of view I decided to tell the story from the hunter’s view. The hunter really just appeared and left in a matter of a few pages so I thought it would be fun to write from his point of view. I also add the backstory of the hunter since we really weren’t given any information about him. I also thought it would be fun to have the setting be in a tavern. I thought the hunter would love to tell his story to other hunters to impress them. Also since he is forced to wander with no rest, I thought that he would just be a traveling barb. He would go from tavern to tavern telling his story. I added in all the bad omens because I wanted it to show that the hunter was bound and determine to get that bird even though everything in the world was telling him he shouldn’t go hunting today. It was fun to write this story because I am a hunter and there have definitely been times that it seemed like I wasn’t meant to go hunting, but I went because I have a real passion for it, and I think the hunter in the story had a real passion for hunting also.

Bibliography

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

Reading Diary B: Week 4- Rama in Exile

Pgs 60-109

• I thought it was that the King asked his advisors and high ranking officials if they thought Rama should be king. I was surprised because most kings wouldn’t ask their subjects if they thought this person should be king, usually kings just do as they please.
• I really don’t like the servant Manthara. She is a evil, old crone. She twisted the mind of Queen Kaikeyi.
• I can’t tell if Queen Kaikeyi is just acting like she doesn’t know what to do when she goes to the anger room. I think she has already made up her mind and is just putting on a show.
• It shows that Rama is truly a good person when he harbors no ill will towards his father or his step mother. He even goes on to say that his brother will be a good king.
• The King is going to die soon from having to exile Rama. He doesn’t seem to be able to let it go.
• Sita and Lakshmana both easily decide to accompany Rama into exile.
• I really like the character of Guha. He loves to hunt. I also liked that when he died Shiva saved him from Hell.
• The house that Lakshmana builds sounds beautiful.
• It is sad to see the King in such a bad condition. I was surprised to find out that he had killed that innocent man when he was younger. He truly seems sorry for killing that young man. He finally goes to meet death in his sleep.

Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana in exile. Source

Reading Diary A: Week 4- The Beginning of Rama

Pages 1-59

• I found it interesting that it was up to Valmiki to save Sita from killing herself and her twin boys.
• I also like that it was the killing of a innocent bird that started poetry. It is a way of saying that even in death there is beauty to be found.
• I thought it was funny that Valmiki when the Grandfather of the Universe was sitting beside him that all he could think about was the two birds.
• I like that the sons of Rama are singing Ramayana and that Rama doesn’t even know that it is his own sons that are giving doing it.
• I was shocked to see how easily Ravana defeated all of Heaven. Also I found it a little disturbing that the reason Ravana had all this power was because Brahma granted him the wish that he couldn’t be defeated by anything of Heaven or the Underworld.
• I was shocked to see how the first demons were born. Also I thought it was interesting that the demons weren’t actually bad in the beginning. It wasn’t until they started branching out of Lanka that they became evil.
• I was happy to see that even though they are supposed to be evil Vibhishana wished that he would never forget Dharma in peril or in pleasure. Since this was his wish Brahma granted him immortality on Earth and exempt from death or oblivion.

Lord Brahma. Source