Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part A

Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part A

(Rama Breaks Bow of Shiva and wins Sita. Source: Wikipedia)

Dasharatha's Sons 

     Source: Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913).

• King asks gods for an heir
• multiple women
• animal sacrifice
• similar themes of stories in western tradition, different plot

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Rama: Avatar of Vishnu

     Source: Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913).

• deity comes to earth in human form to rescue people from demon king, Ravana
• similar to popular stories in western tradition

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Examples of dialogue that is easy to follow:

• King Janaka. Source: Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913).
• Rama Wins Sita. Sources: Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913); Ramayana, The Epic of Rama, Prince of India, condensed into English verse by Romesh Dutt (1899).
• Parashurama. SourceL The Divine Archer by F. J. Gould (1911).

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Rama's Characteristics:

Rama the Heir Apparent. Source: Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914).

• forgiving
• good at debating
• honest
• mighty bowman
• cares about the people
• nonjudgmental of those not as virtuous as himself
• musically gifted
• pretty/pretty eyes?
• level-headed
• approachable
• good self-control
• wins wars
• loved by all
• Hollywood casting: Ryan Reynolds

Dasharatha's Death. Sources: Ramayana, The Epic of Rama, Prince of India, condensed into English verse by Romesh Dutt (1899); Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913).

• oldest son
• dearest son