Indian Epics Work

For my extra reading this week I started Pradyumna: Son of Krishna . Besides it looks super cool on the cover, my storybook for the semester is all about Pradyumna. Part A covers the first seven chapters: Thus far, I have met a Prince Vama. His mother is constantly trying to seduce him, though he runs off and chases her maids instead. He refuses to learn to fight or use any sort of sorcery. Vama has been mocked by two special demons of the Demon King Kaalasura consistently. His mother eventually comes to his rescue, but he will not heed to her demands to learn anything beyond how to please the ladies. Really, he's a big weakling and nothing at all like the cover of the book shows. The book then went into a few chapters of some of the past. Two babies are born to Krishna and his two wives. The babies are Shamba and Pradyumna. Narada sees a vision of doom as he goes to meet the babies. Vama also has a dream where he sees Kamadeva and his wife created. Kama shoots his creator ...

They ask me who I am. "I am a pupil of Drona," I say. The whisper amongst themselves. Until I hear them say, "Call for Drona. Call for Drona." Before Drona arrives, I make the decision that I will do whatever must be done to have some good fortune for my name. It isn't fair that I wasn't born to wealth and that eliminates my rights. Drona approaches me saying, "I have heard a word that you claim yourself to be my pupil." I nod my head. "Yes, ask of me anything and I shall deliver." Drona thinks for a second. "Chop off thy right thumb, for that is what I must have of you." I nod, and with a smile and my head held high grab for my knife. I place my hand on a tall rock nearby and quickly slice my thumb from my right hand. The blood begins to gush and quickly I rip a piece of my garment off to wrap my severed hand in. I turn to hand my prized thumb to Drona. And then it hits me. How might I have any skill left witho...

I liked the verse about after Draupadi is called for by her new master. I'm also completely appalled by the fact that Yudhishthir doesn't realize the dice are loaded and the fact that he continues playing beyond all reason. Who does that? If I were to rewrite the verse it would be told in more of a story form. Of course, I would keep the dramatic words of the Queen. I'm surprised she didn't yell at Yudhishthir, I would probably have her do that. I was also appalled by the way they drug her to Duhshashan. Ripping at her clothes and taking no account for the poor lady's wellbeing. Story Source : Mahabharata, Epic of the Bharatas by Romesh C. Dutt 1940's Hindu Vintage

I was quite shocked by what happened to Ekalavya. He wanted to be a great warrior but was told he could not because of his lineage, thus he worships and image or Drona and learns a great skill on the bow. He showcases his skill and when asked who he is he replies "I am a pupil of Drona." They send for Drona, who eventually arrives at the place. Instead of praising the kid and making him a great warrior or something he requests that he must ask of something from him. Ekalavya gladly agrees. He requests his right thumb, and then and there he chops it off and hands it to him. Of course, it messes up his great skill and he is no longer as great of a bowman. I'm shocked by the lack of "you tricked me," and think it needs that element. Though, it does give an explanation for why a culture would all pull their bowstrings with their forefingers as Ekalavya began to do after that incident. Story Source : Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie Ekala...