Reading Notes: Ramayana, Part C

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 These reading notes are over Part C of Tiny Tales of Ramayana which is written by Laura Gibbs.

 Plot Notes:

  • Part C connected previous a range of previous storylines and “loose ends” to the larger battle between Rama and Ravana. Hanuman’s backstory was solved as he learned of his true powers and Jatayu’s sacrifice was contextualized through his brother, Sampati.
  • Hanuman’s adventure across the ocean produced a smaller narrative within the larger goal of reaching to Lanka. His journey reminded me of Odysseus, with various temptations and monsters threatening him.
  • Part C was dominated by Hanuman’s journey, and it’d be interesting to re-tell one of Hanuman’s many stories and experiences in his travels of reaching Lanka.
  • As previously noted, shapeshifting continued to play a role within the larger narrative. For example, Benjakai shapeshifted as Sita’s corpse to trick Rama, but her plan failed.
  • When Hanuman warned Ravana, it was typical of Ravana to respond with violence by threatening to kill Hanuman. However, I found it interesting that his brother, Vibhishana, intervened and reminded Ravana of the ethicality of his actions. Even the evilest character recognized the immorality in killing a messanger, and this action foreshadows Vibhishana switching sides to assist Rama.
  • It was really interesting to see how Indian mythology interwound with natural phenomena. More specifically, the small story of the squirrel working to help the bridge and was given a white stripe demonstrated how these stories explained the world. It’s a small detail, but I find it important when considering how these stories were used.
  • Secret messages were very prevalent throughout Part C; Rama gave Hanuman some of Sita’s jewelry to show that he truly was a messenger. Likewise, Sita told Hanuman a secret story and her hairpin to prove that he met her.

Style Notes:

  • There was a lack of dialogue, so when re-telling a specific story, it's important to make up dialogue to make it flow.

An Indian palm squirrel. Source: Wikipedia

 

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