Week 14 Storytelling: Ashwatthaman as a Sacrifice

The night was dark and Ashwatthaman decided to raid the Pandavas camp site. He had wanted to enter the camp for the longest time and finally it was a good time to do it. However, he did not know that Krishna and the Pandavas were sleeping outside that night... He was caught by surprised... the camp was guarded by a white tiger that was a manifestation of Shiva.

"What is this? A white tiger!" said Ashwatthaman.

"I will kill this tiger! How dare this beast get in the way of entering the camp!" said Ashwatthaman.

Ashwatthaman then raised his sword and started to attack the tiger. The tiger dodged the sword and Ashwatthaman started chasing after the tiger. The tiger growled and swallowed Ashwatthaman's sword. He was surprised. How could this tiger just swallowed his weapon like that? He must be a god! 

Then the tiger started transforming into it's real figure. The tiger was the god Shiva... Ashwatthaman stood there with his eyes wide opened. He did not realize that it was Shiva. He felt embarrassed for trying to attack the almighty Shiva. 

"Oh almighty Shiva! I am so sorry for trying to attack you! I did not realize it was you! If I had known I would not have tried to kill you! I apologize..." said Ashwatthaman.

"How dare you try to attack me just to get inside of the Pandavas camp?! Did you not realize that I am more than just a tiger? When you tried to attack me, did you not see that I have abilities that a normal tiger doesn't have? What are you doing trying to raid the Pandavas camp?!" said Shiva

"I am sorry Shiva, I really did not realize that you were a god until you swallowed by sword. My stupidity had caused you to be angry with me. I am sorry. I am trying to get into the camp because I need to kill Krishna and the Pandavas! Let me kill them!" said Ashwatthaman.

"I cannot just let you kill Krishna and the Pandavas just like that. I am not going to let you enter this site unless..." said Shiva

"Unless?..."said Ashwatthaman.

"Unless, you sacrifice yourself to me. I want you to become my eternal slave. You will be under my control and everything you do will be under my command. You are to fulfill every mission I tell you to do. You will not question anything." said Shiva.

Ashwatthaman looked at Shiva. He thought to himself if he does not sacrifice himself than he will never be able to kill Krishna and the Pandavas. However, he did not want to be under the control of Shiva.. what should he do... 

Ashwatthaman thought for a very long time and decided to sacrifice himself as a slave to Shiva. 

"I have decided. I will sacrifice myself to you. You have my word." said Ashwatthaman.

"Very well, you shall enter the camp now." said Shiva.

Ashwatthaman entered the camp and killed Dhrishtadyumna, Sikhandin, and Panchala. He was ruthless and slaughtered every single one of them. After that Ashwatthaman decided to let Rakshasha to eat the remains of the dead warriors... Rakshasha entered the camp and started devouring the dead bodies. He was hungry... 

Ashwatthaman left the camp to bring news to Duryodhana. 

Rakshasha is hungry:  Hindu Demon

Author's Bibliography: I decided to do the story over Ashwatthaman and how he sacrificed himself to Shiva in order to kill Krishna and the Pandavas. He was so angry with them that he was willing to become an eternal slave to Shiva just to kill them. I chose a third person point of view with some dialogues between Shiva and Ashwatthaman.

Bibliography: William Buck Mahabharata 

Week 13 Storytelling: Sikhandini and Sthuna

The day of Sikhandini and her wife's marriage was magical. Both of them were happy and loved each other. However, Sikhandini had been hiding a huge secret from her wife. Sikhandini was a woman in disguise as a man because of her father Shiva. After their marriage, Sikhandini planned on telling her wife about her true sexuality. She cannot hide it anymore especially not to her true love.

"My dearly beloved, I must tell you something very important and you will probably never look at me the same way again, but I love you so much that I must tell you... I am a woman" said Sikhandini.

Sikhandini's wife looked at her in disbelief and Sikhandini had to undress herself to prove that she was a woman. The wife looked at her and cried. 

"Please don't cry my love... I heard of a yaksha that could possibly change me into a man. We will be husband and wife." said Sikhandini.

The next day Sikhandini set out to find the yaksha Sthuna to see if he could change her into a man. She loved his wife so much she couldn't stand the pain her wife is going through. She should have told her before they got married or done something earlier about changing her gender, but it was too late. Sikhandini hoped that Sthuna will be able to change her into a man so she can make her wife happy. Sikhandini finally reached to Sthuna's house. She knocked on the door and it opened...

"Hello Sthuna, my name is Sikhandini and I heard that you can change me into a man. I want nothing more than to actually become a man. Please! Please! I want to make my wife happy for I am deeply in love with her. She wanted to leave me because I am a woman but I was taught my whole life to be a boy. Now I really want to change into a boy." said Sikhandini

Sikhandini started to break down and cried. She sat in front of Sthuna's door step because she was under so much pressure. She was taught to become a boy all her life and now finally she found a woman she loved but her love would not accept her for who she was.

"Don't cry Sikhandini. I will help you but I have to tell you that I cannot just change you into a man, but I am willing to trade gender with you. I have heard stories of how your father Shiva wanted a boy all his life and tried so hard to change you into a boy. You have struggled and tried to make him proud and now you have to suffer again when you finally found your true love. I cannot imagine the pain you are going through. I promise I will help you and we can switch gender." said Sthuna.

"However, we can only trade gender for a few years. I want to explore and learn what it is like as a female but I do not wish to become a female for the rest of my life. I will make you a promise and let you become a man so that you and your wife can bear a child. After that I will take my identity back. Is that clear?" said Sthuna.

"Yes! Thank you so much Sthuna! I promise you after our first child. I will come back and we can switch back to our original gender. If my wife leaves me when I become a woman again. At least I will have a child and hopefully a son to carry on the family name and make Shiva proud!" said Sikhandini.

"All right, well prepare for this spell I am about to prepare. It is a spell that will swap our gender. You will be in my body and I will be in yours. Our faces will remain the same but different features. This may be quite painful but if you are willing to do this I will start the spell now." said Sthuna.

"I'm ready" said Sikhandini.

Sthuna began chanting the spell... 

I decided to do a transgender symbol to go with my story because that is like what Sikhandini and Sthuna are going through.

Sikhandini and Sthuna

Author's Note: I decided to do the story over Sikhandini and Sthuna's transformation. I wanted to emphasize how desperate Sikhandini wanted to become a man. She was taught to be a man all her life and in order to please her wife she had to make the transformation. Sikhandini went through a lot of pain in her life to fulfill her father's dream of having a son. I wanted to emphasize the pain and suffering she went through being pressured to become a man her whole life. I also wanted to show how Sikhandini thought being a man could solve all her problems and that she was unhappy with her own gender. I felt like this story relates to many people who have gender identity issues and that is the reason why I chose this story. Sikhandini always thought of herself as a boy even though she knew she was a girl deep down. Since Sikandini thought of herself as a boy, she fell in love with a woman that her father arranged her with. In a way, I kind of blame Shiva for not accepting her as a girl and forcing her to be a boy. Whether or not she is happy being a boy or a girl it should be Sikhandini's choice and not Shiva. She was trained to be a boy and even fell in love with a woman. She would do anything for her love. Sthuna was nice and understood the pain Sikhandini was going through. He decided to grant her wish by trading gender with her but not forever. The transformation was only for a few years until Sikahandini is able to bear her own child.

Bibliography: William Buck Mahabharata 

Week 9 Storytelling: Urvasi in Love

Urvasi's thoughts:

I cannot stop looking at this handsome man...Oh Arjuna! You are so handsome and I must have you for myself, but how can I obtain your love? What should I do to get his attention? He is the most handsome man I've ever met and of course I want him to be my husband! Shall I seduce him with a new transformation or disguise myself and kidnap him?! I can't decide... I think I will try to seduce him and see if he wants to make love and marry me...

(looking through her wardrobe) Hmm... I think I will wear this transparent silk robe and meet him tonight! It's transparent enough for him to see... well of course enough for him to see my body! I will also spray this lovely perfume all over my body so that he will be attracted to my scent. He will surely love my appearance and then we will make love until the sunrise.

 The moon was shining bright. Urvasi approached Arjuna's room and knocked on his door. Urvasi was very anxious and hoped that Arjuna would respond to her sweet gesture. She had been a lonely woman for months now and wanted to make love with someone. Arjuna was the only attractive man that she had seen for several years and when they met. Her eyes were locked and she could not stop thinking about him. Could it be she was in love already? She had never felt this way in such a long time. Was this love at first sight? Urvasi was a curious woman and the only way to find out whether this was love or not is to approach Arjuna. Brave Urvasi took a deep breath and began to knock on his door.

The door opened with a slight creaking noise and Arjuna looked at Urvasi from head to toe.

"Um.. yes? May I help you?" said Arjuna.

"Arjuna, I am insanely attracted to you and I noticed you were looking at me earlier today. Shall we get together and have a wild wonderful night?" said Urvasi.

"Oh Urvasi, you are mistaken...I was looking at you earlier today because you remind me of my mothers Kunthi and Madri. "Your appearance caught me by surprise, and it reminded me how much I missed them." said Arjuna.

"Your mother?! I remind you of your mothers?! How dare you speak to me this way! I have tried so hard to seduce you, wearing this nearly see-through robe, and now you say I remind you of your mother?!" said Urvasi.

"I apologize for being so blunt but in fact you do remind me of my mothers. Please don't take it the wrong way. You are still a beautiful woman, just not for me." said Arjuna.

Urvasi's face turned red and she stood by Arjuna's door grunting under her breath. She had never felt so humiliated in her life.

"Well, Arjuna, since you have humiliated me by calling me your mother. I will curse you to become a eunuch forever and you will be forced to dance with the women!" said Urvasi.

Then with a swift of her hands she mumbled a chant and now Arjuna was cursed.

Urvasi cursing Arjuna: Urvasi

Author's Note:

I decided to do a story over Urvasi and Arjuna but in Urvasi's perspective. She was attracted to Arjuna but later rejected so she cursed him into a eunuch. In the story, Urvasi was a seductive and flirty woman. She tried to capture Arjuna's attention by wearing seductive clothes. Urvasi was so humiliated that she threw herself at a man who did not want her. The outcome resulted in Arjuna's curse in exile living with all women and becoming a eunuch. I kept the storyline pretty much the same as the book described it but added a lot more details. I added Urvasi's thoughts and how she planned on seducing him and making love to him all night. She was a promiscuous woman and would try to get anything she wants. I also added some dialogue of Urvasi and Arjuna to emphasize their conversations as a way to show the tensions between them. It was obvious that Urvasi was not happy with the rejection and took her frustration out on Arjuna for being too forward. Overall, I want to stick with the original story but added more details since the book only described a small part of their conversation. Urvasi was an apsara. The apsaras are beautiful supernatural beings that seduce men. I extended the story with some significant details that are not in the book such as her transparent silk robe and the perfume. I thought those items were essential to the story because it was a way for her to attract Arjuna. 

Bibliography: R.K. Narayan, The Mahabharata 1978

Week 12 Storytelling: Nala and Damayanti

Nala was the king of the Nishada people. He was a humble king and cared for his people. One day he met a beautiful woman named Damayanti and wanted her to be his wife. She was so gorgeous and everyone wanted her. The gods such as Indra, Agni, Varuna, and Yama all wanted Damayanti for themselves but Nala ended up winning Damyanti's heart. The two fell in love at first sight. This is how their love story begin.

"Nala! Nala! Come here. I'm sending you on a mission. I want you to tell Damayanti, the daughter of King Vidarbha that she must choose a husband soon. I want you to tell her the good characteristics of me. Forget the other gods! I am the suitable husband for her." said Indra.

"Yes sir, I will tell her that she must choose a husband and that you are the one for her." said Nala.

Nala began his journey to find Damayanti. His mission was to tell her that she must find a husband and persuade her that Indra is the right husband for her. He approached her place and knocked on the door. Damayanti slowly opened the door and the two of them stared into each other deeply. Nala had never seen any maiden so beautiful in his life. He was captured by her beauty. Her skin was glowing and her hair was long and luscious. 

"Err.. Oh hello... um my n-n-name is Nala. I was sent by Indra to tell you that you must f-f-find a husband." he stammered.

"Hello, my name is Damayanti. It's nice to meet you" she blushed and shyly looked away trying not to make direct eye contact.

Damayanti invited Nala to come inside and the two ended up having good conversations and shared common interests with each other. Nala knew that his mission was to tell her to choose a husband now he wanted her for himself. This girl was gorgeous and both of them have so much in common. He wanted to pursue her for himself.

"Damayanti, I was sent here to tell you that you must choose a husband to marry but you are so beautiful and we have so much in common. I have to tell you that I'm already in love with you and please please be my wife." Nala said.

"Oh Nala! I fell in love with you at first sight. When you knocked on my door I knew that there is no else I wanted but you." Damayanti said.

The two lovers decided that Nala must tell Indra and the other gods that Damayanti and him were going to be together. 

"Indra, I am sorry to tell you. I understand my mission was to tell Damayanti that you were the suitable husband for her. However, Damayanti and I fell in love and we want to be together." said Nala.

"How dare you steal the woman I'm going to marry! You snake! You did this on purpose! You think you are better than me? You think you are better than all of us gods?! Damayanti must be blind to have chose you! What qualities do you have?! How dare you!" Indra screamed.

Nala left and so Indra told the other gods what happened. The gods all decided to impersonate Nala and see who will win Damayanti's heart. They will trick and deceive Damayanti and the god that wins her heart will marry Damayanti. 

Nala and Damayanti: The Lovers

Author's Note: I decided to write a story about Nala and Damayanti. I wanted to show that they fell in love with each other at first sight. Although Nala was on a mission to tell Damayanti that she was supposed to marry one of the gods. He couldn't help but fall in love with her. Damayanti felt the same way and so Nala decided to tell Indra the truth. In the story, I emphasized the character of Nala and Damayanti. Both of them had similar interests and really understand each other. Nala did not plan to fall in love with Damayanti but the two ended up being in love. Indra was very angry and felt as if Nala had betrayed him. He felt like Nala seduced Damayanti and wanted her for himself. 

Biliography: William Buck, Mahabharata 

Week 11 Storytelling: The Tale of Ganesha's Head

Long ago...there were two gods, Shiva and Parvati. One day Parvati went to Mt. Kailesh for a bath and didn't want to be disturbed. She ordered Nandi to guard the doors and not let intruders inside. Shiva returned home and demanded Nandi to open the doors. Obediently, Nandi let her in and Shiva was furious because Nandi was more loyal to Parvati, so they decided to create a son (Ganesha) to guard the doors. However, Shiva decapitated Ganesha's head by mistake when she realized that he was not an intruder. In order to fix the mistake, she sent people out to look for a head facing north. From there they sacrificed an elephant's head and replaced it on Ganesha...

"Oh my goodness, what have I done?! My poor son, why didn't he speak up?! I had made such a terrible mistake... I ripped my son's head off and he is not breathing!" said Shiva.

"Parvati! Parvati! Please go and send people out and look for a new head! NOW! Poor Ganesha is not breathing and he must live!" said Shiva.

"It is you who made this mistake. How could you thought our son was an intruder?! Were you blind?! Did you not check to see who it was before slaughtering someone's head off? Is your bath THAT important that you can't have any distractions? I am telling you right now Shiva... you make this mistake again and Ganesha and I will leave you." said Parvati.

"I am sorry my love, I had made this horrible mistake but we must go and save our son now. Lets send our army out and sacrifice a new head for our boy!" said Shiva. 

"No, our army is too weak. We will send out Brahma, for he is the powerful creator and will surely help us find a head for our son!" said Parvati.

Shiva, Parvati, and Brahma searched far and wide for the perfect head. The head must be special and face north. They searched far and wide but still there was not a perfect head. Brahma continued his journey to find a head. While Parvati and Shiva rested under a tree. There Brahma spotted an elephant facing north. 

"This is perfect! I will cut that elephant's head off and give it to Shiva and Parvati!" said Brahma.

Brahma slowly approached the elephant. The elephant woke up from his nap and realized Brahma was staring at him. Then Brahma started to attack the elephant. The elephant made a loud noise and started to stop everywhere. Brahma dodging away from the elephant finally climbed up to a tree and used his bow and arrow to shoot at its back. The elephant shrieked and he climbed down from the tree and onto the elephant and used his knife to stab its heart. The elephant cried and fell on the ground. Brahma began to cut the elephant's head and rushed back to Parvati and Shiva.

"I've got the head now! Let's go and bring Ganesha back to life!" said Brahma.

The three gods rushed back and found Ganesha's body on his bed. They placed the head back on Ganesha and waited...All of a sudden Ganesha opened his eyes and gasped for air. Ganesha had finally come back to life!

Shiva and Ganesha: Ganesha's new head

Author's Note: The topic I chose for the story is about how Ganesha got his head. I thought that was an interesting part of Buck's version of the Mahabharata. The first paragraph I did a short summary of how Ganesha was born and the why Shiva decapitated Ganesha's head off. This time I did not write the story in anyone's perspective but how the story went. I emphasized how sorry Shiva was for cutting her own son's head off. As a parent she felt horrible for her mistake. So Shiva and Parvati asked Brahma for help. I also stated how angry Parvati was with Shiva and threatened to leave her if she made the same mistake again. I'm not quite sure if that was true in the actual myth but I decided to make it more dramatic that way. In the end, Brahma was able to find the perfect head for Ganesha and everyone was happy again that Ganesha came back to life.

Bibliography: William Buck, Mahabharata 

Storytelling Week 10: Arjuna as Brihannala

(Arjuna's thoughts)

Oh that Urvashi! How dare she cursed me to become an eunuch! I rejected her nicely and even offered her a compliment that she looked like my mother and now she had cursed me in dancing and singing with women! I need to relax... I am mad right now but I must make the most of it.

(Dancing with the women for a year)

It's been a year now and all I had done was performing with these lovely ladies. Everyone is so nice and treated me like a sister. I had been hiding the truth that I'm a man for the longest time. I also want to see if I can return home and become a warrior again. I will ask my father Indra but first I must tell these ladies the truth. They had been nothing but nice to me and hiding the truth about my real gender makes me feel guilty...

(Walking up to the women)

Ladies, there is something I want to tell you for the longest time now and it is a long story. I don't even know where to begin. First, I am indeed a man disguised as a woman for awhile now.

(Gasps in the crowd of women)

I know... I know.. please just explain. I was cursed by Urvashi because I rejected her love and called her my mother. She was furious and cursed me to become an eunuch for the rest of my life. My father Indra reversed it to one year and now my time is over. I tried to accept the fact that I will be with you beautiful women forever and indeed the past year I've spent with everyone was wonderful. We performed together and traveled all around India. I am happy to call you all my sisters but I'm not satisfied being an eunuch. My real name is Arjuna and I am part of the Pandavas and a true warrior. I want to return being myself and I hope you can all understand that.

"Oh Brihannala! I mean... Arjuna we will support you no matter what! We've been so close these past five years and we all want nothing more than to wish you happiness!" said one of the women.

(All the ladies looked at each other and nod their heads at Arjuna)

Thank you my friends! I hope you all know how much you mean to me but now I must go and find my father Indra to see if he can reverse this curse! I am planning to leave tomorrow morning and begin my journey back home. I will miss everyone and wish everyone well in their lives!

(The ladies embraced each other and the next morning Arjuna began his journey back home)

Arjuna as Brihannala: Eunuch

Author's Note: I decided to do a story over Arjuna as Brihannala when he was cursed by Urvashi and the experiences he had as an eunuch. Arjuna was a positive person and tried embrace the idea of being a woman dancer. Although he found a way to reverse the curse and made it only to one year. He enjoyed his time as a woman and build relationships with the dancers. However, he missed being a warrior and wanted to return home. The story shows connections he had with the women and their friendship. He finally revealed the truth about his real sexuality and the women were not mad at him. Instead they supported him and knew he was always going to be a warrior deep down. I wanted to show real emotions in the story and emphasized on how Arjuna had to tell them the truth. He did not want to leave on bad terms. 

Bibliography: R.K. Narayan The Mahabharata

Week 7 Storytelling: Sita in the Assembly

As Janaka walks away.. I am finally alone in the room with Rama. Oh Rama my dearly beloved.. Should I be angry with him for abandoning me while I was pregnant with his two twins? But somehow I cannot stay mad at him. Look at that handsome face... I love him.

However, the fact that he abandoned me was so heartless. How could he do this to me! Even after that fire test, he still couldn't trust me? What a coward for believing those rumors! He cared more about his reputation than loving me, but I am in love him.. oh why must I love Rama? I'll just pretend to smile so that no one sees the pain I am hiding. I will just smile.

I looked at Sumantra, Trijata, Rakshashi, and Lakshama and smiled. Then I see Hanuman all dressed in his finest clothes wearing the pearl necklace I gave him. Oh Hanuman! I couldn't help but smile so brightly. He looked at me and smiled back. His hair was brushed backed like a halo. That monkey sure knows how to make a good impression!

Finally, I looked up and there he was sitting on his throne... my love Rama. He looked at me and just stared blankly. In my mind, I was imagining Rama jumping off his throne and running towards me and then we would embrace each other ever so tightly but he didn't. He just sat there. What should I do to get his attention? Is Rama still skeptical about me living with Ravana?! It wasn't even my fault that I was kidnapped but he would never understand this! I must do something to prove my innocence once more.

Rama! Let me prove my innocence here in front of everyone! I cried. He looked at me and said "I give you permission."

In my mind.. I know that this isn't right. I have tested myself before but Rama still won't believe me. I love him so much so I have to prove my innocence. I wanted nothing more than to be with my love till the day I die, so I will call out to the Mother Earth.

"Mother Earth, if I have not been faithful to Rama, take me home and hide me!" I screamed. Then I started to hear the floor rumble and the ground was shaking vigorously like an earthquake.. She is here! Mother Earth is here!

The Beautiful Sita: Sita calling out for Mother Earth

Author's Note: I decided to make my story in Sita's perspective after her abandonment. I thought the topic of Sita in the Assembly would fit perfectly into the theme of my story. I want to focus the topic of Sita's painful feelings after Rama left her alone to raise their children. However, Sita still loves Rama and would always try to prove herself that she is innocent to win Rama back. I thought about changing the story into how much Sita hates Rama for leaving her but it wasn't really Sita. She was always loyal to Rama and is madly in love with him. So as sad as it is.. I made the story into how Sita would do anything for him to prove her innocence. She tried so hard to hide her painful feelings of the abandonment by smiling in front of everyone. She wanted to please Rama, knowing how much he cared for his reputation, she was willing to do another test just so that they could finally be together. That is all Sita ever wanted was to be together with Rama but somehow rumors and doubts had got in the way of their love. In the end, Sita does not blame Rama for leaving her although she should. Sita never once was mad at Rama.. only hurt by the fact that he would leave her.

Bibliography: William Buck Ramayana 1976

Week 6 Storytelling: Hanuman the Cat

"Lanka is so beautiful! Look at the white sand and freshly green hills. This place is absolutely gorgeous and the flowers near the bright blue rivers are breathtaking! I cannot believe that Ravana lives here but I must destroy it all! Ravana had abducted my best friend's wife and now Rama is devastated over Sita's disappearance. Ravana had ruin our lives and now I must cause trouble in his kingdom, but how would I do it without being notice? I need to find a way to reach Sita first! I have to tell her that Rama is looking for her and to not lose faith in him! I need to meet her so she can tell me what to do."

"Hmm.. I know I will disguise myself as a cat! If they see me, a cat roams free at night, and may explore wherever he is curious to go. I will begin to shape-shift myself into long-haired cat!"

*transforming into a cat*
Hanuman now realizes that he has turned into a cat.

"Oh wow, look at me! Look at my tail and my fur is so long! Oh and the vision! I can see better in the dark, this is amazing! Now, no time to waste admiring my beautiful self, I must go find Sita!"

Hanuman runs as fast as he can to enter Lanka but he was eventually stopped. Hanuman started to think about what it will be like if Rama and Sita found each other. The two would be so happy and all Hanuman wanted was for Rama to be happy.

"In my head I kept thinking about Rama and Sita.. oh how happy will they be when they find each other. I am running as fast as I can.. oh wait what is that in front of me? A woman?"

"You cannot enter me you little cat!" said the dark-haired woman. "I am Lanka and ruled by the hands of Ravana!" said Lanka. She kicked Hanuman. Hanuman was furious, this woman was not going to let him enter.

I cannot believe this woman just kicked me! I have to find Sita so I'm going to punch her!

Finally I have entered into Lanka, now where is Sita? I see Pushpaka and his fly chariot but where oh where is Sita?! I know.. maybe she is in Ravana's bedroom!

As Hanuman rushes into Ravana's bedroom, he was hoping to find Sita in there but instead she was nowhere to be found. He looked at Ravana's miserable wives...

"Oh these poor women.." he said. "But where is Sita?! Where is Sita?!"

Rama and Hanuman's friendship: Best Buddies

Author's Note: I decided to make a story of Hanuman's experience as a cat. I did put a lot of dialogue and narrated a few sentences just to show Hanuman's thoughts. I thought Hanuman becoming a cat was significant in the book because he was clever enough to transform himself to get into Lanka. Hanuman knew that he would never be able to get into Ravana's lair if he remained his personal imagine so he thought a cat was a good disguise. In the book, Hanuman said a cat was able to roam free at night and can quickly move around. I decided to add some descriptions of him being a cat and how he was able to get pass Lanka. In addition to his experience, I added how important it was for him to find Sita. His mission was to find her and let her know that Rama is here to save her. Throughout the story I indicated the importance of finding Sita as well as him picturing what it wouls be like if Rama and Sita had found each other. I stated his thoughts in the beginning of the story how Rama was his best friend and the importance of their friendship. Throughout the story Hanuman was concentrated in finding Sita, he was loyal to Rama and knew what his mission was. For my picture, I noticed there were a lot of cat pictures of Hanuman and even though my story was about Hanuman as a cat I wanted to add a different picture. I found one of Rama and Hanuman and thought it was a good painting of their friendship so I chose that one instead.

Bibliography: William Buck, Ramayana 1976

Week 5 Storytelling: Bharata Returns

The night was dark and the moon was bright as ever. Bharata was asleep at his grandfather's house peacefully until...

"Ahh!" Bharata screamed and woke up from his dream panting and sweating.
"What's wrong, my grandson?" said Bharata's grandfather Ashwapati.
"Oh grandfather, I had a terrible dream that someone died and I can't see who it was," said Bharata.

Ashwapati tried to comfort Bharata by telling him it was just a dream and that everything would be okay. However, Bharata could not sleep. His face was pale and damp with sweat. The nightmare was horrible. How could he go back to sleep? Suddenly, Shatrughna opened the door and his eyes looked beyond frightened.

"My dear brother! Someone has died but I do not know who! We must head back to Ayodhya now," said Shatrughna.

Obediently, Bharata packed all his belongings and so did Shatrughna and as they bid their grandfather goodbye, they were in a hurry to find out what had happened in Ayodhya. As they saw the city approaching, the brothers stepped off their horses and looked at the grand palace. Kaikeyi was sitting by the window and ran to her sons.

"Bharata! Dasaratha is dead and Rama is in exile," said Kaikeyi. She explained everything to her son and how she used her two wishes to make Bharata king. Rama had been banished for no crime he had done. Bharata was outraged by his mother's actions. "How could she be so manipulative?" he thought. "She wanted me to be king that bad she was willing to get rid of Rama and cause the king's death?!" he thought once more. "Okay, maybe she did not cause the king's death on purpose but Rama's exile and my father dead?! Her wishes have caused this to happen!" Bharata thought to himself. He knew that Rama was not her son and all she wanted were good things for Bharata, but how could she send Rama in exile? He had done nothing to her.

Bharata had always thought of his mother as a kind and gentle woman. He had praised her and admired her caring ways but this situation was different. Bharata had changed the way he looked at her. "This was exactly like my dream. My mother had used her two wishes and sent Rama into exile! I heard my father scream!" Bharata recalled from his nightmare.

However, Kaikeyi was still his mother and deep down Bharata really cared about her. His mother had always been there for him since he was a young boy. His father Dasaratha had too many wives and occupied his time with women and his throne. Bharata and Dasaratha did not have a connection like how he was with his mother.



Bharata watched his mother as she explained all the horrible deeds just so she could make him king. Bharata thought, "I cannot believe how evil she is! But did she do this all for me? All she wanted was for me to become king and have good fortune, but why did she have to do it in such an evil way?" he said. His mother was a kind woman and very caring to Shatrughna and Bharata. So what had gotten into her? He could never look at his mother the same way again. She had done him wrong and was not apologetic. She did not even acknowledge her responsibility for the king's death or regret what she had done. Maybe his father had done something wrong in the past and it resulted in karma. This was his father's punishment. Kaikeyi will soon get her karma too. She was selfish and wanted Bharata to become king instead of Rama. His mother would get her punishment. Now Vasishtha, the God of Brahma wanted Bharata to be king until Rama returned... He agreed but only for the sake of Rama and not his mother's wish. Bharata's dream came true... his father was dead and Rama's exile had caused everyone grief and chaos. He was disappointed in his mother's actions but it was too late to change back time. Now Bharata had to step up to the plate and become king until Rama comes back.

Rama and Bharata: (WikiSource) Bharata

Author's Note:
I decided to make a story about Bharata's return from his grandfather's house. I wanted to make the story in his own perspective by showing how outraged he was by his mother's actions. He could not believe his mother would be the reason for his father's death even though she would not admit to it. She basically tore the family apart and sent his stepbrother Rama to exile. Her selfish motives were to make her own son king. All she wanted was happiness for Bharata but she did not think of the results. Kaikeyi even explained her motives to Bharata but he could not accept the truth. I wanted to emphasize how in disbelief Bharata was because he always thought of his mother as a kind woman. He did not know she was so manipulative and sneaky just to make everything right for her. Most importantly, I added the fact that Bharata did not really want to be king and that the people of Ayodhya knew the crown was rightfully Rama's. However, due to Rama being in exile, Bharata had to step up and be king until his brother returned. I added the detail of how Bharata agreed to become king not because he wanted to but because Vasishtha, the priest told him to. Bharata had to think for the good of his people. I also wanted to emphasize the disappointment he had for his mother. He is uncertain of forgiving her even though Kaikeyi is his mother. Bharata respected Rama and so I focused on how Bharata agreed to become king until Rama returned towards the end of the story.

Bibliography: William Buck's Ramayana 1976

Week 4 Storytelling: The Death of Dasaratha

As I lay next to my beautiful wife Kausayla, I closed my eyes and slept for a short period of time. Then I woke up and remembered....

Kausayla gripped my hands, "My dear Kausayla, are you awake?"

In my sleep, I could barely hear my sweet Kausayla's words. Far in the distance, I hear a voice of a young boy. The boy cried out for me. He looked at me, "Why did you dagger me with your arrow?!" I couldn't bare to look at his face. I woke up and saw my Kaysayla holding my hands with tears in her eyes.

In my last mission, I helped Kaikeyi to convince the people that Bharata should be king. I originally wanted Rama to be the successor, oh Rama so brave and wise, he would surely fit to be the king, but what has gotten into me? Kaikeyi and Manthara had manipulated me to make Bharata the successor and force to exile Rama!Manthara was telling me the horrible stories of Rama and if he was king he would not only bring my people down but my family. Of course, I am worried. I am worried for my people and family; therefore, I had to do what was best and exile Rama, but as I look back I regretted everything. I should have never listen to Kaikeyi and Manthara and trusted my instincts in choosing Rama. I should have never taught Kaikeyi the language of animals. Why did I do it?! I knew it would cost me my life and now my wife is suffering. I am dying and I know it.

This dream that I had of the boy that I killed when I was a young man. I must tell Kausayla right now  and let her know my last words. I looked into Kausayla's eyes filled with tears and told her the flashback of the boy. As I was telling the story, she couldn't stop crying but I had to tell her. I love Kausaya so much.

I looked into her eyes and try to memorize the beautiful face. I could hear my heart beating slower and slower and then I spoke to my wife one last time....

"Queen, that whole crime now comes home to me. If Rama could touch me to live, but I have no other help. I cannot hear my own voice. My hand grows numb. I can hardly feel your hand, I barely speak. My death fast approaches. I have wronged my son, but he has done well toward me...Rama....Where are you?.... Rama..."

Dasaratha's sin of the boy he killed (Source): Dasaratha

Author's Note:This part in the book basically described Dasaratha's thoughts and his regrets when he was dreaming of the boy he killed. I pretty much just stuck with the original story but added more details of wrote some thoughts and feelings he had towards his wife.  I wanted to emphasize the regrets and sorrow for not making Rama the successor and how he regretted being manipulated by Kaikeya. I wanted the story to focus on Dasaratha's feelings and how much he loves his wife. Moreover, I made the ending scene more dramatic to emphasize sorrow and sadness and the pain Kausayla is going through when watching her husband die. I wrote the story in Dasaratha's perspective when he was about to die. I focused on his last thoughts and words to Kausayla and added some emotion to it with Kausayla crying. There is a little bit of anger towards Kaikeyi and Manthara in the context and regrets of not appointing Rama as his successor. The last paragraph are the actual words in the book of his last thoughts. I stuck with the original dying scene and just turned it in Dasaratha's perspective but in those few seconds before he told Kausayla his story. I also described his feelings toward Kausayla as he was telling her his story. 

Bibliography: William Buck, Ramayana 1976

Storytelling Week 3: The Great Hanuman

Rama and Hanuman were searching to find Sita. She had been kidnapped by Ravana and the two friends are determined to rescue her from Ravana. Throughout the journey, Hanuman and his friends were very helpful and supportive towards Rama. He was devastated that Sita, his dearly beloved, had been kidnapped by the evil Ravana. Hanuman and Rama would do whatever it took to bring Sita back.

"Rama, I will bring Sita back to you," said Hanuman.

Rama had been such a great friend to Hanuman. Their friendship was strong and Rama had once saved Hanuman from drowning in the water. Ever since then, the two had been great friends and did everything together. Hanuman was loyal to Rama. He admired him for being such a great leader and having a strong personality. Moreover, they were not just friends but almost like brothers. They would have done anything for each other. The two marched into the forest and found Ravana holding Sita while she was crying. She screamed Rama's name and Rama was ready to battle with Ravana.

"You stole my woman, so prepare to die!" cried Rama. He pulled out his sword and Rama and Ravana started to fight. The swords were clinking back and forth but Ravana had the advantage with his twenty arms. He grabbed Rama by the throat and was just about to strangle Rama to death when Hanuman came to the rescue. He grabbed his club and smacked one of Ravana's heads. Ravana screamed in pain. Ravana reciprocated and used his sword and stabbed Hanuman right in the heart. Hanuman screamed and fell on the ground. Just when Ravana was about to finish Hanuman, Rama pulled out his bow and arrow and shot him in the chest. That was the end of Ravana.

Rama rushed over to Hanuman trying to save him.

"My dear friend, you saved my life but why! Now you are in pain and suffering and it is all my fault. You should have left me to take care of that villain!" said Rama

"My dear Rama, you knew I would have done anything for you.You are my best friend and I am willing to risk my life to save you. You saved my life before and now I am repaying you."

Rama started tearing up knowing that his best friend could not survive this tragedy. While holding Hanuman tightly in his arms, he wanted to make sure all of India recognized Hanuman's bravery. Hanuman was a hero and had done so much for Rama.

Rama and Sita continued their journey back to Ayodhya and Rama became the king. He made a special day in recognition of Hanuman's bravery. He wanted the people of India to know the importance of courage and Hanuman was the symbol of courage. The day of Hanuman's memorial was sad for everyone. Hanuman would be remembered by all of the people in India.

(Hanuman In Battle) Source: Hanuman

Author's Note: Hanuman's death scene was a new twist to the story. I wanted to emphasize the character of Hanuman and how he was willing to risk his life to save Rama. Hanuman admired Rama as a true god and wanted the best for his friend. He wanted to help Rama find Sita knowing how important she was to him. I decided to make a death scene just to show how selfless Hanuman was. The battle scene was a little dramatic but I wanted to focus on the bravery of Hanuman. Just when Rama was being attacked, he was able jump in and rescue him. The part of Rama and Hanuman's last words when Hanuman was about to die was kind of sad, but I wanted to show how true their friendship towards each other was. In the story I emphasized the words "like brothers" because they were not just friends but almost like brothers. They were both willing to risk their own lives to save one another and that is the point of my story... true friendship. My theme is to focus on the character of Hanuman more than Rama, although in the Ramayana he was the main character. I wanted to make Hanuman the main character in the story. That is why towards the end of the story, Hanuman was recognized by his bravery from everyone.

Bibliography: Narayan R.K (1972) The Ramayana

Week 1: Storytelling: The Lion, The Stag, and The Fox

There once was a Fox who was manipulative and cunning. He lied and cheated on people to accommodate his own needs. Everyone in the village despise the Fox and he is known for a bad reputation for being a villain. He was clever and unpredictable and always tricked people. He would take the children's food and steal their belongings. He would make fun of the villagers and laugh until he cried. He would eat all the shepherd's sheep and leave the remains on the field. He was a horrible creature. One day, a Lion from far away land stumbled upon the village. He was famished and constantly looking for food. The Lion approached the Fox and saw how delicious he looked and was going to feast on him. The fox begged and pleaded for his life and promised the Lion a village of people for his dinner. The Lion was surprised for he had not seen anyone in the village. The Fox said, " Please your majesty, don't eat me! I promise you a village of people would taste so much better than me! I will lead you to them!" and so the Lion followed the Fox to the villagers where the Lion ate everyone including the last children of the house. The Lion was satisfied and said " I will be back Fox for more!" and so the Lion left and a few weeks later a new stranger appeared. A wandering Stag came into the empty village and met the Fox. "Excuse me, but do you mind if I stay here for the night?" said the Stag. The Fox stared deeply into the Stag and thought of the Lion's return. "Why yes, you may stay as long as you want", he said in a sly voice. The next day the Lion returned and demanded for food. Quickly, the Fox led him to the Stag but realized the Stag wasn't there. The Stag ended up not staying for the whole night and left on his journey. The fox panicked for he did not prepare anything else for the Lion. The Lion was furious and really really hungry. The Fox begged for his life and promised to be the Lion's servant if he doesn't eat him. The Lion was angry because he was tricked by the Fox and ate him before he could cry. 

 Source: The Lion, The Stag, and The Fox

Author's Note:

The fox saw the stag and said he was a rich meat. The fox then promised the lion, he will offer the stag for the lion to eat and leave him as the remainder. However, the stag was smart enough and predicted what the fox was up to and ran to a place of safety. The lion could not find the stag and quickly ate the fox because he was hungry. The moral of the story: "The wicked are often caught in their toils." 

I left the theme of the story the same but added more twists into it and focused on the fox's behavior. I added the villagers because I want people to see how evil and a coward the fox is. I didn't focus on the stag as much until towards the end of the story but he was only in a little part of it. Overall, the story was pretty much the same but more of the expanded version. I added more details than the original short story because the original was rather short. I emphasized the wicked and cruelty in the fox to show how sly he is. The villagers were his victims but even as sly and tricky he is, the fox is still a coward and afraid of the lion. In the end the fox got what he deserved.

Book: Indian Fables- The Lion, The Stag, and The Fox (based off the story)

Author: Ramaswami Raju

Year Published: First text in 1901, New text in 2009

Web Source: Long Story Fable

                      Short Story Fable