Week 3 Story: Rama's Beginning
The Ramayana: Episode 1
King Dasaratha was troubled. He ruled over a kingdom respected him and enjoyed his rule, but yet his heart still ached. He wanted children. He and his wives had never been able to bring forth a child, and he began to worry that no one would be able to take his place on the throne. He asked his mentor, Vasishta, what he should do.
Vasishta knew a secret. The gods had met together to discuss the looming threat of Ravana, the ten headed god. He had asked for powers that made him invincible to other gods, supernatural creatures, and to man. The Supreme God Vishnu concocted a plan to be reincarnated as a young girl to Dasaratha, since Ravana only had protection from men. Knowing this, Vasishta simply told Dasaratha to perform the yagna ritual, for then he would conceive children. He told the king to send for the sage Rishya Sringa, and start the ritual immediately.
To get the sage to his kingdom, they first had to convince him to bring rain the the drought-laiden land of Anga. The king sent many beautiful ladies to persuade the sage to go to Anga, where he would bring rain, and then be available for the ritual.
The ladies proved successful, and so the king traveled to Anga to talk to the sage himself. The sage agreed to help him, and they started on the yearlong sacrifice.
At the end of the year, they were left with a blessed plate of rice. The king was instructed to feed the rice to his wives so that they would be with child. It worked, and they became pregnant with four children, three sons and one daughter. The king was elated! He loved his children dearly, and he did his best to give them a full life.
Once they were old enough, he began to send the boys to meditate and be tutored, while he had his daughter Rama stay behind with him to help in the palace. However, the sage returned to entreat the king to allow Rama to attend the tutoring and training sessions.
The king was taken aback that the sage would ask him such a thing.
"She belongs here, in the palace! That is the sort of work a young lady must do. One of my sons will take the throne one day and they must be taught in ways that will make them fit."
The sage nodded, but was steadfast.
"Rama is very special. The workings of the home will never satisfy her, nor will they be fulfilling of her abilities. Send her with the boys. She will learn fast, and she will gain much knowledge."
Finally, the king agreed.
"If that is indeed what is best for her."
The sage smiled again.
"It is what is best for all of us."
Author's Note: The story so far has followed pretty much the same plot, except Rama is a girl. I decided to act as if Ravana had indeed asked for protection against man, so Rama is indeed no man. I want the characters to be surprised at her important role in defeating Ravana, and I hope to convey that in later installments!
Bibliography. "Ramayana" by R.K. Narayan. Source: Narayan's Ramayana (Guide A)
Monochrome manga image from Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
King Dasaratha was troubled. He ruled over a kingdom respected him and enjoyed his rule, but yet his heart still ached. He wanted children. He and his wives had never been able to bring forth a child, and he began to worry that no one would be able to take his place on the throne. He asked his mentor, Vasishta, what he should do.
Vasishta knew a secret. The gods had met together to discuss the looming threat of Ravana, the ten headed god. He had asked for powers that made him invincible to other gods, supernatural creatures, and to man. The Supreme God Vishnu concocted a plan to be reincarnated as a young girl to Dasaratha, since Ravana only had protection from men. Knowing this, Vasishta simply told Dasaratha to perform the yagna ritual, for then he would conceive children. He told the king to send for the sage Rishya Sringa, and start the ritual immediately.
To get the sage to his kingdom, they first had to convince him to bring rain the the drought-laiden land of Anga. The king sent many beautiful ladies to persuade the sage to go to Anga, where he would bring rain, and then be available for the ritual.
The ladies proved successful, and so the king traveled to Anga to talk to the sage himself. The sage agreed to help him, and they started on the yearlong sacrifice.
At the end of the year, they were left with a blessed plate of rice. The king was instructed to feed the rice to his wives so that they would be with child. It worked, and they became pregnant with four children, three sons and one daughter. The king was elated! He loved his children dearly, and he did his best to give them a full life.
Once they were old enough, he began to send the boys to meditate and be tutored, while he had his daughter Rama stay behind with him to help in the palace. However, the sage returned to entreat the king to allow Rama to attend the tutoring and training sessions.
The king was taken aback that the sage would ask him such a thing.
"She belongs here, in the palace! That is the sort of work a young lady must do. One of my sons will take the throne one day and they must be taught in ways that will make them fit."
The sage nodded, but was steadfast.
"Rama is very special. The workings of the home will never satisfy her, nor will they be fulfilling of her abilities. Send her with the boys. She will learn fast, and she will gain much knowledge."
Finally, the king agreed.
"If that is indeed what is best for her."
The sage smiled again.
"It is what is best for all of us."
Author's Note: The story so far has followed pretty much the same plot, except Rama is a girl. I decided to act as if Ravana had indeed asked for protection against man, so Rama is indeed no man. I want the characters to be surprised at her important role in defeating Ravana, and I hope to convey that in later installments!
Bibliography. "Ramayana" by R.K. Narayan. Source: Narayan's Ramayana (Guide A)
Monochrome manga image from Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
I loved reading your spin on the story of Rama Beginning. I also love that you are included anime pictures on your blog. It's new and refreshing to see.
ReplyDeleteMaking Rama into a girl really did change the story enough to allow you to change plot lines as you continue to rewrite more and more stories. I can't wait to read more about Rama and see how you continue to add your own twists to the stories.
Haley,
ReplyDeleteFor the most part, I have also been sticking to the main story, but introducing some type of plot twist or change such as you have. It has worked best for me so far, although I haven't tried a complete plot change.
I liked the way you ended your story. The dialogue was a very nice, subtle touch and made for a good ending.
Great job on the story, I look forward to reading more!
Hey Haley,
ReplyDeleteI liked that you kept the plot similar but just changed Rama from a male to female and defeat Ravana. Gender roles changing does help see we all should be treated equally. I kind of do the similar things will writing story, take out the part that I am not interested in and changing it to the way I would like it to be. Good Job and I can't wait to read more stories from you.