Author: Geraldine Hodgson
Translator: W. H. Robinson
Year: 1903
- Dasaratha is able to defeat his enemies by overcoming everything bad within himself.
- Ayodhya has no poverty or dirt, everyone tells the truth, no envy...it's the perfect city.
- Ravana is protected from everything except mortal men.
- No Lakshmana, monkeys instead. The monkeys can change shape and go anywhere they want. They had great strength and could fly.
- Lakshmana does exist in this story, but he is not of a god. Everything else seems to be the same so far, with the exception of the monkeys.
- Kaikeyi is convinced by her maid to force Dasaratha to make Bharata king, this time because Kaikeyi used to insult Kausalya, not because Rama used to insult the maid who has a humpback in both versions of the story.
- In the forest, Rama and Lakshmana defeat an Evil Being named Viradha who had indestructible life. They broke both of his arms and threw him in a pit.
- Surpanakha was never beautiful, she was a "hideous old hag" with intentions of killing Sita. Lakshmana still chops off her nose and ears.
- Sugriva and Vali fight while Rama hides and kills Vali with an arrow. I enjoyed the way this story was told in R.K. Narayan's version, but it isn't quite as in depth in this version. I might rewrite this scene.
- Lakshmana goes to Kishkinda due to Sugriva not keeping his word (meeting with Rama at the end of the rainy season). This story could also turn out much differently.
- Hanuman burns down Lanka when his tail is set on fire and fears that he burns Sita in his rage. He doesn't, but this part of the epic could also be rewritten.
Rama and Lakshmana meet Hanuman
Image Author: Unknown
Image Source: British Museum
Geography:
Godavari - Stream
Pampa - Lake
Malaya - Hills
No comments:
Post a Comment