Shiva Catches Ganga Falling to Earth.
(Source)
Public Domain Ramayana, link to the reading online.
So I'm gonna just dot down things that strike me, I'll mention the speciifc story if need be.
Starting from the first couple sentences on the first story I can already tell the names are going to make this challenging for me. I already have trouble with character names that I am familiar with, but this is an extra added level of difficulty.
A phrase strikes me. "the impulses of modesty" are said to withhold the maidens from their lovers. It just is interesting because usually the impulses are what the modesty is meant to avoid.
It seems a common practice for gods of all religion to promise people sons. An interesting cross cultural remnant of a slightly more sexist time.
Another thing I find interesting is the idea of a hierarchy of gods. This isn't something I was raised hearing due to my Christian upbringing, but you see it in almost all mythologies.
Interesting also is the description of the rakshasa. She is described as hideous and misformed. Unlike Rama who is described as beautiful. Mythological good guys almost always seem to be attractive. This might be an element I have to tip toe around in retellings.
They live for thousands of years in these stories?!? Not bad, just a surprise.
I'm reading the PDE edition and come 7. Alhalya there is sudden poetry. The next one isn't a poem, but I find myself reading it as such.
It's interesting that Princess Sita is first seen in a flower garden, almost as if she is one.
Of course it will be a competition for the hand of Sita. the title of the next piece (Ramu wins Sita) might possibly spoil it a bit though.
The "Heir apparent" seems to mark the end of a story arc. I like this kind of structure.
It really does feel at times like Rama has cast a spell on the rest of the characters, but I guess he is really just that.
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