Reading Notes: Part C Ramayana

Part C brought the plot closer to the final conflict as well as many interesting individual stories. Like I saw with the stories in Part A and B, there were some parallels with stories and myths that I have seen in other cultures. One example was the story of Sampati and Jatayu and how they fell upon flying too close to the sun. This reminded me of the Greek mythology story of Icarus and Daedalus when Icarus' wings melted for flying too close to the sun as well. Another aspect of the stories that I enjoy are images. They really help with envisioning the plot and as an avid art museum-goer, I enjoy seeing some of the different artistic styles used in the images. The picture of the golden city in Lanka was very neat to see, especially considering that it sold for $30,000 in an auction house. Gong back to the plot, I found it noteworthy how Sita refused to escape with Hanuman as she could not touch another man. This concept of remaining pure and virginity seems to be prominent in other stories as well, such as the idea and veneration of Mother Mary. Again, this is another example of how I see parallels between different cultures in The Ramayana. Perhaps this speaks to a greater point of shared values across cultures. Ravana's family is also quite vast and each seems to have their own unique ability. It will be interesting to see how Vibhishana aids Rama against Ravana and how Ravana's sons are able to aide him in battle. I also want to see how Rama and his army are able to across the ocean to reach Lanka. Hanuman may have the supreme leaping ability, but I doubt the others do as well. Overall, I cannot wait to read the conclusion.

Bibliography: Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists by Sister Nivedita (1914)

Lanka Dahan..by Hanuman | Lord hanuman, Hanumanji, Hanuman images

Hanuman burning Lanka

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