Reading Notes: Part A More Jataka Tales

Part A of More Jataka Tales revealed many interesting stories, but this week in particular I read The Woodpecker, Turtle, and Deer. I was initially interested in this story because of the title. Normally woodpeckers, turtles, and deers are not animals that I associated with South Asia, so I wanted to see how they were portrayed in the story. However, after reading the story, there really was special South Asian twist and this story could fit in with any culture really. I did enjoy reading the short story as it was heart-warming and had a happy ending. I appreciated the teamwork of the animals as well as the self-less desire to help one another even if it put themselves in danger. The hunter antagonist is interesting and I feel that this often the villain in short stories I have read. Perhaps this alludes to the significance animals have within South Asia. For a potential retelling of the story, I would, as I probably would for most of these short stories, add more detail to the plot line and perhaps humanize the hunter to make him even more menacing. I did appreciate the first-person point of view from the animals and would enjoy a backstory on how these animals met and became friends. Finally, it was interesting to see that the hunter was going to use a knife to hunt down the deer. Bows and arrows seem to be so prominent in Indian stories, so perhaps this may be a detail I add to make the plot line more compelling and attuned to South Asian culture.

Source: More Jataka Tales, Ellen C. Babbitt, Ellsworth Young, 1922

The woodpecker attacking the hunter

Comments

Week 9 Story: Bhima and the Nagas

Duryodhana was a jealous warrior. He could not stand if anybody was better him, no matter the competition. From archery to running to strength training, he saw how his Pandavas cousins performed at the highest marks. However, no made Duryodhana more angry than Bhima. Now Bhima was the best of the spot. He could bench over 300 pounds, squat 450 pounds, and run a mile in less than 6 minutes. No one could match him physically and for this Duryodhana plotted to get rid of Bhima. He knew he could not do it face to face combat, so he decided to poison his food during dinner. He extracted poison from the venomous King Cobra and sprinkled onto Bhima's dinner for the night. As Bhima took his first bites, he passed out and laid asleep on the ground. Duryodhana seizing his opportunity, gagged Bhima and threw into the holy Ganges for him to forever lie. Yet, as Bhima fell into the river it was fated by the gods that he was not to die. His destiny lied far ahead in the future. Thus when Bhima...

Week 14: More Jataka Tales Part B

For Part B of Week 14 reading, I continued the Jataka Tales. Specifically for the week I read The Elephant and the Dog. What really sparked my interest to read the story was the title. As a fan of dogs and knowing the importance of elephants in Indian culture, I was curious to see how the two animals interacted in the story, and I was definitely not disappointed. I loved the heartwarming story of the dog and elephant's friendship and how they needed each other to live. It is always surprising to me how animals from different species are able to form friendships, but I think it highlights how even in animals, love and friendship has no boundary. If I were to retell the story, I would probably add a personal touch such as replacing the dog with my own dog, Max. He is a German Shepherd who loves to hang out with other dogs, so I think he quickly make friends with the elephant. Additionally, I think adding dialogue between the two animals could help showcase their friendship and add m...

Comment Wall

Shiva and Parvati with their son, Ganesha Link to Storybook

Indian Epics

Search This Blog