Reading Notes: Narayan's Ramayana Part C
The Ramayana, Pages 89-131
Characters: Rama, Lakshamana, Vali, Sugreeva, Hanuman, Tara and her son Angada, Sampathi, Ravana, Sita, Mandodari, Vibishana, Indrajit
POV: Narayan translates the poet Kamban's version of The Ramayana
Setting(s): the monkey kingdom of Kiskinda, Lanka (kingdom of Ravana),
Deities and demons: Shiva (referenced), Vishnu (referenced), Ravana, Mandodari, Dundubu
Favourite sentences/phrases:
Chapter 6: Vali
Narayan begins by the introducing the characters of this part of the epic: Hanuman, Vali, Sugreeva and Rama; he calls this the most questioned part of the epics because it casts doubt on Rama's character and virtue; Sugreeva beseeches Rama for help when he and Lakshamana approach the kingdom of Kikshinda
Sugreeva's Story
Questionable details it seems of Sugreeva's and Vali's story; Vali is depicted as the antagonist while Sugreeva is the victim; Vali beats on Sugreeva over a misunderstanding when Vali leaves to vanquish the demon Mayavi and Sugreeva takes the throne; Sugreeva lives in exile after the incident and Vali takes Sugreeva's wife Tara
Dundubi's Story
Appears as another way to discredit any virtue from Vali; Dundubi is defeated by Vali and he dumps his bones on holy ground; he is cursed by Sage Matanga
Continuing in the chapter, Rama agrees to vanquish Vali for Sugreeva (in exchange for help in finding Sita) who believes has been wronged; after tricking Vali to come out and fight who he thinks will only be Sugreeva, Rama shoots him with his arrow; after a long discussion on the justice of Rama's actions, (seemingly not quite resolved) Vali dies and Sugreeva is crowned
Chapter 7: When The Rains Cease
Rama tells Sugreeva that they will await the passing of the heavy rains before they pursue Sita; during this time, Rama is tormented endlessly; when the rains pass it appears as if Sugreeva has forgotten his promise (a testament to his character maybe, and sheds possible doubt on the truthfulness of his story on his feud between he and his brother); Rama sends Lakshamana to let Sugreeva know that it is time and essentially scold him [interesting enough the one who soothes Lakshamana's anger is Tara and her female companions) who seems wiser than the rest]; after reconciliation and sending messages to for armies, Hanuman is made aware of his immense strength and powers (made to be forgotten to him by the gods) and he strides across the ocean to Lanka to find Sita
Chapter 8: Memento To Rama
Once there he encounters Mandodari, Ravana's wife, who initially mistakes for Sita; Sita is found at last surrounded by rakshasas who are trying to break her; Ravana approaches and threatens her again when she refuses to become his; after convincing her of who he is, he takes an emblem of her for Rama and after causing much destruction to Ravana's city, returns across the ocean
Chapter 9: Ravana In Council
Infuriated by what has occurred, Ravana seeks council from brothers and his son on how he should retaliate; one brother encourages his strength while another discourages him from attacking such a powerful adversary such as Rama; in the end Ravana sends the latter brother, a reluctant Vibishana, to attack his foes, but Vibishana leaves his brother's company and side.
Reference: R. K. Narayan. The Ramayana [Print].
Characters: Rama, Lakshamana, Vali, Sugreeva, Hanuman, Tara and her son Angada, Sampathi, Ravana, Sita, Mandodari, Vibishana, Indrajit
POV: Narayan translates the poet Kamban's version of The Ramayana
Setting(s): the monkey kingdom of Kiskinda, Lanka (kingdom of Ravana),
Deities and demons: Shiva (referenced), Vishnu (referenced), Ravana, Mandodari, Dundubu
Favourite sentences/phrases:
"You have the elegance of a peacock, and the voice of a nightingale..."- Vali to Tara
"Women can lead one to death"- Rama about Vali (points to the reoccurring theme of women in cultures and traditional stories as the 'bringer of evil')
"Great ones should forgive the lapses of small men."- Tara to LakshamanaSection Summaries:
Chapter 6: Vali
Narayan begins by the introducing the characters of this part of the epic: Hanuman, Vali, Sugreeva and Rama; he calls this the most questioned part of the epics because it casts doubt on Rama's character and virtue; Sugreeva beseeches Rama for help when he and Lakshamana approach the kingdom of Kikshinda
Sugreeva's Story
Questionable details it seems of Sugreeva's and Vali's story; Vali is depicted as the antagonist while Sugreeva is the victim; Vali beats on Sugreeva over a misunderstanding when Vali leaves to vanquish the demon Mayavi and Sugreeva takes the throne; Sugreeva lives in exile after the incident and Vali takes Sugreeva's wife Tara
Dundubi's Story
Appears as another way to discredit any virtue from Vali; Dundubi is defeated by Vali and he dumps his bones on holy ground; he is cursed by Sage Matanga
Continuing in the chapter, Rama agrees to vanquish Vali for Sugreeva (in exchange for help in finding Sita) who believes has been wronged; after tricking Vali to come out and fight who he thinks will only be Sugreeva, Rama shoots him with his arrow; after a long discussion on the justice of Rama's actions, (seemingly not quite resolved) Vali dies and Sugreeva is crowned
Chapter 7: When The Rains Cease
Rama tells Sugreeva that they will await the passing of the heavy rains before they pursue Sita; during this time, Rama is tormented endlessly; when the rains pass it appears as if Sugreeva has forgotten his promise (a testament to his character maybe, and sheds possible doubt on the truthfulness of his story on his feud between he and his brother); Rama sends Lakshamana to let Sugreeva know that it is time and essentially scold him [interesting enough the one who soothes Lakshamana's anger is Tara and her female companions) who seems wiser than the rest]; after reconciliation and sending messages to for armies, Hanuman is made aware of his immense strength and powers (made to be forgotten to him by the gods) and he strides across the ocean to Lanka to find Sita
Chapter 8: Memento To Rama
Once there he encounters Mandodari, Ravana's wife, who initially mistakes for Sita; Sita is found at last surrounded by rakshasas who are trying to break her; Ravana approaches and threatens her again when she refuses to become his; after convincing her of who he is, he takes an emblem of her for Rama and after causing much destruction to Ravana's city, returns across the ocean
Chapter 9: Ravana In Council
Infuriated by what has occurred, Ravana seeks council from brothers and his son on how he should retaliate; one brother encourages his strength while another discourages him from attacking such a powerful adversary such as Rama; in the end Ravana sends the latter brother, a reluctant Vibishana, to attack his foes, but Vibishana leaves his brother's company and side.
Statue of Hanuman. Source: Pixabay
Reference: R. K. Narayan. The Ramayana [Print].
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