Reading Notes: "Draupadi, The Fire-Born Princess" Part C

Draupadi: The Fire-Born Princess [Graphic Novel on Reserve]
                 Part C, Pages 60-87
Draupadi Graphic Novel Cover Page. Source: Indian Epics Blog
POV: Third person
Summary:
  • On Vyasa's suggestion, Arjuna leaves to train with the gods and his father Indra; Arjuna is Draupadi's soft spot and she is sad for the years without it
  • When he returns, Krishna also comes to visit and he and Arjuna's bromance make Draupadi laugh for the first time in years;
  • One day, Draupadi is approached by Jayadratha, king of Sidhu and he tries to kidnap her after she says no to his advances; the Pandavas stop him, and after being dishonoured again, Draupadi expects them to kill him but Yud lets him go; at the moment she cannot understand this forgiveness and seethes
  • Their years in exile are coming to an end but they must spend the thirteenth year in exile unknown with not a single person being able to recognise them; all the while Duryodhana becomes more powerful in his rule
  • Here they go to live in Matsya, under different identities and Draupadi is annoyed at having to become a servant (yee) to Queen Sudeshna (who worries that Draupadi will disturb the peace in her kingdom for being far too beautiful);
  • Indeed though, the queen's brother seeks her attention and after denying him, he says he shall have her; his sister, the queen, makes Draupadi go to his chambers where he makes another advance and then chases her to the throne room where he kicks her down (in front of Yud who again does nothing); fortunately, when Bhima hears of this, it is not long before the disgusting man meets his end 
  • Unfortunately, the news of his passing reaches the Kauravas who suspect the Pandavas must be in Matsya, and they try to attack the city
  • With the help of Arjuna, who sounds the conch to tell that the years of exile are over, they defeat the oncoming Kauravas and then reveal themselves to the king and queen of Matsya; they immediately apologise and the king offers his daughter to Arjuna, who agrees to have his son marry Uttaraa
  • Draupadi is reunited with her sons and the wedding of Abhimanyu and Uttaraa gives way to great celebration just before the great war
  • Yud tries to persuade against war but to no avail; so war it is and war it shall be
  • Before they go off to battle, Draupadi blesses her hubbies with 'rituals befitting a queen'
  • Draupadi prays that her sons and husbands be protected and Krishna appears to her and asks her if the war inside her will ever be over; at the moment she does not understand the meaning of this.
The new identities of the Pandavas and Draupadi. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Reference: Draupadi: The Fire-Born Princess, Saraswati Nagpal. [Printed Graphic Novel]

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

An Introduction to a Bajan Animal Enthusiast

Image
Hi everyone! :) My name is Daana Roach, and I am a Chemical Biosciences (Pre-Vet) major with minors in Psychology and Biological Conservation. With this odd combination, I am (hopefully) going to pursue a programme in Veterinary Conservation Medicine after I graduate. I want to work with endangered species and in conservation efforts, especially concerning marine life or big cats of the genus Panthera : Amur leopard ( Panthera pardus orientalis ), listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. Source : Wikimedia Commons Psychology isn't necessarily tied to any of these plans, but I really enjoy it. I grew up in Barbados , an island in the Southeast of the Caribbean, and finished up secondary school in Canada before coming to OU. I may  be biased, but Barbados has some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. It's 166 sq miles big (or small maybe haha), and has a population of about approximately 300, 000. Personal image taken of Miami Beach at sunset, Barbados. 
Read more

Week 5 Story: "Sita, Warrior of the Earth"

Image
A warrior of the Earth. Source : Flickr Let me tell you the version of the story they never tell. I was not just the daughter of the Earth, I was her warrior. At the time of my birth, my parents believed I was only a gift from the goddess. Some called her Bhudevi, others called her Bhumi, but while growing up in the kingdom of Videha, she was only known to me as Mother Earth. There were times I thought I felt her presence with me, watching and guiding with a gentle care. When I was very young, I had a keen interest in weaponry and martial arts. I felt as though I was stitched together with fight in my bones, a quick wit and sharp tongue as my aid when physical strength failed me. Although my father forbade me from learning the art of war publicly, he allowed one of his trusted soldiers to train me privately. It was only so lucky that he had seen the incident with Shiva's bow.  My sister and I had been playing nearby when our ball flew under the resting place of the sacre
Read more