Reading Notes: Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part D

Reading Part D

Bhishma Falls

Bhisma as an elephant. I have alway loved the images of the Indian Elephants. Bhisma wouldn't kill a women.. UNTIL HE DID. (A Story?) 

Arjuna went forth on the 10th day and made a woman into a male. I like Arjuna.

Drona in Command

Arjuna seems like the hero in a lot of common stories. I like that.

This seems like a gladiator scene. With the fighting and animals. I wonder if that could be translated into the Wild West smoothly.

Abhimanyu and Jayadratha

The scene of a shattered chariot but still fighting reminds me of a horse carriage in the west getting shot down but the men still fighting, maybe for honor or for a woman. 

A story inspired by this one about the description of death... It might be unique.

Ghatotkacha

Brothers fighting against brother and fathers killing sons. 

What a war scene. A night filled with horrors. How would Arjuna successfully call peace for sleep?

A great Wild West fighting scene would be ideal with this story.

Death of Drona

The son of Drona kept his father undefeated.

Bhima and Duhshasana

The great war in these stories could provide small details for a new story, or I could take the general idea of war to develop my story.

Bhima cutting off a head and drinking blood... GROSS.

Arjuna and Karna

Arjunas arrows could become bullets in the Wild West. 

Arjuna could keep his bow and be a tribal Indian.

Duryodhana in the Lake

Karna was slain. 

The 18th day of the war was waged.

Son of Drona was one of the survivors as well as hidden Duryodhana. 

The idea of retiring to the jungle (dessert) and meditate.

The Raid

Duryodhana was dying on the battlefield.

The Pandavas were attacked while they were sleeping.

Personifying the stars.

Casting their bodies into the flames.. (like a bible story)

Ashwatthaman's Jewel

Draupadi mourns the death of her brother and sons.

Mourning

Wives weeping for dead husbands and mothers moaning for their sons... Good imagery for the battle to be held in the Wild West. 

Bhima lives on at this point.

The Pandavas and Bhishma

Pandu princes revisit the man lying on the field of battle waiting to die. 

Can I write reincarnation into the Wild West?

Terrible 12-year drought, bones everywhere.

Men eating humans.

Morbid ways of the Cowboys maybe?

King Yudhishthira's Horse
Parikshit
Horse Sacrifice
The Mongoose
The Forest and its Ghosts
Death of Krishna
The Pandavas Depart
The Afterlife

Image Information: Duryodhana Showing his Army to Drona 

Author: Ramanarayanadatta astri

Source: Wikimedia

Source:

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition
http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/mahabharata-online-public-domain-edition.html

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part C

Reading Part C

Life in the Forest

The Pandavas getting followed into the forest seems creepy. I wonder If I could take a twist on this of Wild West where the Pandava brothers are walking home down an alley. I still don't understand the wife situation. 

Krishna's Visit

Draupadi was not fought for after her affliction, and she has five. That seems absurd, why wouldn't at least ONE husband care. Draupadi is a little materialistic. Maybe the brothers are right to not have much love for her. Anger is sinful and the cause of destruction. Forgiveness is holiness. I like that as the idea for a story.

Arjuna and Shiva

I still like that no one can defeat Arjuna, especially if he goes to the mountains because I like the mountains. I could write about someone leaving the Wild West and praying to 'some' god in the dessert. 

Living on air alone? Year right.

After the dispute after the hog and the arrows turned onto each other, I think that is a great fast draw story. I don't like Arjuna losing, though. Being liked by his opponent is an interesting idea.  The divine bow could be a new pistol or something. 

Arjuna and Indra

Arjuna and Indra battling seems like a tough battle.

Sea monsters could be changed to dogs or something in the west. 

Indra could bring anything against Arjuna but he prevails. 

Women luring Arjuna could be the same in a saloon, but then Flee when they are frightened by Indra who storms back in the saloon.

The Himalayas

Arjuna staying in an unknown city could translate to the Wild West. Sin cleansing water could also translate.

Exiles traveling to the mountains could do the same but in the dessert. 

The bad guy, (Indira), is always around.

Bhima and Hanuman

Bhima gathers flowers for Draupadi was nice. The monkey that wouldn't move could be translated to a beggar in disguise. The money or beggar was wise and provides or tells a story to Bhima about the division of families and resources and how to prevent it. 

Other Stories

• Duryodhana and the Gandharvas
• Karna and Indra
• Jayadratha and Draupadi
• Riddles at the Lake
• The Court of King Virata
• Bhima and Kichaka
• The Cattle Raid
• Preparations for War
• Krishna and His Army
• Krishna's Mission to the Kauravas
• Krishna and Karna
• The Armies at Kurukshetra
• Bhagavad-Gita
• The Battle Begins

Image Information: Death of Draupadi

By: Maharaja Mahatab Chand Bahadur

Source: Wikimedia

Source:

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition

http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/mahabharata-online-public-domain-edition.html

Wikipedia Trails from Pandavas: The Five Warriors to Disney India

Pandavas: The Five Warriors

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandavas:_The_Five_Warriors

I started with the Pandavas, and a story on Wikipedia called Pandavas: The Five Warriors. I was originally interested in them from the reading, and from this Wikipedia post, I learned there was a computer animated film about the Pandavas. The story takes viewers through the Pandavas and the struggles they face with their cousins and the battle between good and evil.

List of Indian animated feature films

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_indian_animated_feature_films

I then clicked to a 'see also' link that led me to the list of Indian animated feature films. There were tons and tons of films. I noticed that several of the films were named after characters from the epics we had been reading. It is cool because I forget that though the epics we have been reading don't focus on a lot of the characters, they still have back stories. It also mentioned a few things about Aladin.

The Walt Disney Company (India)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Walt_Disney_Company_(India)#History

By following another link, I found myself on the page listed above. I never thought much about Disney in India, not even in regards to Aladin. Disney started operating in India in 1993. I was born in '95. Like what? They have translated movies and films, as well as their own Disney channel India. how cool! Some movies are Indian movies with no English version! That is neat! 

Dinsey India

http://www.disney.in/

The last link I followed was not a Wikipedia link but a link to Disney Indias website. Check it out! 

This website has all kinds of neat content! I even noticed a show about Arjun but animated!!?!?! Talk about a source!!  

Image Information: Arjun Disney India Show

Source: Disney India

Tech Tip: Canvas Mobile App

Canvas Mobile App

My thoughts about the canvas mobile app..

I have the Canvas app downloaded already, and I really like it. In the beginning, I was attracted to canvas because it has its own app and D2L did not as far as I knew. This is nice because there isn't a mobile version and a regular site when you open the app, it is always the moble version.I enjoyed that I got app notifications about my grades and assignments, as well as calendar events. I feel as though Canvas is user-friendly on the app and the interface is awesome. I had to take some time to get used to Canvas, but I can officially say I have jumped on the canvas bandwagon. 

Image Information: Done Explaining

By: Paul Anderson

Source: Flickr

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part B

The House of Fire

Why couldn't a son of a slave rule? A story of his mother would be interesting.

Tapestries soaked in oil... I could use the western theme with Duryodhana attempting to burn everything. The description of the wood reminds me of the buildings in the wild west anyway.

Bhima and Hidimba

The strength and bravery of Bhima are very notable and impressive.

The love for the girl of Bhima is also a potential story. She spares him, so that is powerful. 

I think it could be applied to the wild west. A man good walk into a saloon and a scandalous could feel that he is worthy to be her husband. 

Bhima and Hidimbi

Battling without play, not drawing things out in battle.

I can't help but think of shoot outs. 

I feel like women are too eager to prove and sacrifice them for men throughout the epics. 

How do you grow to youth an hour after birth?????

Bhima and Baka

The story of deciding who to send as a blood tax is crazy. They have to choose. That could be a good story. Choosing who goes.

Bhima tends to be much like Rama in his abilities and honor.

Birth of Draupadi

The Pandavas are still together. That is surprising that they have not gone in different directions. 

People rising from the dead could be a story. Like the time they brought people back on vampire diaries, but their personalities were different after their experience in the after life. 

Draupadi's Swayamwara

Archer story to win the bride is very similar to that of Rama and Sita.

Other Stories

• Wife of the Five Pandavas
• The Story of Nalayani
• Indraprastha
• Arjuna and Ulupi
• Arjuna and the Apsaras
• Arjuna and Chitra
• Arjuna and Subhadra
• The Burning of the Forest
• Maya's Palace
• The Pandavas Victorious
• The Gambling Match
• Draupadi Lost
• Draupadi in the Assembly Hall The Second Match

Draupadi s presented to a pachisi game

Printed by Chore Bagan Art Studio

Source: Wikimedia

Source:

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition

http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/mahabharata-online-public-domain-edition.html

Week 5 Story: Sad Day Under the Sea

Sad Day Under the Sea

Once upon a time in the deep blue sea, there lived a beautiful young mermaid named Sita. Sita was the daughter of the most powerful sea king to ever rule. Sita loved to hang out with her sea creature friends and collect items from the dry lands. Sita had a collection of several items humans had lost to the sea. She admired them daily as she daydreamed of life on land. Sita's 18th birthday was approaching, and she dreaded it for she knew that on her 18th birthday she would be wed to the merman Ravana. Sita's father felt Ravana was the most eligible merman in all the sea to marry his beautiful princess. On a wavy Tuesday afternoon, 3 days before Sita's birthday, she met with Ravana to talk about the arrangements. Ravana made his intentions very clearly explaining to Sita that she would be his wife, tend to his needs, and look pretty. She was to do no more and no less.

This infuriated Sita for she knew that meant giving up her hobby of collecting the humans lost treasures. In one swift flip of the fin, Sita smacked Ravana across the face and swam away. Sita cried and swam for what felt like hours. When the beautiful mermaid finally began collecting herself, she noticed something shiny about a quarter of a mile away. She quickly swam over to notice a fishing weight that had came loose from a fishing rod. She swam to the surface to see a good-looking man fishing on the shore. She had never felt so swoon. Sita swam to the man to get a closer look. When he noticed her, he called to her, and she swam to him. He reached down looked into her eyes and knew instantly he had to have her.

He explained to her his desires to be close to her, and she further explained her situation with Ravana and her birthday.  Rama told Sita he knew a witch who could temporarily make her human if she pleased, but it lasted only 3 days. Sita realized if she agreed to be made human she would get to experience a life she had always fantasized about, but also realized that she would become a mermaid again on the day she was to marry Ravana. Never the less she agreed. Within hours Sita had spoken to a witch, consumed a magic potion, and grown legs. She immediately left with the man Rama. The couple spent the next two days in relation with one another. on the third day Sita's legs disappeared, and she swam back to her home reef.

Hours later Sita prepared for her wedding to Ravana with no complaint for she felt guilty of her time on the dry land. By the end of the day, Sita was married to Ravana and secretly loathing herself for her actions. Sita spent the first 6 weeks of her marriage just as Ravana had expected of her, but one day Sita went into shock. Something within her had changed, Sita realized she was pregnant, and she wasn't sure if they were Ravana's or Rama the dry land mans.

What would Sita do next??

The Mermaid and Her Man

Image Information: Illustration by H. J. Ford for Andrew Lang's "The Brown Fairy Book."

Author: H. J. Ford illustrator

Source: Wikimedia

Authors Note: 

I wrote this with the idea of it resembling the little mermaid, but as I was writing I didn't know where to take it and I couldn't come up with much surrounding my previously expressed direction options. So, I just wrote as I went with no sense of direction. I had no idea where I wanted the story to go, so instead of writing an ending, I just stopped. This week was a struggle for me. 

Source: 

Your Name Here presents in association with Your Money; a Funded by You production; a film by Nina Paley; written by Nina Paley; directed by Nina Paley; produced by Nina Paley. (2008). Sita sings the blues. [San Francisco]: Nina Paley Productions, LLC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzTg7YXuy34&feature=youtu.be

Reading Notes: Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition Part A

Reading Notes Part A

Vyasa and Ganesha

It is interesting that seaman just fell into the river.

I could write about the girl's thoughts about being left while her brother was taken. 

What about a story about her fishy smell.

King Shantanu and Ganga

Why wasn't Ganga's son allowed to marry or have offspring?

I feel like most of the woman are valued based on their physical beauty and their waists/hips.

I wonder how the king would have felt if he knew her reasoning before their marriage vows.

King Shantanu and Satyavati

Why did the child just leave

What is the point of the girl being virgin again

I was surprised the king didn't demand the girl for his wife regardless of the situation with his son being heir to the throne.

Devavrata's Vow

Why would the ex-wife's child be willing to give up his throne just for his dad to marry Satyavati? 

Why was his vow terrible??

The two sons of Satyavati could be compared to Rama and Lakshana.

Bhishma at the Swayamvara

Why 3 daughters for 2 sons.

It is cool that Bhishma fought for the boys rather than having them prove themselves.

The girls could fall in love with Bhishma even though the girls were intended for the brother.

This reminds me of the hunger games in regards to the archery aspect.

Amba

I like that Amba was honest about her love for the other man.

I didn't realize Amba's love was defeated by Bhishma.

Why do women, even in epics love men when they couldn't care less.. King Shalwa sucks.

Why does Amba blame Bhishma... 

Maybe she will try to kill him.

She would become a man.. interesting.

Also, she was eager if she went setting herself on fire.

Dhritarashtra and Pandu

I wonder why the brother was written in the story to be born blind.

Why couldn't a blind king rule?

Kunti and Her Son

I think it could be cool to write about a feud between the wives since Madri was loved best.

The baby in the river reminds me of Moses's story from The Bible.

Pandu and His Wives

Why be celibate but married?

Why do people keep taking animal forms

Why does he need to wait until the deer is done with intercourse?

Dying during sex. Very interesting.

The Sons of Pandu

It sucks that his favorite wife was the one who he died with.

Why did the wives want to die too.? Why were they arguing? I would let the other one go.

Madri passed in flames. I could write a story of their life in the after world.

Gandhari and Dhritarashtra

Now that his brother is dead, the blind brother got to rule. Interesting.

100 suns are too many haha.

How can a dad cast off his one child? It is like Rama being cast away by his father.

Why did the father favor the evil brother... I know he didn't realize he was evil but why did favor bring evil?

Pandavas and Kauravas

The blind king was sweet to give protection to Pandus children.

Who would take the throne Pandus kids or his brothers?

Bhima sounds like a rockstar even though all the brothers wanted to kill him. It reminds me of David when he is betrayed by his siblings and sold into slavery.

Bhima and the Nagas

Bhima dreaming in his positioned state could be a cool story. It could end with the counteracted poison of the snakes waking him up.

The underworld sounds scary.

A story about the 8-day slumber possibly? He got mighty giant strength like David got to be King.

Drona

Drona's devotion to his son could be a good story.

Why would Drupita be displeased with Drona trying to share? 

Friendship shouldn't be on status or stature. 

I could write a story about friendship destroyed by unequal in a modern day status. Maybe a doctor and a dad?

Drona Trains the Princes

Drona trained the princes on condition for his own benefit. 

Drona could grow to love the prince's and they could die in battle for Drona.

I could write a brief story on each brother. 

I could write about Drona's love for Arjuna.

Ekalavya

Ekalavya worshiped a clay Drona even though Drona turned him away that is strange.

That reminds me of the golden calf.

Why did he have to shoot a dog.. I like dogs.

Of course, they found the archer, and it was Ekalavya...

Why did he cut off his thumb after Drona did nothing for him?

The Contest

I could write an entire story about a contest of a skilled archer in modern day to compare it to Arjun.

The Arrival of Karna

I can not believe that Arjuna and Karna are brothers and didn't know it.

Why would Drona let Karna fight Arjuna if he was the favorite of Drona?

I can just imagine the two teams approaching each other fiercely.

What will the mother do? Maybe she will gain all powerful magic and stop the battle.

Everyone doubting Arjuna is sad.

Drona's Revenge

I don't know how to feel about Drona. He seems selfish and removed. I don't know why he wouldn't fight with the brothers. Is he too old?

Duryodhana's Jealous

Are they not cousins. That seems sad. 

Duryodhana could kill his own father when he refuses to help destroy his cousin. Maybe he will even give him sight so he can see his own son kill him. 

Image Information: Vrishaketu and Bhima Fighting Yavanatha, Scene from the Story of Babhruvahana

 Folio from a Mahabharata ([War of the] Great Bharatas)

Gift of Walter and Nesta Spink in honor of Dr. Stephen Markel

Wikimedia

Source:

Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition

http://ouocblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/mahabharata-online-public-domain-edition.html

Feedback Focus: Learning New Techniques

This assignment was hard. I realize the importance of really reading and understanding, but all of these reading styles were a struggle to do. 

If I had to rank them in usefulness to me, I would order them as follows.

1. Copy-and-Delete
2. Reading out Loud
3. Use a Timer

I like the idea of copy and delete. But I would rather note without deleting. I see the point of deleting, but I feel as though it does not add anything personally. 

I think reading out loud is one of my favorite things to do, but I know it is not always practical given when and where I am. I also do not like reading that slow. I found myself more focus on how slow I was reading than the content of the story.

The timer technique was the struggle. I read the story once and hen again, then certain parts aloud, and I just got bored. 

I don't think I will adopt any of these strategies regularly. 

Side note: I really liked the midterm version of Sita being kidnapped by Ravana. It was clever and relatable. 

Image Info: Me trying to Focus while Reading

Originally posted by Vuxicon MediaEmp

Source: Flickr

Week 4 Story Planning: Sad Day Under the Sea

I want to write a story of The Ramayana as an under the sea version. 

I will pull a lot of ideas from The Little Mermaid but want to make a twist where Sita ends up with Ravana.

Rama will be human, like Erik from The Little Mermaid. I want Ravana to be a male mermaid. Ravana will be in love with Sita but have expectations for Sita that she feels she can't live up to.

I think that I want to have Sita have some experience that allows her to be human momentarily, maybe she will pray to some of the gods. Then she will get pregnant by Rama and get sent back to mermaid life. I think the children will have to be born mermaid but have the ability to live on land too. 

There is a toss up. I think I can take this story a few directions with a few different styles. 

I have considered the following.

• An early focus: How Sita traded her relationship under the sea with Ravana and her friends to be with human Rama. 
• A mid-story focus: How Sita and Rama live their lives and deal with the complexity of having babies that live half under the sea half on land.
• Late story focus: Where the return to mermaid life from human life makes Sita feel and the struggles she faces without Rama. (Maybe he moves on from her, but she were under the sea and hung up on him).
• I thought about writing from the perspectives of the twin babies retelling the story of their parents and the situation.

The Characters

Sita: A beautiful mermaid who's father owns the sea. Sita is promised to a brave, strong male mermaid. Sita is dissatisfied with the simplicity of the life she lives. She seeks to explore human life and the world. 

Rama: A strong Human prince who is adventurous and bold. He is incredibly attractive and a temptation to many women. 

Ravana: The male mermaid who Sita is intended for. He will be controlling and predictable which is not enough for the young Sita. 

The Twins: The Twins if starred in the story won't get much character development. It will be made known that they are of Rama and Sita and half human half mermaid, but they would be retelling the story of their parents.

Image Information:  The Fisherman and the Syren

By Frederic Leighton

Source: Wikimedia

Source:
Your Name Here presents in association with Your Money; a Funded by You production; a film by Nina Paley; written by Nina Paley; directed by Nina Paley; produced by Nina Paley. (2008). Sita sings the blues. [San Francisco]: Nina Paley Productions, LLC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzTg7YXuy34&feature=youtu.be

Reading Notes: Sita Sings the Blues, Section B

Part B

What in the world kind of re-opening a movie is a guy breaking up with his girlfriend, and how is it relevant?

This movie is trippy.

Is she pregnant with Rama or Ravana?

Rama seemed so nice, why does he banish Sita. He loves her so much. Didn't Sita prove herself in the fire?  Why does Rama care about the thoughts of his subjects? He didn't even care to be kind before.

I could write two stories. One as if the babies are Rama's and one as if they are Ravana's.

Even if Rama had to exile Sita, he should have been honest.

I could write about Sita fulfilling her threat to jump into the river... maybe not kill the babies.. as Rama's sons they could find a way to survive. Or Ravana could find the babies.

The song the twins sang about their dad seems harsh toward Sita. How can the boys say that when Sita birthed them.

Rama could just take the boys and leave Sita behind

What in the world was the song where Sita was taken back into the womb of Mother Nature??
She Proved she was pure, though. Maybe at that moment, she could realize not to waste her time with Rama and deny him his sons.

In the heavens, they were reunited without the earthly struggles. That's cool I guess.

Image Information: Sita Cries a River

Originally from Sita Sings the Blues by Nina Paley

Source: Wikimedia

Source:
Your Name Here presents in association with Your Money; a Funded by You production; a film by Nina Paley; written by Nina Paley; directed by Nina Paley; produced by Nina Paley. (2008). Sita sings the blues. [San Francisco]: Nina Paley Productions, LLC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzTg7YXuy34&feature=youtu.be

Reading Notes: Sita Sings the Blues, Section A

Part A

Sita could be a mermaid the way she emerged from the water. I could write an under the sea story!

What in the world was the explosion for?

Seems very sexualized.

It seems confusing that the narrators get confused.

Why do they switch back and forth between stories?

I like that the narration mentions that stealing Sita is the only bad thing Ravana does.

Sitas songs are fitting to her circumstances.

Ravana stealing Sita was underwhelming!

I like the jewelry trail part. it is like Hansel and Gretel.

Hanuman's purpose could be a cool story.

I like how the story is super simplified

I do not understand how the switch to the San Fran couple is relevant. Especially that is about relationship problems up to this point.

She wants Rama, not the monkey.

Scene switch to the random couple.

The story of defeating Vali is left out. Why?

Rama could actually not love Sita anymore.

They have a point, Ravana didn't force Sita into anything.

I could write a musical of Sita and Rama's love.

I could do something where Sita doesn't forgive Rama for the fire situation. She could plot to embarrass him in a new story.

I still don't understand the couple it keeps showing.

Sita could turn into an ugly woman due to relations with Ravana.

I like how the sun is personified. Everything is personified.

I could write a story about trials in the rain then a rainbow ending to tie a story to a song Sita sings.


It'll be interesting to see how this movie ends. It is very strange.

Image Information: Sita and Hanuman w/ Banana

Post By: Fred Miller

Originally from Sita Sings the Blues by Nina Paley

Source: Flickr

Source: 

Your Name Here presents in association with Your Money; a Funded by You production; a film by Nina Paley; written by Nina Paley; directed by Nina Paley; produced by Nina Paley. (2008). Sita sings the blues. [San Francisco]: Nina Paley Productions, LLC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzTg7YXuy34&feature=youtu.be

Week 3 Storytelling: Forgiveness for Lya

In the city of Dalworth lived a brilliant creator named Brahma. Brahma was old and kind hearted. He was widowed in his early 30's. Now, out of loneliness, Brahma felt no joy. To address his sadness, Brahma spoke a tiny baby girl into existence. Brahma named the baby Lya, in honor of his deceased wife, Ahalya.

Brahma loved Lya and rose her until the age of 13. Lya grew up to be beautiful, and those who knew or met Lya recognized it. Brahma was worried that he would not be able to protect his beautiful young daughter from the corrupt world. He had already had problems with the mayor showing interest. To protect her, Brahma sent Lya to go and live with her older brother named Sagu. Sagu took Lya in, and he protected her.  While in his care, Lya learned many things including the importance of virtues. Sagu frequently taught Lya to understand the difference between right and wrong. 

Five years later, Sagu was confident that 17-year-old Lya was old enough to make decisions on her own. He had taught and guided her well. So, Sagu sent Lya back to their father with the assurance she would not be corrupted by the world. Brahma was overwhelmed to see how mature and lovely his daughter had become. Unfortunately, Brahma was very old and ill. He was grateful to Sagu and insisted that Lya remains in his care.

Braham died shortly after.

Lya remained in the care of her brother Sagu. She continued to age beautifully, and everyone noticed. Lya was not interested in much other than her studies. After several years, 20-year-old, Lya began expressing interest in a boy, named Ryden, who lived in the city. Ryden would often meet Lya at her house to pick her up for dates to the city center.

Every time Lya and Ryden went on a date to the city center, they would pass Mayor Indra's home. Indra and his wife were very powerful city figures. Everyone loved them. Lya never seemed amused but did notice the way Indra was watchful of her.

One particular day, Lya was on preparing for a date with Ryden.  Indra noticed Lya bathing on the roof and was overwhelmed with temptation. Indra approached Lya in the disguise of Ryden.

Lya was startled but flattered by the arrival of the disguised Indra. It was not long until the 2 engaged in relations. A neighbor friend noticed from her rooftop nearby. She was not fooled by the disguise of Indra. The neighbor immediately sent for Sagu.

Upon hearing the news, Sagu stormed to the rooftop and saw what was happening. Sagu was panicked and cursed Indra. Upon seeing Sagu's urgency, Lya was able to see clearly. Knowing he was busted, Indra fled.

Several days later Lya was then called to the city center. She was surrounded by all the city folk. They were all ready to punish her by death for sleeping with Mayor Indra.

Sagu was on his daily walk. He happened upon the gathering. He saw his sister and knowing her heart stepped in. Sagu convicted all the bystanders of their wrong doings. This got Lya off the hook. Sagu told Lya there are better ways to live life than awaiting the company of a man. He then encouraged her to make better decisions. Sagu warned Lya, if you do not take my advice, you will be turned to stone and left with only your thoughts.

Then Lya went in search of a better life.

Authors Note:
The Ramayana was the main source for this story. I wanted to capture the parts of the book that jumped out and were familiar to me for particular reasons. The story in which I created this story is from Ahalya's Story. I found it so interesting and felt it paralleled to other stories in different ways. For example, the story parallels with Beauty ad The Beast as well as the story of King David and Bathsheba.  I wanted to capture those parallels and tell the story of the Ramayana's characters and hearts with the frame of the story of David and Bathsheba where King David sleeps with married Bathsheba. I also paralleled the ending of the story in the Bible in which Jesus tells those who are without sin to cast stones at a woman who had committed adultery. I am not creative and rely heavily on influence from other stories. 

Image Information: Bethsabée

By: Jean-Léon Gérôme

Source: Wikimedia

Sources:

Narayan, R. K. (1972). The Ramayana: a shortened modern prose version of the Indian epic. Penguin.http://iereadingguides.blogspot.com/2015/05/week-1-of-2-narayans-ramayana-reading.html

English Standard Version. Bible Gateway. Web. 25 Jan. 2017
https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible/