Reading Notes:Narayan's Mahabharata Part D

Narayan's Mahabharata

Reading Notes:

So, Part D of this reading basically covers the war between the two sides of the family.
Pandavas- We don't want a war, try again, again, again, and again to find ways not to have to my their kin.
Kauravas- We want a war, father does not know how to control son, again again again again.

WAR HAPPENS

As predicted War happens, and also as predicted  Pandavas win.

Now Yudhistira feels BAD about fighting his kin, feels bad about winning. His brothers have to talk him into taking his rightful place, since he won.

INTERESTING PART OF BATTLE

The death of Bhishma was an interesting part of this story that added a little flare to the onslaught of battle details. How Arjuna added 3 arrows so that Bhishma's head could also rest comfortably. How he died on a bed of arrows...this is the kind of dramatics that one can appreciate.

WHAT THIS STORY REMINDS ME OF

In my family we tend to follow a certain dialog. For example

Me: I know you need help so I will offer.

Family Member: No, its okay, you don't have to help, I can do this.

Me: No, no it really is fine, I will help.

FM: Ok, thank you.

One offers help, the other refuses, the first is adamant, finally the other accepts.

 There are many ways my family speaks like this, not only when needing someone's help.

HOW I FELT ABOUT THIS STORY

If I remember correctly Professor Gibbs said that most enjoy one or the other of these Indian Epics more....or something similar to that, maybe...I enjoyed the Ramayana MUCH MUCH more.

To me, this epic reminded me of what the next title to my story may be. The Great Temper Tantrum.

The Ramayana had many stories in it, the scenery and moral of the story changing frequently, and kept the reader engaged. 

This story did not. It was drawn out, and there was a repetition to the story, that played out over and over again. 

King could not deny his son's wishes. Son was evil. Son did not like Pandavas, tried to constantly best them. Pandavas were always gracious. They won. I don't know. It just felt sooooooo drawn out to me, and Narayan even took out most of the battle details, and it was still ever-going. I just did not connect with this story, and all it represented, as I did the Ramayana.