Reading Notes: Narayan's Mahabharata, Section A

Hello World!!

First of all, I feel that so much happened in the first few pages of the Mahabharata. In my opinion this is a pretty drastic change from the Ramayana. I found the Ramayana to be quite long and dragging at some points especially the beginning, but the Mahabharata so far has my attention. So many characters have been introduced that it is already becoming difficult to keep them all apart. I will probably have to keep a list, but I am hoping it will become easier to keep them all separate as the story moves along. 

The most interesting story I found was that of Draupadi. The part of her story that intrigued me the most was that of her husband and his five disguises. I think that's so interesting! I was curious to know what the five disguises were, and how she knew (if she did) that they were all him! I think that's really a unique story. I also like how the 5 Pandavas were told to share... I'm going to be honest I genuinely laughed a little at that. I'm not trying to be offensive, but it was not was I was expecting for sure!  

Draupadi's Swayamvar, Source: impulsivereflections.wordpress.com

The one character that was very interesting to me was Pandu. The whole making love death was also different. He definitely had some fun before his death. I couldn't believe that his wife, Madri, jumped into the funeral pyre. Did she not think about her children at all? I understand she was incredibly sad and she loved Pandu, but that was very unexpected as well. I am beginning to think that unexpected is the pattern here. Despite any of my views the story is already interesting, and I can't wait to see what happens next! 

All information has come from Narayan's Mahabharata, (link to Reading Guide A)