Reading Notes– Mahabharata D

(Image: Bhishma Death Source: SVTemple)

Reading Notes: I like how all both Indian Epics readings are structured to have the final battle as the last section. This battle feels a lot different than the fight between Rama and Ravana. The final battle in the Ramayana really did have just a clear protagonist and an antagonist. Even though Ravana had some sympathetic qualities, he was still clearly the evil one in the situation. The battle in the Mahabharata is far more complex in tone. Even though the Pandavas are the more sympathetic family, there are great warriors on both sides that are quite noble figures. Bhishma is one of the most honorable characters I've read about in literature. He is incredibly powerful, has the strongest claim on the throne, but he sets aside his rightful inheritance for the happiness of his father. He also tutors his half-siblings when it would have been easy for him to usurp the throne. At any rate, Prince Duryodhana is not likable by a long stretch, but he is still a brave and just ruler. He is simply too arrogant and greedy to be considered a protagonist. 

I was surprised to see that Bhishma dies so early on in the conflict. When I did my background research, it seemed like his death marked the end of the war, seeing as he is the most powerful of the Kuavaras. It is nice that he doesn't die and has the opportunity to counsel the survivors. 

I like how you described the confrontation between Arjuna and Karna as similar to Hector v Achilles! I see the resemblance between the Greek and Indian epics when it comes to fight scenes between champions. I would love to write a story about the Mahabharata War in a Homeric style. 

This epic is much more ambitious than the Ramayana. I like how it doesn't primarily focus on a single character. Even Arjuna isn't the sole focus of the story. 

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