Reading Notes: Ramayana Part A

Having never heard of Ramayana or really having exposure to any Indian Epics, I didn't know what to expect for this first real reading assignment, but I was pleasantly surprised.

I read through Part A pretty fast, and found it to be very interesting, and I especially liked all the parallels it drew to other old fairy tales and myths. I kept thinking how much Rama was like Jesus, being an "Avatar" for a god, and having many gifts and abilities.

I also thought the focus on magic weaponry was interesting, many times in old myths and legends their isn't much thought given to those types of things.

King Dasharatha was one of my favorite characters so far until he died, because he seemed like a very fair and wise ruler, who had distinctly human qualities, like making the mistake and killing the hermit's son in a hunting accident.

Overall, I really liked Ramayana Part A, and I actually look forward to reading part B soon. I like the format of the Public Domain version you have up, it's nice being able to click between the stories, and the "Reading Guide" cleared a few things up for me that wasn't immediately apparent.


Here is my favorite picture from Part A; Rama fighting the demon women. I like the art style, and how grotesque they look. (Link)