Reading Notes: The Divine Archer Part A

It was really interesting to read through part of Rama's story again from a different perspective and writing style. Many of the events were told very differently in this book. Another main event is the meeting of Rama and Sita, while similar is described differently. In this account Rama knows he will love her forever as soon as he hears the bells on her feet, before he even sees her. They do not even speak but both fall in love. This is followed by Rama bending the bow to win her hand(page 12-14).  One major difference is Rama being tempted by a woman to leave his wife. This book goes into more detail that she is a demon woman and is not described as beautifully. Rama offering his brother comes across as much less noble. The battle that followed is also interesting (page 36-38).
            What interested me the most was the story of Sita's kidnapping by Ravana. I am using this in my storybook and am glad to have additional inspiration to make my story better. This part of the book did not expand much detail on this event. It does show Sita in a much more negative and angry way when she tells Lakshmana to go to Rama. Later Rama is much more angry when Sita is gone. This book seems to show the heroes as much more flawed humans than the heroic godly figures of the last reading. 
      I would like to include Jatayu's heroic rescue attempt of Sita and his demise. When found by Rama he says "Now I am ready to die, for I have seen your lotus face " and then dies(Page 44). I think this would be a cool event to include in a story. This also further shows how great Rama is and the respect and admiration he has. Also his funeral and how Rama respected him for his character rather that outward characteristics.

Rama and Sita

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ram_and_Sita_as_a_couple_(bazaar_art,_1950%27s).jpg

F.J. Gould, The Divine Archer, http://iereadingguides.blogspot.com/2014/05/reading-guide-week-1-gould-divine-archer.html