Reading Notes: Tiny Tales Mahabharata, Part C

 

Reading Notes: Tiny Tales Mahabharata, Part C

In Part C of the Mahabharata, the war between the Kauravas and Pandavas begin. I was genuinely stunned that a war between families was taking place – and the revenge and hatred was never healed. Even though many individuals spoke of peace – Drona and Bhishma that was never an option either liked.  A repetitive theme that kept occurring was the “testing of trust”. The first occurrence was when Nakula found a lake to fetch some water for himself. Before he could, a Crane told him to stop and answer a few of questions. Because Nakula did not listen to the crane he died. Yudhishthira went through the same events but answered all the crane’s questions. Since Yudhishthira answered well, he was granted a boon. One scene that I found so cunning but cinematic was when Barbarika – the son of Bhima and a naga princess – was told to join the losing side. Upon hearing this Krishna decided to ask Barbarika a favor. He must behead someone. When Barbarika asked “Show him to me”, Krishna held up a mirror to Barbarika – and he had to behead himself. Many of the Gods and Goddesses in the Mahabharata show up in their true forms after an individual has showed them their “good intentions” when they are in their disguise. When Arjuna was about to give up fighting this war, Krishna decided to show his true self. Within it embodied what the future withholds – and how Arjuna can win this war. A sense of courage and confidence kicks in when the true form of an individual shows up. Overall, this part held a lot of emotions ranging from sadness, guilt, hatred, revenge, sorrow, and despair. Since the two sides were families, they were held back to kill their own. One thing Krishna repeated was, “Dharma” - A sense of good. 

The Five Pandavas and Draupadi from Wikimedia)

Bibliography: Tiny Tales from the Mahabharata from Laura Gibbs