The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic

by R. K. Narayan

Other authorsR. K. Narayan (Translator)
Paperback, 1998

Status

Available

Call number

297.5922

Collection

Publication

Penguin Classics (1998), Edition: Classic, 20th-Century, Penguin, Mass Market Paperback, 192 pages

Description

A retelling of the Tamil epic poem which records Prince Rama's search for his abducted sweetheart, Sita.

User reviews

LibraryThing member gbill
Delightful version of the epic 2500 year old Indian classic, condensed and put into prose by R.K. Narayan. The legend has elements that will appeal to all ages, with horrific demons, sorcery, epic battles with magical weapons, and a race of monkey people. There are lessons in bravery, honor, and
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filial piety. It’s also a love story, one that is tested by jealousy and separation.

While it reads as mythological adventure, there is something profound in the heroes of these stories being the human incarnation of the Gods without being aware of it, such as Rama/Vishnu and Sita/Lakshmi. I’m sure there are tomes written about its meaning and I barely scratch the surface, but in moments such as Vali being struck down by Rama and wondering why he should have done this, it seems to be a parable of how people wonder why fate acts as it does in their lives, sometimes cruelly.

There are also elements which remind us of the stories from Greek mythology – Indra assuming a sage’s form to make love to Ahalya reminding one of the antics of Zeus, Sampathi and Jatayu’s hubris in flying too close to the sun like Icarus, and when each of Ravana’s heads are cut off another one growing anew like Hydra.

Just a couple of quotes:
On compassion:
“He explained how he should guard the interests of his subjects, how important gentleness in speech was: ‘Even when you realize that the one before you is an enemy and must be treated sternly, do not hurt with words. Even in jest, do not hurt anyone’s feelings, not even the lowliest.’”

On passion:
“There she was the victim of hallucinations. Rama in his full form seemed to stand before her again and again, and she fancied she embraced him and fondled his broad shoulders and chest. When the illusion passed, she cried, ‘Why do you torment me in this way? Why do you refuse to unite with me, and quench the fire that’s burning me?’”
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LibraryThing member lschiff
Really a fun read.

Language

Original language

Sanskrit

Original publication date

1972

Physical description

192 p.; 7.84 inches

ISBN

0140187006 / 9780140187007
Page: 0.6171 seconds