Storytelling, week 3: Sita and Hiran

As the sun sets behind the trees, what was already a dark situation became even more grim. Rama is dying. His wife Sita sits by his side as he bleeds profusely, weeping. A vicious battle that lasted hours had occurred just moments ago. Sita knows that soon she will be all alone...that is, until the rakshasa makes his appearance again. Sita and Rama are no strangers to battles with rakshasas. However, Rama had previously always defeated them. Hiran was a different opponent. A 10 foot tall, dragon like creature with a pure gold covering, Hiran was able to defeat Rama with rapid and vicious slashes given by his fangs to Rama's mid section.

Rama is now dead. Hiran was fighting Rama for Sita. Neither Rama nor Sita knew why, but Sita knows that if Hiran would go to such great lengths to obtain her, that he will be back for her. Rama was able to give substantial damage to Hiran's arms, making it impossible for him to carry Sita away. Sita assumes that Hiran is flying to the Himmat river that many use for its natural healing powers. Unfortunately for Sita, it will be a short journey for Hiran, as he is one of the fastest flying rakshasas the world has ever seen. Hiran knows how badly he injured Rama, and that Sita will not be able to go far without him.

Sita feels hopeless. She is so distraught over Rama's death, she doesn't move. Sita stays by his body. She knows no matter how far she goes into the dense forest, it won't be far enough. No one will be able to protect her and Hiran will find her. The only question is, why does Hiran want her so bad? Why would he go to such great lengths to get her?

Sita, still weeping, hears rustling in the leaves above. Without a doubt, she knows it is Hiran to come and take her away. Hiran, completely healed from the magical Himmat river, reveals himself to Sita. Hiran grabs Sita away from Rama's dead body with his massive gold plated arms. Sita refuses to fight, as she knows there's no point. Rama is dead and she doesn't care what happens to her now.

Sita thinks that it seems as if they've been flying forever. Then finally, Hiran and Sita arrive at a very massive cave. Hiran sets Sita near the entrance and stares at her.

"I've been looking for somebody like you for a long time." Hiran said.

Sita, still in a bit of shock asked, "Why?"

Hiran began to tell a story about his past life. He was once a normal human, like Sita. Hiran was turned into this monster after drinking a mysterious potion that he was told would make him irresistible to women. He was fooled by a local merchant. The effects of the potion slowly appeared over a period of a few years until he was a full blown rakshasa. All Hiran wanted was a woman to make him feel like a man again.

"I will never be your woman!" Sita cried.

"You have no choice.You will live with me forever, and if you don't, you will end up like your husband." Hiran declared.

                                                           (Picture of Sita. Link)

Author's Note: What most intrigues me about Indian stories are the Rakshasa and Rakshasi becasue demon type creatures are very cool to me. I decided to do a story involving a Rakshasa named Hiran and a female character named Sita.

Bibliography: Link to Public Domain Ramayana online 

Reading Notes: Ramayana Online edition, Part C

A monkey god is a very funny concept to me, even if it's not meant to be. I like to add comedy like this to my stories.

The concept of various quarrels having a long history is something thta I will think about a lot.

It's cool when actions of characters (like Rama's seemingly dishonorable killing of Vali) can spark great controversy amongst scholars.

The "people" of the monkey kingdom having different looks between them is an interesting idea.

Rama's sitting and waiting for the rainy season to end must be  agonizing for him, making it therefore agonizing for the reader who imagines himself or herself in Rama's position.

Rama seemingly has gained much respect and power from several people, even though he was exiled.

Rama's exiling still haunts him even though it seems as if it happened forever ago.

I love the inclusion of animals in these stories and how they are actually very critical in the tellings.

Rakshasis and raskashas always seem to be in the worst place and the worst time for the main characters. This idea is something I could use.

Sita must be a grand prize considering all of those who wish to be with her throughout the Ramayana.

I see many storytelling aspects regarding "heroes" and "villains" in the Ramayana that could have potentially influenced many stories throughout the world.

It always seems as if in the end, Rama will get his way.

The betraying by Vibhishana is an awesome part of the story that I will definitely implement in some way into my story.

                                        (Here are a few artistic representations of Sita. Link)

Bibliography: Public Domain Ramayana, link to the reading online.