Reading Notes: Ramayana Part C

Reading Notes from The Ramayana by R.K. Narayan

A retelling of the misunderstanding between Sugreeva and his brother Vali. The theme of perceived betrayal is a pretty common one, but this story does not get the happiest of endings. At first glance, I'd like to weave my story into the existing tapestry of the Ramayana, but I also feel the need to cut this story out of its context and give the two brothers a true reconciliation. Perhaps to give Sugreeva a chance to explain the situation to Vali; maybe Rama could become a mediator between the brothers instead of killing Vali. Again, I hesitate to change the events as they were laid out in the story....perhaps I can remove it completely from the Ramayana's setting and get away with creating a happy ending.

Kooni makes an appearance in this section through Rama's thoughts. Hearing her story and how she was made fun of by Rama, her anger and manipulation of Kaikeyi makes more sense. With more information, I think a story from Kooni's point of view would be very interesting to tell. Rama deeply hurt her and this past slight led to an elaborate plot for revenge. I wonder if Kooni ever regretted returning hurt with more hurt, maybe there's a chance for character growth here.

There are a lot of other little moments that I am tempted to craft into a story, but these two drew me the most. I am excited to narrate another side to some slighted secondary characters, perhaps they will seem more human when we understand their motivations.

(Kooni and Kaikeyi, Wikimedia Commons)