Reading Notes: Mahabharata- Karmic Revolution, Part B

        Kunti's story saddens me greatly. I've already written about a woman with a forbidden child in Star-Crossed Lovers, but I'm not opposed to putting a new spin on this story. I could write about a woman finding a man she loves and becoming pregnant with his child. His death, disappearance, or rejection could leave her vulnerable to criticism. She'd be forced, like Kunti, to give up the child. If she were rejected, I might also call upon themes from Amba's story. I had considered writing about her anyways, so it could be really interesting to combine these women's stories together into a new one. 

        I'm further impressed by Kunti's strength following the deaths of Pandu and Madri. I could work this into my idea before. Maybe my character is rejected by her lover, gives up her child, vows to get revenge on her ex-lover, takes over her kingdom, and starts an orphanage in honor of her lost son. This would continue the pious caregiver role of Kunti.

        I thought Gandhari's children could be interesting to work with. The fact that the parents were blind to their children's evilness was a concept meaningful on multiple levels. Literally, yes, they were blind. But, many parents, even now, are blind to their children's wrongness. I could write a story about parents who continue to love their child despite all of his wrongdoings and cruelty. They would make excuses for him and choose to remain blind to his evil.

        Ekalavya's story broke my heart. He had done nothing wrong, but Arjuna couldn't have any kind of competition. This really turned me away from Drona. If Ekalavya had surpassed Drona, maybe he should be the one to teach Arjuna. He could've been an incredible ally to the Pandavas, but instead Drona ruined his skill and wasted all of the time and dedication the boy had put in. If I rewrote this, I'd have Ekalavya teach Arjuna until he was able to surpass both of his teachers. And Ekalavya would fight by the Pandava's side in that final battle.

Bibliography: Mahabharata: Karmic Revolution by Epified

Image Information: Kunti and Indra, Source: Wikimedia Commons