Reading Diary A

Duryodhana and the gandharvas

•  Gandharva is a name used for distinct heavenly beings
• In hinduism, they are male nature spirits, husbands of Apsaras. They have superb musical ability. Often depicted as singers in the court of Gods.
• Pandavas are the five acknowledged sons of Pandu. All married to Draupadi, although they have other wives
• There needs to be a part of the story where Dhritashtra brings all of his spies and the Pandavas to drink at a bar an talk of this occasion.

Voice in the lake

•   Pandavas are approached by a brahmin.
• Instead of mysterious golden deer from Rama, the animal sage comes in form of a mysterious giant deer. The Pandavas also have difficulty catching the deer without a bow like Rama has. 
• This story is actually incredibly sad if it does not end with Yama returning the Pandavas to life.
• Title of this section of the story: Tough love from father.

In the Court of King Virata

•  A common theme in both of these epics have been exiles. Why might this be important as a punishment?
•  There is more gambling in this story.
• Probably the most serious note of the story so far.  Draupadi is raped and requests for revenge at the hands of Bhima. This is a prompt for a court drama. You would initially be cheering for Bhima to get his revenge, but once he goes too far and kills Kichaka, knowing that Bhima is destined for jail. The scene could close with Drapadi moving away to start a new life.
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