Week 10 Storytelling: Prince Wicked and the Grateful Animals

Author's Note. One of my favorite stories that I read this week was one of the children's stories. It is called Prince Wicked and the Grateful Animals. It tells of a prince who was...wicked...just as his name says. He gets lost in a river after a storm and a poor old man saves him, along with a rat, parrot, and snake that were on the same log. After taking care of them and they get ready to return home they each promise to have treasure/money set aside for him if he ever needs it in the future. He goes back to all of them later in the story to see if they would keep their promises. They all do, except for the prince (who became the king after time had passed). King Wicked decided to order the poor man to be killed so no one would find out that he had saved the prince a long time ago. In the end, wise men in the city question the poor man and the truth is revealed. King Wicked was no more and the poor man was crowned King! He returned to all the animals later on, building them nice houses beside him so they could all live together nicely! I decided to write my storytelling assignment this week about this story but changing the ending. Instead of the King being killed, I would rather he learn his lesson. I hope you enjoy!

As King Wicked rode on his beautiful white elephant, he waved at the peasants he now ruled. He thought all about how his life had turned out. What a man I am now. I can now be the King I was always meant to be. I shall do whatever my heart desires. I will...wait. Who is that. That poor, wretched man who saved me. Sure, he saved me, but that was his duty as a peasant of this city. No one can find out about this. 

"Guards. Seize that man over there and kill him." King Wicked tried to muster up his sternest look to force the guards into acting without question. The guards, always having been fearful and uneasy about the King, followed his orders. They ran up to the poor man and bound his hands and feet. They beat him until they could beat him no more. The poor man stayed silent aside from one phrase he kept repeating. With every hit, he kept saying "it is better to save the animals than to save a prince." 

The King was close enough to hear what the poor man was saying. For some reason, that repeated phrase hit him strongly. He sat silently on the elephant and contemplated the poor man's words. I am the King. Yet the man believes the animals are more important than me. I must find out why he thinks mere animals are more valuable than human beings. 

"Guards. Stop. Bring him inside the palace at once," the King thundered.

As they carried the badly beaten, poor man into the palace, the King had gotten off the elephant and followed them inside.

The guards left the two alone in the library to discuss their matters privately.

The poor man looked at the now grown boy with pity in his eyes. Even after having been beaten because of the King, he couldn't help but feel sorry that the King never learned any positive traits. Meanwhile, the King couldn't understand why the poor man was looking at him that way. He decided it was time to get his questions answered.

"Poor man. Why did you utter those words as you were being beaten? Are mere animals more important than me, a human being?

The poor man once again felt pity. "My King, it is not whether one is an animal or one is human. It is the presence or absence of simple courtesy, kindness, and love that I care about. After saving you all from that dreadful storm, you all promised me financial help if the time ever came that I needed it. To see if you all would keep your promises, I visited each one of you. Upon visiting their abodes, my dear snake, parrot, and rat all responded as soon as I uttered their names. With you, I was met with nothing but hostility. You lacked even the courtesy of kindly turning me away. You simply decided I should be killed so you could avoid embarrassment. And THAT is why I never regretted saving the animals. They actually cared for me and kept their promise."

The King, who had never been scolded a day in his life, finally felt the pain of realizing his mistakes. He could do nothing but ask for forgiveness. Rising up from his chair in his long, burgundy robes and grand crown upon his head, the King fell to his knees at the feet of the poor man and begged for his forgiveness.

"I am deeply sorry for all I have done. I have never learned what kindness was as a child because everyone assumed I was rotten and was treated as such. You have shown me what kindness is. I made the mistake of returning that kindness with hostility. I ask you to forgive me, with the promise that I will now and forever treat everyone with respect and kindness. I also ask that you join my royal court, as my personal and closest advisor. I need a mentor like you to teach me how to rule a kingdom in the best of ways."

The poor man was proud to see that the King had taken the first step in changing for the better. In the following years, the King, the man (poor no more), and the animals lived happily ever after in the grand palace treating their townspeople with respect and care.

A happily ever after (Image Source).

Bibliography.

Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt (2008). Web Source: The Baldwin Project.

Week 10 Reading Diary, continued: Jataka Tales

Jataka Tales: by Ellen C. Babbitt

For this next reading diary, I got to read even more of the adorable kids' stories with little lessons thrown in. Although I liked the first batch of stories a bit better, the ones in the second part were pretty good as well!

In one of the stories, called The Hawks and Their Friends, again they come to each other's rescue in times of need. The line at the bottom, stated that friends in need are friends indeed. I have heard that line many times in my life so I am glad to they incorporated that into the story. It's great for both children and adults alike to learn that lesson!

The second story I enjoyed was one that told of two traders who after one lied about selling the other's plow, ended up lying to the other about a bird stealing his son. After going to court, the judge eventually ordered both of them to return what was rightfully the other's. It was a pretty funny story but it did teach a lesson. Don't do to others what you wouldn't want done to you.

One of my favorite stories from all that I've read in both sections is called Prince Wicked and the Grateful Animals. It tells of a prince who was...wicked...just as his name says. He gets lost in a river after a storm and a poor old man saves him, along with a rat, parrot, and snake that were on the same log. After taking care of them, they each promise to have treasure set aside for him if he ever needs it. He goes back to all of them later in the story to see if they would keep their promises. They all do...except the prince who became the king after time had passed. King Wicked decided to order the poor man to be killed so no one would find out that he had saved him. In the end, wise men question the poor man and the truth is revealed. King Wicked was no more and the poor man was crowned King, returning to all the animals, getting their treasure, as well as them and taking them back with him to live in luxury and peace in his castle. It was such an interesting and beautiful story!

The last story of the bunch was such a cute one, telling of the strong friendship between an elephant and a dog. Even vastly different animals like that could be great friends.

I loved reading all these little stories and I wouldn't mind reading more of them again in the future!

The best of friends (Image Source).

Week 10 Reading Diary: Jataka Tales

Jataka Tales: by Ellen C. Babbitt

This week, instead of watching another film, I decided to go a different route. For my reading diaries this week, I wanted to look at stories that weren't related to the main epics we've read this semester so far, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Although I loved them both, I have read them and various adaptations of them (other stories or films). Therefore, I decided to sort of revert back to the stories I first read at the beginning of the class. Children's stories!! I always enjoy those because they are simple, a bit funny/entertaining, and teach a lesson.

There were a lot of stories that I read this week but I will just point out a few of my favorites. There was a story that told of three fish, names Very Thoughtful, Thoughtful, and Thoughtless. Although it was a very short, simple story, with Thoughtful coming in to save the day. It reminded me of an older sibling who always looks after the young, lost ones. It reminds me to be thankful for my own big sister for taking care of my little sister and I so well!

Another story that I enjoyed was one that old of a group of friends including a deer, turtle and woodpecker. They all took turns saving the other when a hunter was threatening to capture one or the other. It may seem a bit cheesy, but I love that the story told of different kinds of animals living in peace together and standing up and protecting each other. Certain other species should learn from them (ahemhumansahem).

Friendship goals (Image Source).

The last story that I really enjoyed was the one that told of four princes wanting to see the famous red-bud tree. They all come back saying they saw something different. Their dad then goes on to explain that they each went at different times of the year and that's why all their descriptions sound different. Although it was a simple enough story, it made me laugh! How fascinating that we can all have different views on things!

Can't wait to read more of these stories!

Growth Mindset: Memes

With less than 2 months of school left, I am feeling pretty overwhelmed. With so many assignments, exams, and projects for school, everything seems to be piling up. I also have a lot of responsibilities outside of school. I am very thankful to be busy but I could use a laugh...which is why I made a meme. It really did help cheer me up! I tend to like using memes in various social media websites so I'm really glad I found a website where I can generate my own memes. I love using humor in all aspects of life so I plan to use this in the future!!

A little motivation (Image Source).

Tech Tip: Pinterest Board

For this week, I decided to use the tech tip of utilizing Pinterest for this class by creating a separate board. I have used (and still use) Pinterest for many things including fashion, nutrition & exercise, as well as wedding planning (my sister is getting married!!).

Link to my board.

Week 9 Reading Diary, continued: Mahabharata Epified

Epified Mahabharata: by Epified Channel

For the second reading diary, I got to watch part B of the epified Mahbharata. Since my favorite parts of the epic happened while I was reading the second half of the story, I was most excited about watching the epified episodes that corresponded to those moments in the epic. These were parts I was more familiar with since all the "action" happened in the later chapters of the epic. I definitely enjoyed all the episodes I watched, but I did have my favorites. Again, the drawings in the episodes are so beautiful to watch and despite their simplicity, they had ample detail, whether it was the emotions written on a character's face of the scenery depicted. I truly enjoy this kind of storytelling because it has narration and images as well.

One of the biggest parts of the epic, in my opinion, is when the Pandavas are in danger of being stuck inside the burning palace. During the episodes, the images depicted them searching through the palace and realizing the materials used to build it were flammable. I also really enjoyed the picture that depicted the making of the tunnel for their escape. One of my favorite parts of the episode was the drawing of Bhima carrying all his family members. He looked so powerful and full of charisma!

The next part that I really enjoyed was the episode that tells of Baka and his horror. Although I already know what happens because of reading the epic previously, I was so happy that Bhima once again showed himself to be the powerful man he was. It was only one picture that depicted the fight where Bhima overwhelms Baka but I loved it nonetheless!

Bhima destroys Baka (Image Source).

The last part that was a favorite of mine (I even did a storytelling assignment over it) was the part of the epic dealing with Draupadi, the competition, and how all the Pandava brothers ended up marrying her. 

This was one of my favorite reading/watching assignments and I've learned this style of storytelling (through images and narration) works really well for me!

Week 9 Reading Diary: Epified Mahabharata

Epified Mahabharata by: Epified Channel

For this week, I chose to explore the Mahabharata through another lens: a movie!! I have to say, it was one of my favorite weekly "readings" so far this semester. I thoroughly enjoyed the various parts of the 'film.' The drawings that depicted all the scenes and characters were so simple yet so beautiful. I especially loved how they simplified everything, but made sure to cover all important parts of the epic. I already know the plot of the story from having read it before but there were some scenes that stood out to me in this movie.

I especially liked the first couple of episodes because they helped clear up a lot of who the characters were and how they were related. I liked the scene where King Shantanu and Ganga met, as the drawings really helped me understand what happened and why she left.

The other parts I really enjoyed was how the Pandavas and Kauravas. I remember while reading the epic originally, I was so unbelievably confused who were the sons of which father and who the wives were. This epified version of the Mahabharata helped make it all a lot more clear. I was able to understand it better because the two families "beginnings" were focused on separately, with the drawings depicting how the Pandavas came to be and how the Kauravas came to be.

Another favorite part from the film is where I feel the drama starts. The Pandavas returning to Hastinapura allows both famlilies to be in close proximity of each other. Competition and rivalry is inevitable and that is exactly what happens. Jealousy and negative feelings begin to develop. I am truly grateful that the film explained everything simply because there are so many scenes in the epic that confused me including why the Pandavas and Kauravas were truly "against" each other.

I really can't wait to finish the film and learn some more!

The Mahabharata through drawings (Image Source).

Tech Tip Poster

The source for the quote is from Brainy Quote and the image was from a randomizer tool on the AutoMotivator website.

Reading Plans

For week 9, I'd like to choose the film, Epified Mahabharata to be able to view the epic in a different format.

The Mahabharata retold through film (Image Source).

For weeks 10 and 11, I'd like to view another film, explaining the secrets from Hindu calendar art.

Calendar Art (Image Source).

Blog Ideas

I'm glad we are getting a chance to review the details of our blog this week. I have been thinking it's about time for me to change the design and appearance of my own blog. This assignment really helped with getting ideas. I looked at a few blogs that had great ideas that I want to implement in the future. I took a look at the blogs of:

Thomas: At the top of his blog, there was a very helpful toolbar that made it so easy to locate the assignments for the different weeks and with various labels. I sometimes struggle with navigating through blogs trying to do the weekly commenting but his toolbar at the top made it extremely easy.

Benika: Her blog had her profile picture at the very top of the side toolbar. Although this seems like a very simple detail, it helps whoever goes on her blog instantly put a face to the writer of all the stories each week. Even through the introduction post, we don't really get to know one another's faces so having a profile picture sounds like a great idea.

Ashlyn: Her blog had a beautiful, yet simple background design. I have been growing tired of my rather dull blog design so I was definitely inspired to change it. I did not want one with difficult to read fonts and I did not want a background that was too busy. I actually went ahead and chose a simple yet pretty design for my own blog a few minutes ago. It was about time!

Time Management for the Semester

This semester has been my busiest one thus far. Although I am not taking a lot of credit hours, I have so many responsibilities outside of school that are all starting to stack up. These past couple of weeks have been a bit tiresome and I found myself struggling to get the reading assignment done last week. My shadowing and volunteering are starting in the next two weeks so I do not want to change my weekly schedule because it actually fits the times I will be the most free. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays seem to work pretty well for me. I think I might start setting alarms or reminders in the future so that I avoid any procrastination or simply forgetting an assignment. For most of my other classes, I have various different time management techniques. Setting a schedule, even just mentally, helps motivate me because it gives me a framework to work with for the week. Starting earlier on some assignments has also been helpful for me for certain assignments/exams. For the rest of the semester, I know it will be extremely hectic. For this class especially, I think I want to do more extra credit just in case I come across a week where I am very busy, like last week. I was okay last week, points-wise, because I had done enough extra credit to make up the points I missed. For the remainder of the class, I'd like to do a lot more extra credit, especially with exams and finals week in the next couple of months. I'm ready to take it on! Let's gooo!

Coffee makes everything okay (Image Source).

Storytelling for Week7: The Mahabharata-Under the Sea

Author's Note. For this week's storytelling, I decided I'd like to do a retelling of another scene in the epic, focusing on the part during the battle where Duryodhana takes refuge from the final battle by hiding in the lake thanks to his powers. The style of storytelling I've decided to use is a 'beneath the sea' theme. I will be using our most beloved sea creatures, Marlin (Nemo's dad) and Dory, to retell the story from their point of view. My goals in using this sort of storytelling style is to be able to see this part of the epic through another pair of eyes. We can see how the sea creatures were viewing how the battle was unfolding and who they were rooting for. I loved Finding Nemo and really loved the characters in the movie, so I think they will be able to provide some comic relief in this rather tense part of the story. For those of you who have not watched the movie, Dory has short-term memory loss and is a very hyper little fish. Marlin is the serious, focused one of the pair. For the sake of flow through the scenes, where Dory and Marlin explore in the sea will lead them through a deep underground channel that connects to the lake near where the battle is happening. Also, everyone in the sea knows of the great and powerful Kauravas and Pandavas. I hope you enjoy!!


~Under the Sea~

Marlin and Dory were swimming through the sea, trying to find a new adventure for the day while Nemo was away at school.

"Hey Marlin, do you ever think back to our adventures of finding your son, Fabio. That was cool. I wish we could do it again. I mean not lose him. But go on an adventure. Meet different creatures. Travel from sea to sea. I love to travel. You know my family used to travel a lot. They loved going on adventures. My family. Hmmm...where are they?"

Marlin could only chuckle at Dory. He had gotten used to her ramblings and ever-forgetful mind. But like Dory, was ready for a new adventure.

"Hey Dory, what do you say to exploring the sea today?”

Dory readily agreed and they began their spontaneous trip. They swam for half the day before they reached a pair of swordfish. Marlin went and asked for directions to the best places they could explore. Meanwhile Dory waited behind, coming across a group of shrimp swimming nearby. They overheard Dory and Marlin's plan of exploring.

"Hey you. Fish in the blue. Yea, you. I heard you were going exploring. There are some pretty nice places around here, but whatever you do, don't go through the tunnel with the markings around it, okay? It leads to a lake on the other side and there's a battle going on around there above the sea. You got it?"

Dory listened intently and nodded before the shrimp continued on her way. Marlin came back from talking to the swordfish and told her that he had learned there were some nice areas of the sea farther ahead. They swam a bit more before coming to an interesting looking tunnel with markings.

"Hey!! This looks like the doorway to adventure. What do you say, Dory? Let's go through it!"

Dory stared at the tunnel before answering. "You know Marlin, there's something about this tunnel. I really, really don't think we should swim through it. There's something weird about it. We should just go around it and see what else there is to explore."

Marlin really wanted to explore the tunnel so he used his best tool to convince Dory: distraction. 

"Hey Dory, look, a pearl!"

Dory looked around quickly, failing to see what Marlin was talking about. "I don't see it."

Marlin knew success was right in front of him. "Ohhh, I think another fish just stole it and swam through the tunnel. Let's follow it."

Dory, successfully distracted and oh so forgetful, excitedly followed Marlin.

After swimming for a bit, they came across a wide blue lake. There were no other sea creatures around them for as far as they could see. As they hesitantly swam further, they saw the outline of a man in the distance. Marlin instantly recognized the mighty Duryodhana. Above, they could hear the sounds of battle. Marlin instantly regretted his decision to swim through the tunnel, realizing what they had just swam into: a war--and a very powerful, violent war at that. The fish couldn't take their eyes off of what was happening.

"Dory, I heard about the battle that was happening, but I didn't think we'd swim right into it. I'm so sorry, you were right about not going through the tunnel. The Kauravas and Pandavas are fighting viciously. I personally am siding with the Pandavas. Those brothers are so strong and powerful. I think they may have the edge in the battle right now. Why else would Duryodhana be hiding in the ocean?"
Dory could not recall if she had every heard of these people and why there were fighting. All she knew was that it was about to get bad, and very soon. The fish swam to the surface to see what was happening.

Up above, Yudhishthira, Sahadeva, and Bhima were fighting their enemies, slaying them one after another. Bhima powerfully killed all of Duryodhana’s comrades before looking around for him. Dory and Marlin could only watch in awe as the mighty Bhima looked around with anger in his eyes, not leaving a rock unturned, searching for Duryodhana. At last, he discovered that he was indeed in the lake. He spotted the fish and asked them for confirmation.

“You, fish. I need your help. Is my enemy under the lake?”

Marlin could barely retain his composure that the amazing Bhima was addressing him before quickly remembering the question he was being asked. He quickly nodded and indicated where Duryodhana was hiding. Bhima silently thanked Marlin. Duryodhana, finally realizing he was spotted, came up and told his rivals to take the kingdom and leave him be. The Pandava clan quickly rejected the suggestion. To regain his pride at being so quickly stumped, he made a bold suggestion--proposing a one-on one battle. Bhima was on the edge of losing his patience, screaming at Duryodhana.

“If you do not come out of there right now, I will dive in and drag you up here myself.”

Duryodhana emerges from the lake (Image Source).

Duryodhana knew their one on one battle was inevitable. He got out of the lake and the two mighty warriors went at each other with such power. Dory and Marlin watched in amazement, Marlin quietly whispering his support for Bhima. After more vicious tumbles and blows, Bhima finally struck his enemy on the knee and kicked his head. Victory was his. He stared at his fallen rival and looked around at his fellow fighters. “Draupadi is avenged. Good job, my brethren.”

Marlin was ecstatic that Bhima was victorious. Dory, clueless as ever, joining in his celebration. As they made their way back to the sea and back home, Marlin explained all about the history of the Kauravas and Padavas to Dory. Although she thoroughly enjoyed the story Marlin was telling her, she forgot it all before they reached home. Marlin eventually made his way back to his anemone, seeing his son was back from school.

“Nemo!!! You will not guess what I saw today..”


~The End~

Bibliography.

Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913). Web Source: Mahabharata PDE.

Finding Nemo by Pixar Animations (2003)**[Some quotes and scenes were taken from/similar to the movie]**