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| (Dushana shames Draupadi because all of these rulers are behaving like despicable children) |
I like that this story addresses the frustration of Balram's daughter being abducted and Krishna's successful efforts to persuade him that this marriage is one of love and affection that should be respected. One thing I have trouble understanding about this story is why Draupadi would be upset that Arjuna married another woman given the culture wherein many men marry multiple women. I think it would make more sense if it was explained as her not being comfortable with the fact that this decision was not made with her consent.
Birth of Abhimanyu
I'm glad that Subhadra's brother and father attended the wedding. Abhimanyu is the child of Subhadra and Arjuna. It's like Mozart for babies but with war planning.
The Slaying of Jarasandha
This seems like a really roundabout reason for killing someone. I know that Krishna is supposed to be very wise and all, but it seems to me that diplomacy should at least be attempted. At the least, I feel like they should have led with the argument for rescuing captive people rather than making the argument that this is for the purpose of a ritual. That is a really brutal death. I feel like the Pandavas have this pristine reputation, but a lot of their story is actually quite dark. I'm also not clear on what exactly Yudhisthir is now emperor of.
Yudhisthir Becomes King
How is it determined which king is most worthy of the honor of the ceremony? It seems to me that this is either an appropriate show of power or a waste of an excellent opportunity for diplomacy.
Duryodhan's Humiliation
At the least, Yudhisthir seems to be a well loved emperor. This problem could have been easily solved or prevented by more reasonable interior design.
Shakuni's Evil Plan
His reaction seems a little severe considering his predicament was a result of his not being more careful. Duryodhana's father is too much of a pushover concerning his son. He allows this awful game to take place even though he knows it's unreasonable and unjust.
Yudhisthir Gambles
Yudhisthir knows going into this how it's going to end. He should have said no, but his honor demanded that he accept the invitation to dice. Why does he have to agree to such high stakes? This seems ridiculous. You'd think that utter destitution would dissuade him from gambling further, but evidently not.
The Gambling Match
I don't understand if this is supposed to be an addiction that Yudhisthir suffers from or simply a determination to try and turn the game to his favor. If he knows Shakuni is cheating, why does he continue to bet? Was his honor worth it? This is the part of the story where I really begin to believe that maybe the Pandavas are not such divine, perfect heroes.
Draupadi at Stake
The sentiment I conveyed before can be replicated here threefold as Yudhisthir bets his /wife/ in this impossible game. I think this is the part of the story where I permanently determine that neither of these houses truly deserves much praise or honor. Draupadi is dragged into the palace and cast before the court. It's despicable.
Bibliography: Epified Mahabharata
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