Reading Notes: Mahabharata Part D

Moses destroying the 10 Commandements
when he discovers the sins of the Hebrews.
Source: Wikipedia

The story of Krishna's death reminds me of the story of Moses, when he goes up on Mount Sinai and returns to find the Hebrews drunk and sacrificing to idols.

Krishna tells the people to not drink wine, and yet they get drunk. When Krishna removes himself from them, that is when he is shot He tried to avoid the result of what the omens were predicting, but he was unable to avoid his fate.

This section of the story is kind of all over the place, and there is a lack of connections between events. Or at least the connection and flow of the story is not evident. For example, where did the horrible woman with yellow teeth come from and where did she go? Why did they then go feast on the seashore after they have been robbed? I would like to explore the horrible woman's story and understand how she plays into the big picture.

The Death of Krishna. Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913).

Mahabharata Part C: Draupadi

Death of Prince Kichaka
Source: Wikipedia

Something that bothers me about the Mahabharata is how little women do and the lack of butt-kicking done by women. For example, from part A when Amba wants to kill Bhishma, but must become a man to do so in a another life.

Draupadi is taken by Jayadratha. She is saved from her abductor.

She is then attacked by Prince Kichaka and all she can do is get away.

I don't believe that she would have had such a horrible abduction experience at the hands of Jayadratha, be surrounded by warriors and weapons, and have not learned any form of self-defense.

If I was Draupadi and I was being forced to live with people I don't care about, live out in the woods in exile, and I keep getting attacked by men, I would be so angry. I think that she would be so frustrated with her situation that she wouldn't remain a meek damsel-in-distress. She would do something about it so that she could defend herself!

Bhima and Kichaka. The Indian Heroes by C. A. Kincaid (1921).