Reading Notes: The Divine Archer, Part A

The Divine Archer by F. J. Gould

Birth of Dasharatha's Sons

• The inclusion of the objects on Rama's feet, that included the vajra, dhavaja, and ankusha, which translates to the thunderbolt, the flag, and the elephant goad. These were significant as each one of them was representative of culture. Vajra being a weapon of ritualistic purposes that symbolizes both the thunderbolt and the diamond. 
• Shows the skills of Rama, such as the mastery of the ancient religious texts, known as the Vedas, when he was only of a young age.

Rama and Sita

• Shows the love between Sita and Rama, the author expressively portrays this through activities that each participated in, in order to show their love. For example, Sita prayed for Rama to the Bhavani, which translates to the "giver of life." and Rama often dreams about Sita.
• There was also included a contest to win Sita's hand in marriage by bending the Bow of Shiva, which Rama impressed the crowd with. The inclusion of such an event is something of traditional show of worthiness which I can incorporate into my stories. 
• There was also the inclusion of the main competitor, named Parashurama, which presented Rama with another challenge for Sita's hand in marriage. This is also something I can include as it involves a conflict which still led to the victory of the main character.

(Rama Breaking Shiva's Bow. Source: Wikimedia)

The Succession

• The internal conflict between King Dasharatha and Queen Kaikeyi can be attributed to an evil source that skewered its way into influence upon the royal family, people of importance to the main character. Therefore, the inclusion of an issue that is external and out of the main character's hand can show the fall of the main character, which can in turn, build up development for the comeback.

The Death of Dasharatha

• The usage of death as one of the driving force for Rama, the main character, to exact comeback from exile shows a downfall but also influences development for the character, which shows reasons for his return. 
• It would also fulfill a long-ago curse that was not before mentioned within the story, which can be something to add as a reason for the a character's death when there was none aforementioned.