#draupad

[ambidextrousarcher]

Sarcastic StarBharat reviews: Episode 7- The episode in which Arjun should have been mentioned for the first time.

Tagging @ratnas-musings @avani008 @chaanv @iamnotthat @shellweed @butchcaroldanvers @mayavanavihariniharini @medhasree

This episode concludes the first arc, which is Bhishm’s oath and its (short term) effects. The long term effect can honestly be the whole mess that follows, so...

Anyway.

Here are the links to the first six episodes: 

1. Bhishm says hello to daddy

2. Bhishm’s Bhishm pratigya

3. Bhishm abducts the Princesses of Kashi

4. Bhishm watches his brother choke to death

5. Bhishm sanctions Niyoga

6. Bhishm chooses death over marrying a crazy princess

Parashuram emits blue light from his hands, taking a sword out of the light. Me: Huh? I thought only arrows can appear like that. Bhishm joins his hands, whispering, a sword lands from the air at his feet. Both of them leap. Camera focuses to Ganga entering, psycho Princess glaring at her. A fancy sword fight occurs, Bhishm falls, attacking Parashuram again. They dance around, cutting trunks, causing snowfall. Heaven knows how they aren’t shivering yet. Bhishm disarms Parashuram, who clamps his hand on Bhishm’s sword and knocks it off. Both of them summon divyastras. Ganga looks distressed. She calls out to Shiv. “If Parashuram’s parashu (axe) and Bhishm’s Brahmastr collide, the world will end!” she says. I’m not sure what actually happens in canon. Ganga does call to Shiv, though I doubt it’s this dramatic. I doubt she’d call her own son Bhishm. The warriors release the weapons. A globe of light sucks both the weapons in. Enter Shiv. Wait, this guy doesn’t have a blue throat! Anyway, all and sundry join their hands in respect. Shiv commands them to stop fighting to preserve the Earth. “I still haven’t gotten justice, Mahadev.” Ah, psycho Princess, yet again. “How can you stop this war? Until I get peace of mind, Parashuram has to fight. Fulfill my dearest wish, Mahadev. This man’s (Bhishm’s) death is my wish. I want to be the cause of his death.” “As Parashuram is bound, I have to fulfill your wish. But revenge cannot have my blessing. If you ever do something great and then pray for Bhishm’s death, then you will definitely be the cause of his death.” Wait, this prophecy is incomplete. Canonically, the prophecy says that Bhishm can’t be defeated and killed by anyone except the reincarnation of Rishi Nara, born as the son of Indra, Arjun. Seriously, they omitted my favourite part!! CANON FAIL x2, for good measure. This is the first chronological mention of Arjun!! I mean, yeah, it’s unfair on him that people are literally turning him into a death knell before that kid is even born…but he WAS mentioned in canon at this time. I remember that very well. Let’s continue. “If so, I do not wish to live.” Ofc, it’s psycho Princess. “Please let go of the hardness of your heart. When the day comes, I will lay down my weapons in front of you.” Mr. Paragon of Perfection. I can’t even. “I don’t need your generosity. I will not forgive you. Even 25 years later, I will take birth with your death as my objective in life. The throne you destroyed my life for will be the reason for your struggle day and night. That throne won’t let you sleep peacefully even for a day. You will keep running because of that throne, when your soul will be tired and old, I will come then, as your death.” I can’t see how suicide is a great thing, but hey, who am I to judge. Flash forward 25 years. A baby is born in Panchal. “Strength is born in Panchal” says the King. “Rajyotishi, I am certain that Draupad’s Queen has given birth to a girl child. I have been waiting for 25 years for the birth of this child, ever since I knew that Bhishm will be killed because of a woman. From then, I have been praying that that girl should be born in our family.” A young man enters with a baby. I guess that’s Draupad. “It’s a girl, father.” Mr. King of Panchal thanks maa Kali, lifting the baby in his arms. “All our wishes have come true. Bhishm has humiliated Panchal too much,” he flashes back to Bhishm’s grandiose words when he’d rescued drunk Prince. “The entire Panchal will burn like Lanka if you set fire to Bhishm’s heart.” He sees Bhishm slapping his face again. “Revenge is what we should look out for. This maiden will take our long due revenge from Bhishm.” He names the child Shikandini. I hope she’s less psycho than Amba. “Rajyotishi, what do you make of the time of my grand-daughter’s birth?” “She will be successful in her life objective,” he says, “But after a lot of struggle.” Before that, he says some astrological mumbo-jumbo that I don’t understand. “Struggle is the best teacher. I will poison this maiden against Bhishm. I have full belief that she will be cause of Bhishm’s death, that it will be the objective of her life.” CANON FAIL. Amba is reborn as Shikandini, it is because of that he/she fights against Bhishm. Panchal doesn’t have a long-standing enemity with Bhishm. Oh, Crap. Krishna gyaan again. He’s talking about how ancestor’s thoughts affect the future generation. Sorry not sorry. Skip. The camera focuses on the map of Gandhar. We enter a room lit with many diyas, our focus is on a girl sleeping. It goes without saying that this is Gandhari. The wind blows out the candles. Gandhari breaks out into cold sweat and bolts awake. “Sukhda!” she yells. “Sukhda!” “Kumari Gandhari, I am here. The diyas will be lighted again. The diyas will be lighted again.” She yells at two other women, reminding them that Princess Gandhari is scared of the dark. Seriously, these guys are adding drama everywhere. This show is less of the Mahabharata and more of a soap opera. The diyas are lighted again. “Why am I so afraid of the dark?” asks Gandhari. “It’s not only you, all of us are afraid of it. Only through our eyes can the world come near us. If we have eyes, we have everything. In darkness, we feel like we have lost everything. But there is no cause for fear now. You go to sleep.” Gandhari nods. Sukhda smiles as she leaves. We focus on a campfire. The wood moves due to wind, making the soldier to run. He sees the shadows of a large army. He mounts his horse and gallops towards Maharaj Saubala. The camera focuses on a man, I assume he is Maharaj Saubala. “A large army, talent beyond belief, richer than Kuber. In such a Kingdom shall my daughter be wed, Gurudev,” he says. “The groom too shall be stronger than Pavan and of more virtues than Indra.” I still don’t get why Indra is the gold standard of Virtue in Hindu myths. I mean, he isn’t really the best warrior, he’s literally defeated by mortals, one of whom is his own son, along with Krishna. And Nahusha also defeats him. He doesn’t really have much of a moral compass either, basically raping Ahalya by proxy. And yet, he’s the King of the Gods. Why so? No idea. “My Gandhari cannot marry a man with even a smidgeon of problems,” the King continues. “My daughter is like that, Gurudev” says the Queen. “Bhagwan Shiv has blessed her with the boon of 100 children, after all.” The Guru looks at them strangely. “What is the issue?” asks the King. “You look tense.” The Guru begins. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I…” A servant enters then. “Maharani, the senapati asks permission to enter,” she says. “At this time?” asks the Queen, confused. “The King is busy now.” The senapati enters. “Forgive me for my offence,” he says. “However, the news is such that I need to speak to the King now.” “What is the news?” The King and his Senapati descend the stairs. He’s firing questions about the army at his gates. “Where is Yuvaraj Shakuni?” “He is out on an expedition for a special purpose.” They are getting angry at the enemy army. They are also boasting about their army. “This is going to be a terrible war.” The Mahabharat theme plays. I think this is CANON fail. I don’t think Bhishm goes to Gandhar with an army, canonically, but I don’t really remember. Someone who does, please help. Precap: Saubala asks whose army is at his gates. “That great man is as effluent as the Sun, Maharaj.” Ah, so it’s Bhishm. “His eyes are like two balls of fire,” Camera focuses on Bhishm. I was right. “On his forehead, the symbol of the moon is present.” Camera shifts to Gandhari. “I am going to join the war with Pitashree,” she says. “If death is certain, then I die in the battlefield.” With this, we finish season 1 of Mahabharat, according to the Hotstar app listings. See you tomorrow with season 2!

#sarcastic starbharat reviews #mr paragon of perfection #bhishma #ganga #shiva #last appearance of psycho princess #parashuram #the king of panchal #draupad #baby shikandini #gandhari #saubala #should have mentioned arjun #gosh i am pissed over that missing mention #scribbler gets salty

[srishtinanda]

Mythology from a different point of view

Listening to mythology from a distant different perspective was very insightful and interesting firstly. When I heard both Mahabharat and Ramayan I realised that there was so much that I had I accepted as a child and never questioned especially in Ramayan. It was always given that Ram was a righteous king, loving brother and husband to me by my elders and I had taken it as the truth. Ramayan and Mahabharat are huge misunderstandings of culture

When I heard both Mahabharat and Ramayan I realise that everybody takes rebirth so nobody dies because they take rebirth in other form or person once a person attains moksha then they will not be born in the form of human and Moksha can only be attained when a person let goes of his insecurity towards oneself (finding your self)and anger within yourself and all the desires. Moksha is the ultimate truth.

Listening to Ramayan and Mahabharat from a new point of view made me realise a lot of things which were seen by me but never questioned.

Things I learned about Ramayana and Mahabharat

Ramayana And Maharashtra are anti-women

The most curious characters are there is more panellist in mythology like eve was curious to eat the forbidden apple or Sita was Curious to cross the Lakshman Rekha somehow all the women are shown as curious and are penalise in mythology.

Women were treated as property. First, Ravan sister was treated badly and the. Sita was kidnapped. I have never questioned that why was Sita kidnapped and not Lakshman

Yudhishthira baits his wife who was from a big family and a former princess.

Stupidy of men is not discussed in Ramayan and Mahabharat

Ram was the king and his Personna was very strong he chose to be a king over a husband. Ram is only a persona but no anima animus or shadow. He was far from understanding self

Laxman cuts the nose of Swaroop Nagar in the love of his brother following this Sita was kidnapped but nobody questioned Laxman’s actions in entire Ramayana.

Nobody stopped Kunti when she without seeing and realising said that split the wife into the five brothers equally or stopped the padav brother in baiting their wife in a game.

In the name of dharma, adharm was done

When Sita was taken to Sri Lanka South Indians were explained as Rakshasa is eating use amount of chicken and long nails in Ramayan which was racist and inhuman.

Dronacharya was not a good teacher because the first task that he gave Arjun was to kill his enemy King Draupad who had promised to give Dronacharya half his kingdom as a child but refused it later.

Ramayan is a kind of abstract about what is happening today.

Krishna and Arjun are in a conversation where Arjun expresses hid desire to be sexually attracted by Draupadi and Krishna tell him to garland her and then he can have her. The conversation between Krishna and Arjun is very similar to the boy's locker room talk that went viral a few months back.

Fortunately, I'm currently reading the book "The forest of Enchantments" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

which is Ramayan from the point of view of Sita and after listening to the mythology from a different perspective I realised how my experience of reading changed because now I could filter and see Ram as a person and not a God.

I realised that when Ram lifted and broke the Shiva's bow and won Sita as a wife. It was completely unfair on the part of Ram to inform everybody suddenly that he could only marry Sita if all his three brothers are married in the same family because it was a promise he had made earlier and expected Sita and her family to cooperate and help him fulfil his promise.

It was also unfair of Ram to accept a 14 years exile to the forest without the consent of Sita or even informing Sita that he is going on an exile to the forest for 14 years before accepting it.

Ram could have stopped Lakshman to accompany him in his exile for 14 years ad stay away from his wife. Lakshman was a loving and obedient brother and only Ram could have stopped him from leaving his wife to accompany ram in his exile but Ram didn't.

What was the point of Ramayan if eventually, Ram had to test Sita for her purity and eventually live away from each other. So many people were killed in the entire act of bringing back Sita to Ayodhya and that also in vain because Ram was over-identifying with his persona and chose to be a king over a husband.

It is astonishing to experience that the mythology stories that where told to me by my parents which were probably told the them by their parents where all accepted unquestionably because we are told this at an age where we can accept what is being told to us by our parents and interpret it as the ultimate truth. But now when I realise that there is so much that my collective unconscious and by parents would have told me that I would accepted as the truth without questioning it.

[bosslifestyles]

In indian tv series history Mahabharat is the most popular and top watching tv series. Pooja Sharma played was one of the top most character in that serial & and she won the heart of all over the indian people. Pooja Sharma is an Indian model-turned actress. she is really preety and charming lady.Pooja Sharma portrayed the role of Draupadi aka Panchali, daughter of King Draupad in Mahabharat. She made her acting debut from Star Plus “Teri Meri Love Stories” with Karan Kundra. She was one of the top 10 finalists in Femina Miss India 2006. She was born and brought up in Delhi and then moved to Mumbai for making her career in acting. She has started her career with modeling and kept the world in surprise with her performance in "Mahabharat". Apart from modeling she has done anchoring, hosting and daily ads. Recently She started a new show ‘Mahakali – Anth hi Aarambh hai’. She is playing the role as Mahakali/Parvati/Adi Shakti. She is seen alongwith Saurabh Raj Jain as Lord Shiva. ==================== ►►►Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUycCi6jhl-6uHzyL-Nw-HQ ==================== Source: Google Image ==================== ★★Find Us★★ ==================== ►►►Facebook: http://ift.tt/2glxWqn ►►►Blog: bosslifestyles.blogspot.com ►►►Medium: http://ift.tt/2h4s0jK ►►►Tumblr: bosslifestyles.tumblr.com ►►►Wordpress: bosslifestyles.wordpress.com ►►►Twitter: https://twitter.com/capomkarboss ►►►Instagram: http://ift.tt/2glJji7 ►►►Pinterest: http://ift.tt/2h4qL3U ►►►Linked in: http://ift.tt/2glIc1M ★★★★ Subscribe To Get More Videos ★★★★ ★★★★★ Thanks For Watching ★★★★★ by Boss Lifestyle

#ifttt #youtube

[ambidextrousarcher]

Draupada and Draupadi- Swayamvara

Draupada: Daughter, the time for your swayamvara is nigh.

Draupadi: (Internal mind voice) Ugh. Goodbye freedom. If I had any in the first place. (To her father) Is it? What is going to happen in the swayamvara?

Draupada: (Explains the archery test)

Draupadi: Why is this test being conducted? (Thinking) Am I a prize to be won?

Draupada: Daughter, you were born to wed Arjuna parantapa, greatest and most peerless of archers.

Draupadi: (Thinking) Really? You'd decided my husband before I was even born? (To her father) Is that so? Where is he? Is he a prince?

Draupada: He is a prince of the Kuru dynasty. As for his location, well...he might be dead.

Draupadi: (Absolutely freaked out by now) Seriously?!? You want me to marry a DEAD man?

(At the swayamvara, before Arjun actually won her)

Draupadi: If God exists, let the man who is to be husband just be alive. He doesn't have to be Arjuna. Please. Thanks.

Arjuna: (Shoots the fish eye)

Draupadi: Phew, THIS guy is alive. (Garlands him in the sheer joy of getting an alive husband.)

#draupada #draupadi #swayamvara #srsly draupad? #arjuna #sort of #incorrect mahabharata quotes #incorrect mahabharata scenarios

[ambidextrousarcher]

Elia and Oberyn trading places? Or Jaime Lannister trading places with Arjun?

Hi!

Gosh, anon, thanks for this great fic idea! I struggled for literal months with this fic! But it’s finally done, and here you go!

Arjun blinks at the bright sunlight, taking in his surroundings. He is definitely not in Indraprastha, or Dwarka for that matter. Everything is a shade of red around him. He tries to remember what is going on. Against all that seems familiar, an entire childhood plays in his mind. Here, he isn’t Arjun, as he knows himself to be. He is Jaime. Jaime Lannister, son of Lord Tywin Lannister and Lady Joanna. He remembers others. Cersei, Tyrion. His mother was dead, gone. Arjun reels as he takes this new life in. Abruptly, there is a knock on his door. Before he can respond, a girl enters. “Jaime,” she coos, coming entirely too close to him for comfort. Arjun steps back. Cersei, a voice supplies in his mind. Sister. “Sister,” Arjun says hesitantly. “Oh, feeling coy today, are you?” Arjun stares at her, confused. To his horror, she straddles him. “Cersei!” Arjun curls into himself, instinctive disgust winning over his chivalry. “What is this, sweet brother? Why are you suddenly playing hard to get?” She actually wants…that with him? “Cersei!” Arjun keeps his voice harsh. “Do you want me to tell father?” She pulls back, face pale, lips curled in a snarl. “You don’t matter to me,” she hisses. “You are nothing compared to the Prince Rhaegar.” Arjun says nothing, merely opens the door to let her out. Whatever happens, you are still my sister, and I shall protect you.

Jaime too, has a less-than-flattering introduction to his new life. He’s not sure what to make of it. His father is dead, and Jaime doesn’t know if he should be sad or relieved. Apparently, he should be sad, because Arjun, as he is called now, was the closest to their much-lamented father. That, Jaime could handle. What grated him the worst was the fact that he now had a sanctimonious brother he is supposed to obey at all costs. Actually, he has two elder brothers, and two younger ones. His mother is stern but loving. But it is his eldest brother he distinctly does not like. “You cannot question dharma,” says Yudhisthir. “Honestly, Arjun, how many times should I tell you that?” “Dharma is the way of life, isn’t it, Jyeshth Bhraata? Why can I not choose how I live my life?” Jaime tries to keep his tone respectful because, after all, he is talking to his elder brother. “It is ordained by the Gods,” “Yudhisthir, Arjun, enough of this.” Mother turns to him. “You can question the path all you want, Arjun, but you will have to do your duty.” Jaime nods. He knows that.

Arjun holds the steel in his hand, ignoring the part of him that longs for a bow. In this world, only cowards used the bow-and-arrow. Swords, too, were weapons he knew about. The Master-at-arms is pleased with him and Arjun grins. “Time for your lessons, little lord,” he says. Arjun nods and runs to the Maester’s chambers, excited. Maester Pycelle has a very dry voice. Arjun has to struggle hard to concentrate, but he manages somehow. He is not about to let any knowledge slip out of his hands, after all.After lessons, there’s not much to do except practice swords. In this world, there are no spears that he can learn, no maces, without him stepping past his boundaries.Arjun smiles as he hears the sound of pattering feet behind him. He bends and picks his little brother up, swinging him in his arms. “Tyrion”, Tyrion giggles, nuzzling into him. “Jaime!” Arjun ruffles his hair. “We’re playing together a lot more than before. Did you and Cersei have a fight?” Arjun hesitates. “You could say that. I don’t want to talk about it.” His face heats up as he recalls that fall out. She hasn’t talked to him yet after that.“Lord Jaime.” Arjun turns. It’s Maester Pycelle. He nods at the older man. “What is it, Maester?” “Lord Lannister is arriving from the capital in a few days.” “I see. Have you informed Aunt Genna?” “Yes, my lord, she said she would take care of the arrangements.” “Good. You may go.” I am going to meet my father…Tyrion is looking up at him. “You’re really lordly, Jaime.” Arjun laughs. “Shouldn’t I be?”Lord Tywin Lannister is a far cry from Maharaj Pandu. He’s curt, and cold. He nods approvingly at Arjun. “I see your studies have markedly improved.” Arjun looks down, confused. He doesn’t remark on it. Lord Tywin puts a hand on Arjun’s shoulders. “I am pleased, Jaime. I expect that you are ready for your squiring.” “Father?” Arjun had read about squiring. He is not sure how to feel about it. “You start for Crakehall on the morrow.” Arjun nods. It is his duty, and he shall obey.Squiring, he finds out, is easier than Gurukul Shiksha. Lord Crakehall goes very easy on Arjun, for is afraid of his liege lord. Arjun still learns a lot of the ways of fighting in this world, for he manages to, with a frission of guilt and excitement in him, sneak away and train with the knights. When Arjun is 15, they hear of the Kingswood Brotherhood. He and Lord Crakehall had been on the way to court then, but they join Ser Arthur Dayne and his men to rid the country of the outlaw.

Jaime scowls. He used to respect his teacher, his ‘Guru’. But it is becoming clear that the man has obvious favoritism for his son. Well, he isn’t just standing there and watching it happen. He stands in front of his teacher. “This is wrong.” “Arjun?” “You said you’ll teach all of us equally, isn’t that Guru Dharma?” He looks puzzled. I continue. “Why is it that you gave your son a wider pitcher?” Jaime has no problem doing menial tasks, he’ll do his duty without question, but this is too much. The confusion turns into anger. “Arjun! You will not question-“ Jaime cuts him off. “I will.” He turns away. “So be it.” Some of the other students inexplicably are more friendly with him after that incident. Jaime finds out that Guru Drona had supposedly been favoring him, because Jaime had put effort into learning archery. Jaime scoffs. He does not want favor. He makes the same clear when Acharya Drona cuts off Ekalavya’s thumb. It is not for Jaime’s sake he did that. He did it because he wanted to. Jaime respects his teacher for his teaching, but he doesn’t much like him as a person.Which is why Jaime is surprised when he’s called aside. “Arjun,” “Gurudev,” “Your aptitude for archery shows that you’re capable enough to learn the divyastrs.” Apparently these are something in this world, thinks Jaime. He stays silent, ignoring the way Acharya Drona stares at him. What does he expect? That Jaime would gush? This is what Jaime is owed because of his ability. He didn’t ask for any of this. The Divyastrs are beyond what Jaime expects them to be. In this world, apparently, Gods do exist. He’s awed by the weapons. “Be prepared to learn, Arjun.” “I will be, Gurudev.” “Good.” And that was that. Jaime learns the weapons with due respect, he’s fired with curiosity to learn more, as Drona hints there’s much more he can learn, that these are just the basics. Once that is done with, they go back to Hastinapur. It is a pale shadow of what Westeros was to Jaime’s eyes, but he supposes he’ll have to make do.The competition begins. Jaime effortlessly defeats all the obstacles he faces…until. There he is. That persistent thorn in Jaime’s side. Vasusen has managed to infiltrate even this arena. This is Jaime’s victory. He does not intend to let it slide so easily. “I accept,” he calls in clear tones, easily overriding Kripacharya’s voice. He refuses to listen to Drona, either. He and Vasusen face off. This, too, is a challenge easily won. Jaime smirks at the end of it. Vasusen was richer a Kingdom, yes, but had retreated with his tail between his legs, just as he deserved. Jaime is the unopposed victor.Jaime does his duty and defeats Draupad, too. He does not stay around for the gloating, just leaves the hall as unobtrusively as he can. There is a bitter taste in his mouth. What right did Drona have to demand what he did in the past? What has Jaime unwittingly enabled?Jaime has no choice but to go along the charade that is the journey to Varnavrat. He stays at his mother’s side. She does not understand what Jaime feels often, yet, he loves her, for she tries her best for him. At least, that is what he thinks, till then.He does not hesitate when they need to choose between their survival and the survival of innocents. He does not hesitate when they go to Kampilya and attend the swayamvar. (No, here, he is not hesitate at all. There is a thrill in his blood, an anticipation that he exults in). The arrow smoothly thuds into the eye of the fish, and Jaime grins with characteristic cockiness. Then his breath catches. The woman who moves gracefully towards him is the personification of beauty. He is uncharacteristically bashful when she extends the garland to him. He lowers his head. The flowers hang heavy around his neck, a fragrant promise. He fights off those who dare to raise their weapons without a thought but is speechless when he looks at her…his wife. Bheem is his usual jovial self. By the time they reach the hut, Jaime and Draupadi muster up shy conversation. Jaime smiles to himself when he recalls the moment when Bheem had called him Arjun. The surprise in her eyes is not something he’d easily forget. And then Bheem plays a game that backfires. “Look what we’ve brought as alms, mother!” he calls before Jaime can forestall him. Mother, without turning, says “Share it among you brothers.” His eldest brother turns with what seems to Jaime like alacrity, gazing at Draupadi. He had known that Jaime had won! Jaime frowns at him. “I am afraid that is not possible, mother,” Jaime says. He can see the disappointment in his eldest brother’s gaze. “Why not?” “It is Panchali’s swayamvar I won, she is my wife.” “The eldest brother must marry first, according to dharma…” “She chose me. That is the end of that.” Draupadi is nodding to his words. “He is right. It is Rajkumar Arjun I choose as my husband.” Jaime smiles at her. She smiles back.

Ser Arthur Dayne is someone Arjun actually admires for his honor and his sincere drive to help common folk. To actually fight alongside him is a rare honor, one that Arjun seizes at. The excitement that Arjun had felt dies away quickly when he takes a look at the battlefield. The welter of noise, the bloodshed and death is a far cry from the songs of his childhood, either as himself or in this new world. But he fights nonetheless, he still has his sense of duty. He jumps in front of Ser Arthur and the Smiling Knight when the older man stumbles, fends him off the best he can. “Do you solemnly swear, in the name of the Seven?” “I swear, Ser Arthur.” “Then rise, Ser Jaime Lannister!” Arjun stands. He doesn’t feel different. But he knows the responsibility being a knight is. He vows to himself that he would never forswear his oaths.He goes to the court with Father for a few months. The court is ostentatious to the extreme. He vastly prefers what he remembers of Indraprastha. The language people talk in here is alien to him, people who say one thing and yet mean another. He still makes an effort to untangle all these webs. Arjun is certain he succeeds, a least a little, for Father has started to trust him with matters of his own. Arjun is walking down a corridor when he hears a woman scream. He does not stop to think. He runs. Runs down the corridor until he reaches an oaken door, behind which he can hear broken weeping. Ser Arthur Dayne is standing outside that chamber, leaning on the door. “Jaime.” “Ser Arthur. What happened?” “The King…visited the Queen.” Arjun’s eyes widen. He raises his hand and knocks. “Your Grace?” “Jaime Lannister!” There is no response from the other side of the door. Arjun shrugs off Ser Arthur’s restraining hand, opens the door, and walks in. The Queen is inside, curled into herself. Arjun gets a flash of another life, his own life, where he was standing, helpless, as his wife curled into herself, blood staining her garments, tears streaking down her face. He flinches. I will not stand aside this time. He touches her gently on the shoulder. “Your Grace?” She flinches. “Shall I call for someone?” he asks. He keeps his voice quiet, gentle. Purple eyes blink up hesitantly at him. ‘Joanna?’ Joanna? Oh. She is thinking I’m my mother. “It’s Jaime, Your Grace,” he says. She sits up, smiling wanly at him. “You’re Joanna’s son?” He nods, ignoring the voice in his head that says he isn’t, he is Parth, son of Pritha. “Let me, Your Grace,” he assists her. She nods at him. “Thank you.” After that day, Arjun is very watchful around the Queen. He tries his best to protect her. She in turn is almost…motherly towards him. To Arjun, struggling to understand his cold family and longing for someone, that is more than enough. When Prince Rhaegar marries Princess Elia, Arjun meets her along with the Queen. He is spellbound by her beauty but remains within his bounds. She is the crown Prince’s wife, not someone he has any right over. And yet…Arjun shakes his head. No. She is the future Queen. Arjun stays with Princess Elia and the Queen whenever he could, for he is still avoiding his own sister. Matters between him and Cersei have never resolved since that day so long ago. He is welcomed among them. Princess Elia and he strike up a warm friendship. She tells him tales of Dorne, and he counters with stories of Tyrion. At the tourney of Harrenhaal, Arjun handily defeats Prince Rhaegar in the last joust. He is grinning widely as he crowns the Princess Rhaenys. All of four, the child glows like he’s handed her the Sun. As it was, she clung to him for he entertained the least of her requests whenever it was possible for him to. Since that day, she clings to him ever harder.Sadly, it is not meant that he spend time in court. Father and the King have a bad falling out, Arjun is rather clueless as to exactly why, but he understands enough to deduce that it is somehow related to him. Father leaves the court in high dudgeon, and Arjun has no choice but to follow. Events snowball out of control then. Arjun watches helplessly as the world spins towards a war, a war caused by Prince Rhaegar abandoning his wife and running away with Lady Lyanna Stark. Princess Elia. What will become of her? Arjun catches himself thinking of her at odd times. He generally tries to dismiss those thoughts but is rarely successful. He is at the forefront of the army which waits at the doors of King’s Landing. Arjun himself has no idea why he fought tooth and nail with Father to command this army, when Father wanted him to be safe. But fight he did, and here he was.Arjun runs in, no clear objective in mind, when the King opens the gates. He tries his best to limit the carnage his men wish to unleash, instead marshalling them to protect innocent people. Arjun himself, once he’s done this as quick as he could, runs towards the Red Keep. By the grace of the Gods, Arjun reaches before the Mountain could hurt Princess Elia. He makes short work of the huge man, then tackling Armory Lorch with ease. He manages to save Princess Elia and her children. Arjun is grateful for that. Princess Elia directs him to the throne room. On the way there, they meet Rossart. The King’s Pyromancer is an easy man to recognize. He is muttering under his breath about a welcoming fire, and Arjun recognizes the wildfire in his hands. He wastes no time in asking the man his purpose. Finding the purpose in question too horrible to contemplate, Arjun kills him instantaneously.When Arjun, the Princess Elia and her children enter the Throne Room, King Aerys is dead, Lord Eddard Stark standing by the throne. Princess Elia’s voice is cool as she greets Lord Stark. “Lord Stark.” “Lady Elia.” “I am a Princess of Dorne, my Lord Stark. I want nothing to do with this monstrosity of a throne. I only ask for the lives of my children to be spared.” “That remains to be seen. They are no children, but dragonspawn.” The new voice that intercedes is that of Robert Baratheon. Elia stiffens, mouth open to retort. Arjun steps in between them. “Your Grace,” he says, giving the older man a perfunctory bow. “Princess Elia and her children were harmed by the Prince Rhaegar for no crime of theirs. I take the responsibility of their safety and loyalty on my own head.” “A wise decision, Lord Lannister.” Arjun looks to the side, startled. It is Lord Arryn, accompanied by his father. “Do you accede to your son’s decision, Lord Tywin? It is the honorable thing to do.” Father is cornered, Arjun thinks. “I do.” Arjun sends a relieved smile to Princess Elia. “Fear not, Princess,” he says quietly to her. “I shall not hurt you.” “I believe you, my Lord.” Rhaenys is still clinging to him. He smiles down at her. “You are safe, Rhaenys,” he assures the child. She looks at him with wide purple eyes, still afraid. Lord Jon Arryn sways Robert Baratheon to support Arjun in this regard. They all depart for Casterly Rock.In name, Princess Elia is a hostage, but Father, apparently, thinks that he will be a fine match for her. Arjun is hard-pressed to request his father allow her a mourning period, at least in name, for her departed husband. At length does he allow it. It is during this period that Arjun and Tyrion go hunting together. They sight a girl running through the woods. Arjun dismounts and follows the girl on foot. It turns out that the girl had been running away from a man who had hurt her. Her name is Tysha. Arjun sits her on his horse and leads her to Casterly Rock. There, she is employed as Elia’s maid, and is safer than she was before.

Arjun looks on as the septon ties Elia’s hand together with his. “I am hers, and she is mine,” he says. With that, Elia is Elia Lannister, his wife. And Arjun is happy. So is Elia herself.

After Jaime’s marriage to Draupadi, he and his brothers have enough political power to reveal themselves. At Hastina, they are given the land of Khandavprastha to rule. The land itself is fallow, barren. “Well, no matter,” says Bheem to Jaime. “We’ll make it tick in no time.” “Isn’t that Jyeshth’s Dharma, Bhraata Bheem?” Jaime asks. For a man who harps on and on of Dharma, his eldest brother is forever keen to delegate his responsibilities to Bheem and Jaime himself, it seems. Bheem laughs. “It is our Dharma to follow him, Arjun.” Sometimes, Jaime rues his sense of duty. Jaime, Bheem and the twins toil to build the city of Indraprastha. It is a beautiful city. For a while, everything is right in Jaime’s world. Draupadi is a wife who exceeds all his expectations, Indraprastha a place where Jaime is regarded with respect. They administer their Kingdom ably, Jaime being the general of all the armies. Jaime finds an easy camaraderie with the men. He spends more and more time with them when his brother gets too much to bear, so much so that it is a running joke amongst themselves. “The Samrat too full of himself again, Rajkumar Arjun?” asks Jaime’s closest aide. Jaime nods, laughing. “Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for!” Jaime and his men conduct a war of conquest on the Samrat’s orders, emerging victorious along with his other brothers. And then, of course, the Samrat goes and almost loses everything. Fortunately, Jaime is still in full possession of his wits. When his brother bets on his Kingdom, Jaime has enough of sitting dumbly. He stands. “With all due respect to this assembly of august men, the King serves the Kingdom as much as the Kingdom serves the King.” There. That ought to bring some sense into the man. This is a line quoted almost verbatim from the scriptures his eldest brother so follows. Abashed, the Samrat ends the game. Jaime is still glaring at him. For once, his sanctimonious eldest brother can’t meet Jaime’s eyes and give yet another sermon. Draupadi walks to his side. “My husband is right, Samrat,” she says, taking Jaime’s hand. Grandfather Bhishma is the one who forestalls whatever was going to happen next. “The game ends here,” he says. They are feted half-heartedly in Hastina in the following days. Bheem and Jaime both give the Samrat a piece of their minds in private, as the man very well deserves. Once the feasts and festivities ostensibly in their honor are over, they leave together for Indraprastha, the crown still firmly on his kingly brother’s head.Since then, he and Bheem watch the man over like hawks, stalling his excess fits of gallantry (stupidity, Jaime and Bheem agree), in time.They secure their Kingdom.  

#jaime lannister #arjun #asoiaf #mahabharat #trading places #asks #anon asks #scribbler scribbles #nila writes

[ambidextrousarcher]

Nitpicking the StarMBH-1

If there’s anyone here who actually paid attention watching StarMBH, this is meant for that person’s entertainment.

As an Arjun fan (I’m sure that’s common knowledge by now), I finally watched the Draupadi Swayamvara episodes. And I am seriously bowled over. How the hell did anyone except Karna not notice that Arjun is Arjun?

I mean, his brothers are literally calling him Arjun all the time. ALL. THE. DAMN. TIME. So, obviously, he’s Arjun! How could that entire arc of Draupad not knowing who the Pandavas are even happen? Just how? The Pandavas call him Arjun, Duryodhana and Karna call him Arjun, is Draupad deaf here? Also, why the hell is Arjun trying to pretend he isn’t himself in front of Draupadi...? She’d obviously have heard all those people call him Arjun. Not one time. More than that. 

Another nitpicky detail: I really hate the show whitewashing Karna this much. It’s KARNA who tells Duryodhan not to fight Arjun? I vastly prefer book canon here, where Karna tells the Brahmin Arjun that only Indra, Shiva and Arjun himself can defeat him. (Seriously. Put yourself in Arjun’s shoes for that scene. Ah, the joy of silent triumphant laughter...)

But, I liked the comedy scenes with the disabled Brahmin. Seriously, Arjun is pathetic at lying in this adaptation. Ah, well, even he can’t be perfect.

#starmbh #mahabharata #arjuna #karna #draupadi swayamvara #lol #nitpicking nilanee #scribbler nitpicks

[ambidextrousarcher]

Swayamvara: Arjun and Draupadi

This is actually a Quora answer that I’m really ridiculously proud of, and it fits the theme of my blog, so...here it is. First person PoV story of Arjun and Draupadi’s swayamvara.

Arjun’s Point of View:

Every step I took towards the hall where the Swayamvara was to take place felt like a step I took towards reclaiming my identity. My identity as an archer, as Arjun. The rational part of me knew that such thoughts were folly, for one can never lose one’s true identity, but the feeling persisted nonetheless. My brothers were all with me as we jostled for space among the multitude of people present. I scanned the area as much as I could, watchful and careful of maintaining the disguise still. From the corner of my eyes, I could see almost all the visiting Kings and Princes. At a glance, I noticed Uncle Shalya, and most of the Kaurava contingent. Bheem tensed beside me, and I kept a restraining hand on his shoulder. At that moment, I felt someone staring at me, and turned instinctively. Warm brown eyes were looking at me in a familiar manner. Who was this? I wondered for a moment. I felt that I should know him… I was distracted from my musings as Prince Drishtadyumn entered and began reciting the lineages of the attending Kings and Princes. A frission of anticipation ran through my body, and I, too, turned my head to the dais, awaiting the Princess Panchali’s entry.

Draupadi’s Point of View

I could hear my brother’s clear voice as the handmaidens busied themselves in “enhancing” my beauty. Today, I knew, would alter my life forevermore. Excitement warred with uncertainty in my mind, a first for me. As I heard my twin heralding my own name, I took a deep breath, bracing for what was to come, and stepped as confidently as I could towards the dais. Assembled in the congregation were more people than I could count. My brother was talking about the archery test, and I felt my eyes wander toward the complex “test” that would decide my life. I remembered Father talking of an archer Prince I had been meant for. Prince Arjun of the Kurus. Was I truly meant for him?  What sort of a man was he that Father was so impressed with him? Is he here? Could he be here? So many questions, and none had any answers. I shook my head slightly, as the first Prince tried his luck. He could not even string the bow. I smiled slightly. Winning my hand will not be that easy, I thought. I hoped my face remained impassive as Prince after Prince failed at the task. One of them had almost strung the bow. His name was Karn, I learnt. When no more Princes were left, I looked at Father, who was as puzzled as I. At that moment, he rose from the crowd of Brahmanas, who parted for the slender youth. His gaze met Father’s, implicitly asking for permission. Father inclined his head, granting it. I looked curiously at him. He had an easy, fluid grace in his movements and a calm smile on his face. Could he be the one? I wondered.

Arjun’s Point of View

My eyes closed of their own accord as I inhaled the exotic fragrance of blue lotuses that wafted on the Princess’s entry. I forced them open. My breath caught at the sight of the Princess. I knew I could never forget her, for her beauty was such that no words would do her justice. I followed her eyes as Prince after Prince failed, and as each one returned frustrated, I felt a thrill in my heart. And then it was his turn. Vasusena’s. I focused entirely on his hands, the way he held the bow, and tried to smother my grin. It was to his detriment that he never understood the soul of archery, I thought, as the bow recoiled and he was flung back. The moments dragged on, until finally, all the suitors were defeated. I stood. Surprise flickered on King Draupad’s face, but he granted me permission. Trying to keep my pace slow, I walked towards the bow, Lord Shiva’s name on my lips, echoing in my head.

Draupadi’s Point of View

He saluted the bow with calm assurance and smoothly lifted it in his hands. I held my breath. Something told me that he would win. For a moment, I wondered who he was. Was he Prince Arjun? I decided it did not matter. If he won, I would take his hand.He strung the bow effortlessly, to the astonishment of everyone looking. His eyes were focused on the target through the oil, the eye of the fish, I felt.His stance was straight, smooth, as he drew back the bow and let the arrows fly.It seemed that everyone held their breath as the arrows flew. Each one of them pierced the fish flawlessly in the eye.So he was the one, I thought.Our eyes met, and he inclined his head to me, as flowers floated around us. The white flower garland in my hands suddenly felt heavy. I kept my steps deliberate as I approached the man who was to be husband. He was looking straight at me. As I extended the garland, he bowed his head, eyes sparkling, the smile still on his face.As I nestled the garland around his neck, I held out my hand, which he held in his. We belonged to each other now, I knew.    

#arjuna #draupadi #swayamvara #mahabharata #scribbler scribbles #my fics

[ambidextrousarcher]

Do you find any character similar to Elia in hindu mythology?

Hi, anon! 

This is a VERY late answer, and I apologize for that, but yes, I do find a woman similar to the Elia of my headcanons in the Hindu Mythology.

Draupadi.

Both Elia and Draupadi married into Royal families they were somehow allied to (the Targaryens had Dornish blood, and Pandu was Draupad’s friend, who wanted his son to marry Draupad’s daughter.)

Both of them had somewhat similar personalities, I feel. Both were women with spines of steel, IMO. (Elia had to be, to survive Aerys, and Draupadi to survive the aftermath of the dice game.) Both of them had a strong sense of self-respect (Draupadi’s fiery nature is well-attested to, and I believe that Elia would have possessed Nymeria’s spirit, which is why I think she would never bow down to Rhaegar and Lyanna.) 

Even their circumstances were somewhat similar: Both of them had (at least one, in Draupadi’s case) pretty shitty husbands. Elia’s abandoned her, and Draupadi’s staked her at dice (Hello, Dharmaraj). Both of them inspired loyalty in their people and families. (Look at how the Dornish and the Martells are still fighting for Elia’s justice, and how Draupadi was sure she could depend on her family and her sons if her husbands did not go to war.)

But, there is a very major difference. Draupadi survived the war, she triumphed over her struggles, she lived a life after as Queen. Elia, alas, was a casualty in a war she never wanted.

#asks #anon asks #parallels and foils #asoiaf #mahabharata #elia #draupadi