Tucker Sherrill's Blog: Reading Diary B: The Indian Heroes

I love reading about the five brothers taking on roles as different professions while in disguise at the court of King Virata. This version of the story does not delve in to the details of their lives while living these alternate lives unfortunately. It seems like every major Indian epic always ends with an epic battle. As in the Ramayana, there is a final battle between the protagonists and the antagonists to settle things for good. Again, many details are left out of this version of the text but it is still entertaining to read. This version is more of a quick, light reading that introduces the reader to all of the characters and events that happen in the Mahabharata that allows the reader to then go on and delve in to more detail about specific topics that they find interesting. Also like in the Ramayana, the Mahabharata ends with everyone dying of old age or for other reasons. I like that at the end, it is shown that Yudhishthira is so loyal that when told he must leave his dog behind in order to enter Heaven, he refuses. I also like that at the end even Duryodhana makes his way in to Heaven and is relieved of his jealousy so everyone lives in peace and happiness. Overall, this was a good read and I'm glad I got the opportunity to enjoy it!