Gods, Demons and Others explained
Gods, Demons and Others is a collection of short stories by R. K. Narayan adapted from Indian history and mythology, including epics like The Ramayana and Mahābhārata.[1] In this book, Narayan provides both vitality and an original viewpoint to ancient legends.[2]
Introduction
"Gods, Demons and Others is a collection of ancient tales from India's complex history and mythology presented in their traditional setting, albeit with Narayan's urbane and affectionate, satirical style, bereft of any didactic interludes. The selection of stories includes only those that center on outstanding personalities who transcend the boundaries of time and age. The book consists of 15 stories.[3]
Book outline
- LavanaThe story of Lavana, a king on a spiritual journey (not the asura mentioned in the Ramayana that is different).[4]
- ChudalaThe story of a king trying to attain self-realisation.
- YayatiThe story of Yayati, an asura king.
- DeviThe story of the Goddess Devi, responsible for all, in Hindu mythology.
- ViswamitraStory of Viswamitra, one of the most revered rishis of ancient India, who attains enormous power but stays unsatisfied until he realizes that the power should not be used for self-gratification.[5]
- ManmataStory of Manmata, the god of love
- RavanaStory of the asura king Ravana, Rama's nemesis in the Ramayana.
- ValmikiStory of Adi Kavi Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana who is said to have discovered the first śloka that set the base for Sanskrit poetry.
- DraupadiStory of Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas in the Mahabharatha.
- NalaThe story of how Nala a pure and righteous king is corrupted by a demon and thereby separated from his wife Damayanti. Nala subsequently overcomes all obstacles and is reunited with his kingdom and wife.
- SavitriThe story of Savitri from Markandeya's narrative within the Mahabharatha.
- The Mispaired AnkletStory of Kannagi from the Tamil epic Silappathigaram. Kannagi is eulogized by that Tamil community for her purity and devotion to her husband.
- ShakuntalaStory of Shakuntala the daughter of Viswamitra and wife of Dushyanta, the founder of the Paurav dynasty.
- HarishchandraStory of Harishchandra, the legendary Indian king.
- SibiStory of the Chola king, Sibi Chakravarthy, who promises refuge to a dove and then sacrifices a part of his right thigh to a hawk, in return for the safety of the dove.
Notes and References
- [Julian Moynahan]
- https://www.nytimes.com/1993/10/31/books/new-noteworthy-paperbacks-267493.html New York Times, New & Noteworthy Paperbacks, Laurel Graber, October 13, 1993
- https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FB0816FD355F147A93CAA9178AD95F408685F9 New York Times, It's All in the Telling; Gods, Demons and Others, Nov 8, 1964
- Book: Narayan, R. K. . Gods, demons, and others . 1964 . New York, Viking Press . Internet Archive.
- https://web.archive.org/web/20121026061030/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-956298.html Washington Post, New in Paperback, July 18, 1993
