This Storybook explores the parallels between different mythologies, Hindu, Greek, and Norse. Indra, Zeus, and Thor are all referred to as Gods of Thunder, but in different religions. The storybook focuses on the rise of Indra and his clashes with Zeus and Thor over the "right to the skies". I have always been fascinated by the similarities between different religions. I love how the author of this storybook explores one such similarity and creates a story out of it, connecting the different mythologies under one narrative. The author also stays true to the personalities of the Gods, acknowledging Zeus's characteristic anger and Thor's hammer. The author also goes even further to explore the dynamic of their personalities, describing Zeus as dishonorable and willing to "play dirty", while Thor is a man of his word. I absolutely love the complexity and attention to detail that the author gives to this story! Ultimately, the three gods reach a truce, where Zeus accepts Indra as another ruler of the sky, which I love. It just goes to show that each religion's version of the God of Thunder is valid and respected - a satisfying and happy ending for all!
This Storybook focuses on the concept of reincarnation, a prominent belief within the Hindu faith, along with other religions. Reincarnation is the idea that a person is reborn after he/she dies. Gods and goddesses can create avatars to take the form of these new incarnates. These avatars can be reborn but remain connected to their previous incarnates. The author showcases the avatars of one such goddess, Lakshmi, and explores the connections between her different incarnates, Sita and Vedavati. I have grown up learning about the concept of reincarnation and how it seems to unite all life forms on earth. Each incarnate has its own story, which is interdependent on the stories of other incarnates. Reincarnation is one way to explain the parallels between the lives of different people, like Sita and Vedavati for example. I like how the author tells the stories of Sita, Vedavati, and Lakshmi separately but brings them all together under the branch of reincarnation. Telling stories is a great way to explain complex ideas like reincarnation and rebirth, but in a way that will make sense to anyone!
In this Storybook, the author tells a less popular story in order to shed a new light on an important character, Sita. Many are familiar with the virtues of Rama in the Ramayana and his purity. However, the author points out that in order to try and maintain his virtue, Rama betrays Sita. This occurs when he rescues Sita from Ravana, but is unsure if she remained untouched by Ravana. Angered by her husband's skepticism over her, she sacrifices her life and jumps into the fire, only to be saved by Agni, the God of Fire. This rescue symbolizes Sita's purity, and proves to Rama that Sita is, and has always been, virtuous. I had grown up hearing the tales of Ramayana, but for some reason, this part of the story often tends to be swept under the rug. I love that the author connects Sita's sacrifice to three powerful goddesses, Lakshmi, Durga, and Saraswati, to portray the magnitude of Sita's feminine power and virtue. Ultimately, this story shows the virtue of Sita, which is perhaps even greater than that of Rama. I love how the author takes the care to shed light on this story in order to remember Sita not just as the consort of Rama but as a powerful woman of virtue in her own right!
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