Week 14 Story: Blind Love
Queen Satyavati ordered King Shantanu's son, Vyasa, to father children to both widows of his deceased son, Vichitravirya. When Vyasa visited his mother, he was under the influence of ascetic penance and thus, was not ready for the union with a woman who was still under the influence of worldly matters. Vyasa's mother, Satyavati, was adamant about her son fathering a child from the widows, as the Hastinapur throne was without any king.
Vyasa knew that due to his unattractive appearance and smelly body, a woman might have distaste mindset during the Niyoga ritual, or marriage proposal. This, Vyasa decided, would affect the new born child in positive or negative way. Ambika could not face the rishi, Vyasa, with a peaceful mind. Thus, whatever were Ambika's bodily symptoms at the time of mating, were passed to Ambika's son, early on in her womb.
Ambika, in the first instance, entered her chamber while the lamp was burning. The princess, seeing Vyasa's dark visage, his matted locks of copper hue, blazing eyes, his grim beard, closed her eyes in fear. The Rishi, from desire of accomplishing his mother's wishes, however knew her. But the latter, struck with fear, opened not her eyes even once to look at him.
Vyasa knew that due to his unattractive appearance and smelly body, a woman might have distaste mindset during the Niyoga ritual, or marriage proposal. This, Vyasa decided, would affect the new born child in positive or negative way. Ambika could not face the rishi, Vyasa, with a peaceful mind. Thus, whatever were Ambika's bodily symptoms at the time of mating, were passed to Ambika's son, early on in her womb.
Ambika, in the first instance, entered her chamber while the lamp was burning. The princess, seeing Vyasa's dark visage, his matted locks of copper hue, blazing eyes, his grim beard, closed her eyes in fear. The Rishi, from desire of accomplishing his mother's wishes, however knew her. But the latter, struck with fear, opened not her eyes even once to look at him.
When Vyasa came out, he was met by his mother, who asked him, 'Shall the princess have an accomplished son?' Hearing her, he replied, 'The son of the princess she will bring forth shall be equal in might unto ten thousand elephants. He will be an illustrious royal sage, possessed of great learning and intelligence and energy. The high-souled one shall have in his time a century of sons. But from the fault of his mother, for closing her eyes during a passionate moment, he shall be blind.
This son was named Dhrithrashta, who later fell in love with woman who blindfolded herself in order to share her soul mate's condition.
This son was named Dhrithrashta, who later fell in love with woman who blindfolded herself in order to share her soul mate's condition.
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| Dhrithrastha, the blind son of Vyasa and Ambika, who later marries a woman who desires to share his blindness. Source:: Storypick. |
Hey, Naomee, I enjoyed reading this story. I actually wished it was a bit longer because it was so interesting. I really wanted to know more about the characters from either the story or an author's note. I think an author's note would help readers who aren't familiar with the original story a) see the changes you made and b) understand the character's motivations. Either way, it is a great story.
ReplyDeleteHello again! First of all, the title "Blind Love" is intriguing and pulls readers in to determine what this story is about. The story is extremely descriptive which is fabulous because it allows readers to paint a picture in their minds as they read along. I agree with Erikah, I do wish the story was a bit longer so readers can grasp a better and more concrete understanding. Overall, great story though, keep up the great work! :)
ReplyDeleteHello, nice to meet you Naomee!
ReplyDeleteI just finished up reading your week 14 story "Blind Love", this was a good title choice for this type of story that you wrote, as it really pulls the reader in. I like how straight forward your story was. You only included important details and stayed away from fluff. Thank you for the good read!
hey again, Naomee! I think you did a great job on this story. I think the vivid imagery you used really set up the tone for the story. Also, the story was very short and to the point. I feel like this did't cut out any necessary details, however, and I still think you did a great job retelling this story. Great job and good luck with the rest of the semester!
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