Week 6 Story: The Meek Prince
A long time ago in the kingdom of Lanka there lived two twin
princes that were coming of the age to look for a wife and be wed. The two boy’s
names were Shirma and Brahima. Although they were twins, the two young men were
quite different from one another in both looks and attitude. Shirma was the
first born of the two and was much larger and mightier than his brother
Brahima. Shirma had long flowing hair and skin that was as fair as a lotus
petal. He was also much more out going that Brahima. In today’s lingo, one
might say he had a certain “bad-boy” swagger to him. Not that he was looking
for trouble or was trouble but instead like he knew he was better than anyone
else and let everyone know he knew. Brahima on the other hand was quite the
opposite. He was meek, and mind toned.
Now, each knew that their time for marriage was coming upon
them and both knew that there was only one princess in all of India that would
be suitable for them as a wife. That was the fair Shala from Sikkim. She was
the most beautiful girl in all of India and the kindest as well. Everyone knew
that all the people loved her and that she would make a great queen one day.
Although the two brothers loved each other, they knew that only one could take
the hand of Shala. This chance would soon come for them because a swayamwara was
set to take place for Shala’s hand in marriage.
No one knew what the task would be that the men would have
to accomplish to win the hand of Shala when they arrived at the castle of Sikkim.
They soon found out that it was much more difficult
than anyone could have
imagined. In the middle of the palace courtyard that was a shaft stuck in the
ground. Atop of it there was a golden fish with a target on the side. It was enclosed
by a box with one tiny hole on one side. Also, on that side was a wheel that
contained spokes much like a wheel on a bicycle that would turn around and around
blocking the hole. The task was to pick a bow that was lying next to the pole
and shoot the fish with a flaming arrow. The fish would burst into flames and
the winner would be given the hand of Shala. Everyone that had come to
participate in the swayamwara became paralyzed with shock at the difficulty of
the task. Shirma, even with all of his confidence was struck with awe at the
sight of what must be done. No one wanted to even try and complete the task
because they didn’t want to bring shame upon them when they failed. Finally,
after some time of waiting for anything to happen, Brahima grabbed the bow off
the ground. He took an arrow and lit it aflame with a torch that had been lit
nearby. Sighlently he strung the bow and pulled back the arrow to take aim.
Suddenly he heard out of the crowd his brother yell at him and say, “Don’t miss
and look like a fool brother!” Everyone kind of gave a chuckle at this remark,
well, everyone but Brahima. Closing his eyes, he took and deep breath and then
as he slowly exhaled be let go of the string. The arrow went whizzing through the
air and then woosh! The fish could be seen glowing inside of the box. Everyone
was struck with disbelief. Shala came running down to her new husband, happy
that Brahima had been the one to win her hand because she knew what a kind and
gracious man he was.
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| From the original story, Arjuna shooting the fish |
Author's Notes
For this story I based it upon the story found in the Mahabharata "Draupadi's Swayamwara". In this story Arjuna would win the hand of Draupadi by shooting a golden fish off a long pole with a large bow. I really enjoyed this story but there were some parts I thought I might change up. In the real story there is a boy named Karna that was about to win the hand of Draupadi but instead was cast aside because she did not want him as a husband. I felt bad for him so I tried to make this story centered around a boy that probably was cast out as a real contender to win the hand of the princess but then in the end gets the bride.
Bibliography
Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913).
This was a fun story to read. What a challenge these brothers had to compete in to win the hand of Shala. I was not expecting brahima to wind up winning this challenge. I thought he would be too timid to even attempt the challenge. I enjoyed that ending.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this story, love stories always grab my attention. but this story was a love fight between two brother which made it even more fun to read. having two brothers compete for one girl was funny to read to. Even though they were twins they were totally two different people which was interesting. This was a very good story line.
ReplyDeleteHey Kasey! "The Meek Prince" was such a good story. Tales about royalty are soo much fun to read. I also thought that your author's note was very informational. I think that it was good to also explain the original story to the read as well. I also like the way that you presented the story. It was nice how there was not a whole lot of dialogue.
ReplyDeleteHey Kasey! I really enjoyed this story and the ending was a great way to finish it between the brothers. Everyone loves a good brother fight which is why this was so entertaining. I liked how you described the bow and arrow with the flames and what not. I truly could imagine everything. The ending was great too because who doesn't like an underdog story?
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