Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana Part B

The Golden Deer
I think this is a fitting story about greed. Sita wants the deer simply because it is beautiful and gets kidnapped while Rama is off chasing it for her and Lakshmana rushes to his aid. Sita seems to be at a least some degree of fault for what happens to her because of her insistence first that Rama capture the deer and second that Lakshmana go to help her possibly injured husband. Sita does not listen to reason when it comes to protecting herself or doing what’s best for the group.

Deer
The deer is described as being golden with some spots and sapphire antlers. It sounds more like an object of wealth than a living creature. The description of its beauty is very long and it seems strange to me that the thought would be to capture such a beautiful animal. I think it is a very fitting metaphor about being greedy.

Plot Summary:

• Sita sees Maricha disguises as a deer and wants the deer for herself
• Sita insists that Rama capture the deer.
• Lakshmana warns against chasing the deer
• Rama chases the deer and while he is gone Maricha pretends to be Rama and cries out for help
• Sita demands Lakshmana go and make sure Rama is alright.
• Ravana kidnaps Sita 

The Golden Deer (Paley)

Sources

Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913)

Ramayana, The Epic of Rama, Prince of India, condensed into English verse by Romesh Dutt (1899).