Reading Notes: Sita's Ramayana, Part C

Bibliography. "Ramayana Part C" from Tales 101-150 of Tiny Tales from the Ramayana by Laura Gibbs. Web Source.

Focus Story: Sita's time as a captive of Ravana.

Synopsis from Part C: 

- Sugriva helps Rama save Sugriva. As Sugriva is crowned King of Kiskkindha, he employs monkeys to search Sita. They looked for her everywhere. In the end, they spot Sita on the horizon of the golden city, Lanka. Lanka was over 100 yojanas of ocean away. They learned of Ravana's doing. However, none of them was able to reach Lanka, except for Hanuman. 

- Sita has to deal with Ravana who continuously tries to seduce her. Ravana offers her everything from money to power, but Sita rejects him. He gave her an ultimatum, either to accept his advances to become his wife or be eaten. Little did he know, Hanuman heard this whole ordeal.

- Sita has to deal with Rakshasis but she remained strong. She believes Rama will come for her, dead or alive. However, in the end, she could not take it any longer and planned to end her life. Hanuman also witnessed this whole ordeal. As Sita was about to hang herself, Hanuman appears. Sita was vigilant and did not trust Hanuman as she was once fooled by Ravana. Hanuman gained her trust by showing Rama's signet-ring.  Sita (for whatever ridiculous reason) wanted Rama to be the one to free her. 

Sita and Hanuman (Source: Wikimedia)

- Ravana appears between Sita and Hanuman. He orders his son, Aksha to kill Hanuman. Hanuman kills Aksha instead. Ravana captures Hanuman and burns his tail as punishment. As his tail was burning, Hanuman lit the whole palace and all of Lanka. Hanuman returns to Rama with good news.

-Through everything, Rama does not give up on his wife. The war between Ravana and Rama begins then. Ravana tries to trick Sita into thinking her husband has died. Initially believing this, Sita was willing to die. Rama was willing to surrender for Sita's return. During the fight, Ravana forces Sita to witness her husband lying in a pool of blood but is convinced he is still alive.

Storytelling Idea: I'd like to tell the story from the perspective of Sita to Rama. Sort of a love letter about her thoughts and her mindset during her time as a captive of Ravana. I would like to emphasize on her strength, will, and devotion to Rama.