Reading Notes: Mythology and Folklore Anthology

Origins:

• Man in the Moon
• Uses undeveloped characters but still presents a clear story with a clear lesson
• This story uses repetition to paint the plot of the story
• Rabbit in the Moon
• Each character represents a different way the moral code is broke
• This story uses a religious deity 
• Both stories involve a wise being that is responsible for provoking change

The Divine:

• The Eight-Forked Serpent of Koshi
• This story uses a lot of dialogue to convey its story

The Supernatural:

• The Indian Who Wrestled with a Ghost
• This story explains an action: "this is why people listen to ghosts"
• I like that this story is easy to follow
• More description is used in this story which I think is helpful

Metamorphosis:

• Pygmalion
• The author adds depth to Pygmalion's character as the short story progresses
• We find out first he is turned off by the hearts of females, then its revealed he is a masterful sculptor, then we discover his longing for a companion, finally we discover that he is in favor with the gods and is a hero
• The tone of the words used almost make you forget about how weird his obsession with his "Ivory Girl"is  and feel bad for him

Tricksters: 

• The Tiger, the Brahman, and the Jackal
• This tale uses sets of three to convey a sense of pattern throughout the story
• Three main players in the story
• Three questions asked (to the road, buffalo, and tree)
• Inanimate things/animals talk and act like humans

Fables: 

• Lion Fables
• These are short, sweet, and full of meaning 
• I really like the second fable because there are several different ways you could interpret it
• The true value of friendship
• The value of gratitude
• Each fable uses the lion and uses him to represent royalty, strength, or violence
• This continuity helps the four fables flow together seamlessly

Fairy Tales:

• The Three Roses
• Begins with "Once Upon a Time"
• This follows the same pattern as the traditional story but uses an entirely female set of characters (aside from the Basilisk)
• This story ends happily ever after

The Lion, Brahman, and Jackal. Web Source: Anthology