Week 11 Story: The Prized Jewel
Once upon a time there was a prized jewel that all of the king's of land wanted to possess. All of the kings had fought over this jewel for years and thought that it produced wealth to whom possessed it. It all started when the Sun God sat the jewel down in plain sight for taking. When the King of the bears saw this he flew down from the top of his mountain so fast and took it for himself.
Soon later, Akura was able to take the jewel for himself. He soon realized that with him having the jewel he would not be able to see his loved one because he would be way too busy trying to protect it. This meant that Krishna was able to get his hands on the jewel.
Krishna began to gain wealth daily as long as he kept the jewel around his neck. The wealth came in wagon loads of gold daily and Krishna never had to worry about anything when it came to that. Balarama, Krishna's brother found out that Krishna had obtained the prized jewel and demanded half of it and its possessions.
Soon after they completed their agreement all of the other kings started rumors that Krishna did not really possess the prized jewel and was faking his agreement with Balarama. All of the kings knew that Krishna really had the prized jewel but they wanted it for themselves so they sabotaged him.
When Balarama heard of the rumors he was furious and ran out into the forest. There was a huge mistake and the lion king thought that Balarama had the prized jewel and killed him but, he did not. Krishna had chases Balarama out into the forest but it was too late.
Krishna was traumatized by his experience with the prized jewel because it only brought him pain and worry. He claimed that the gold was nice but it was never worth the life of his brother. He called upon the Sun God to take the prized jewel back so that he did not have to continue to experience all of the pain.
The Sun God came down from the heavens and took the prized jewel back and returned back deep into his cave and him or the jewel were never to be seen again.
Author's Note: This story was based off of The Syamantaka Jewel. In the story the Sun God in answer took from round his neck the great Syamantaka jewel and put it aside. Jambavat, King of the Bears, looking down from his mountain throne above the forest, saw the great jewel glittering between the lion's teeth. Akrura agreed and took back the Syamantaka jewel and wore it round his neck. Fearing that he should lose this chance of seeing Surya face to face, he said, "Great Sun God, you have blessed me far above other men by descending on earth to honour me. Now Krishna thought that it ill became a mere noble like Satrajit to possess so splendid a jewel. Then Krishna knew that he had the great jewel in his keeping for it furnished its owner daily with eight wagonloads of gold, and this and not the qualities inherited by him from his father was the real secret of Dwarka's prosperity, while he lived in it. At once Balarama sprang to his feet and claimed a half share in the jewel under his agreement with Krishna. Balarama did not believe his brother and thought that Krishna had found the great gem but was hiding it so as to cheat Balarama of his share. When Krishna heard of this false rumor, he called to him a picked band of Yadavas and, following the tracks of Prasena's horse, came to the spot where the lion had killed him. With all speed he ran into the forest and, killing the lion with one blow of his terrible paw, took the Syamantaka jewel back to the cave that behind his throne pierced deep into the mountains. "As you offer me a boon, great god," he said, "the boon I would ask of you is the Syamantaka jewel." "Take it," answered Surya and, leaving his worshipper gazing with greedy eyes at the matchless gem, the god returned in his chariot to the heavens. They had just finished the rites and were about to return sadly to their homes when the eastern sky was lit up with such a radiance that, although the sun was sinking in the West, the mourners thought that another sun was rising in the East.
In my version of the story I incorporated a theme of Karma. I liked the idea of adding a sense of greediness and then it coming back to bite Krishna and the other kings in the butt. I also liked the idea of adding in all the kings fighting for the prized jewel to make it seem mored prized and desired amongst all.
Bibliography: Shri Krishna of Dwarka and Other Stories, C. A. Kincaid, Story
Hi KG,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this story! I definitely got the karma vibe that you were going for since everyone who had it had something bad happen to them in return. I especially like how you mentioned that even though good things did happen, those good things did not outweigh the bad, so in the end, the jewel was not worth stealing in the first place. One suggestion I have is maybe describe what the jewel looked like! Clearly, it was very beautiful since so many people and creatures wanted it for themselves. I think adding this detail could really add some spice to the story! Overall, great job!
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read your source material on this one, but this was a fun story. As another commenter said I can get the sense of karma you were going for - sure this is a some sort of prize jewel but at what cost? I'd love to get a better sense of what this jewel is they are fighting over. It's apparently awesome enough to fight and kill for, but Krishna can just wear it around his neck like it's no big deal. Maybe it shrinks so you can wear it or maybe Krishna digs big jewelry. Either way! Thank you for sharing your story.