Reading Notes: The Five Tall Sons of Pandu Part B

Picture Information: Author: Ravi Varma Press, Date: 1910, Desc: Draupadi and Pandavas, Link 

Reading Source: Author: Richard Wilson, Title: The Indian Story Book: The Five Tall Sons of Pandu, Date: 1914, Link 

Section 7: Preparations for War

    In Virata's court, the brothers are deciding if they want to commit to war or try to find another way to appease both sides. Balarama, Krishna's brother wants to make peace, but Satyaki wants war. Draupadi tries to help out and says that the brother should look for allies while also trying to make peace with Duryodhana. Krishna goes to Duryodhana on a peace mission, but it doesn't work and war is inevitable.

Section 8: The Battle Begins

    The first battle starts. Arjuna doesn't want to fight against his own uncle and cousins, but Krishna persuades him to fight. Bhishma is the general of Duryodhana's army and the battle swings in their favor on the first day. On the second day, the brothers fight back and regain the advantage. Bhisma tells Duryodhana that they are losing because the gods are assisting the Pandavas. Bhima ends up killing many of Duryodhana's brothers and the battle continues.

Section 9: Bhisma and Drona Fall

   Shikhandin was a fighter for the brothers. He was initially a woman but was transformed into a male. Bhishma told himself that he would never fight a woman so he let his guard down. When this happened, the brothers shot him full of arrows. Before his death, he asks Duryodhana to make peace, but he refuses. Karna learns that he is Arjuna's cousin, but still wants to kill him. Drona ends up being the next general for Duryodhana. Drona ends up being killed by Dhrishtadyumna, Draupadi's brother. Karna ends up being the next general to take over.

Section 10: General Karna

    Karna and Arjuna face off in battle, but it turns out to be a draw. They decide to fight the next day, but the results are the same. 

Section 11: Arjuna and Karna

    After a little fight, Yudhishthira and Arjuna apologize to each other. Arjuna goes out to fight Karna again. Arjuna's bow breaks, and he isn't allowed to get another weapon. Karna's chariot wheel breaks and he tries to get a time out so he can get another. Since he didn't allow Arjuna to get a new bow, they decide to not let him. Arjuna shoots Karna fatally with an arrow and he dies.

Section 12: The End

    Duryodhana still wants to fight even after Karna's death. Shalya is the next general. Yudhisthira kills Shalya and Duryodhana tries to run into the forest. The brothers find him and Bhima knocks out Duryodhana. Apparently, Ashwathaman killed all of the Pandavas' sons. Duryodhana dies after hearing this news. It is revealed that Karna is actually their brother and the brothers mourn for his death.