When we started with this particular section, I was absolutely floored by the fact that there have been full trials that last for decades on what is commonly accepted as a fictional tale. I am still trying to decide how the story of Rama is considered a fairytale. It may contain elements that are found in fairytales, but seems to me to be much more of a cultural epic, like that of Homer and the Iliad or the Odyssey. The actual events of the stories do not seem to indicate a fairytale either. While the main characters are fighting their way through a series of troubles, most of their problems come from very outside influences, and not people that are much closer to them. (In the majority of fairytales, the antagonist is a family member or someone of personal acquaintance to the protagonist.) But here it seems that most of the troubles arise from fairy creatures.
It is after hearing some of the stories of Rama and his bride Sita that I realize in one of my favorite movies, they tell the stories of Rama. (I had originally thought these to be the 1001 Nights...) One of the most beautiful renditions of the tales of Rama (looking at them as a Cinema major), though sadly brief, is when they were depicted in Alfonso Cuarón's A Little Princess. Here they illustrated some of the tales (though they were mostly of the Indian influence, they still contained many of the Arabic elements.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11mPJP89zFo
I hope that one day I will be able to go through and actually read these stories. Having been so influential on the Indian community is amazing. Even in the US, those of Hindu faith still hold tight to these stories as cultural gems.
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