In Search of Myths and Heroes

Ever since I was little, I've always loved folktales and mythology. After becoming enthralled with Michael Wood's famous and amazing series, The Story of India, I wanted to explore his other work. This program focuses on four of the world's most famous mythological stories, explores the actual geographic locations where they were said to have taken place, and analyzes historical and religious texts to see how the myths have been shaped and changed over the centuries and influenced by many different cultural traditions.

The Queen of Sheba
First appearing in the Old Testament of the Bible, this legendary queen is claimed by the Ethiopians to be the mother of their first king via a relationship with King Solomon. In the Yemeni tradition, she is the ruler of a vast kingdom, fabulously wealthy from the historical Arabian incense trade.

Arthur: Once and Future King
While believed by many to be the quintessential English folktale, Arthur's legend was composed over a period of hundreds of years and influenced by stories from Ireland, France and most of all, the rich and enduring traditions of the Celts, Britain's original inhabitants.

Shangri-La
A hidden valley in the Himalayas where the wisdom of humanity is preserved to rebuild the world after violence, corruption and lust for power has destroyed it. Drawing on ancient Indian philosophy, Wood travels straight into Tibet and visits mysterious monasteries and magnificent mountains.

Jason and the Argonauts
One of the most famous of all Greek myths, this story of an ocean voyage to retrieve a magnificent treasure is actually a tale of how the Greeks first started planting colonies in the resource-rich areas of the Black Sea, and how many of those ancient traditions still remain alive today.

The most unique and enchanting aspect of the series is the "storytelling". Whenever a text or source is quoted, the screen displays a black room lit only by candlelight, and a woman (a different one for each episode) recites the words in a soft and mysterious voice (each brings a unique touch, but the one for the "Shangri-La' episode is particularly adept).

Simply put, anyone looking for good historical information, highlighted by dramatic scenery, camerawork and captivating storytelling, this is the series for you!    

Book Review: A Kingdom Divided

Sequel to Raiders from the North (See [link])

If a single fault could be detected with part two of Alex Rutherford's new series, it would have nothing to do with the story itself. I had acquired this volume via the Internet, being so eager to continue the story, but unbeknownst to me, this book was not yet released by an American publisher and was titled differently (Brothers at War). Encountering the "official" version at Barnes & Noble sometime later, I was initially concerned that the plot and text may have been altered for American consumers. However, several quick skims revealed no significant deviations, and the story could now be fully appreciated.

With the death of Babur, control of the fragile Moghul Empire has now passed to his eldest son, Humayun. Almost immediately, however, his treasonous brothers launch plots to claim the empire for themselves. On his eastern frontier, Humayun must combat Sher Shah (another who desires to posses the throne), as well as battle his own personal demons of opium addiction.

Forced in to exile, Humayun wanders from northwest India to Afghanistan to Persia for over a decade, his only comforts being his new wife and the birth of his son, Akbar. After surviving battle, betrayal and the kidnapping of his heir, Humayun finally catches and punishes his brothers. With the now adolescent Akbar at his side, the exiled emperor finally reconquers his empire of Hindustan and is once again seated on the throne, only to die falling down stairs six months later.

Drawing the reader much further into the wealth and culture of India than the previous volume (which mainly focused on Central Asia), Rutherford has painted a colorful and magnificent picture of one of the greatest ruling families in world history, complete with all the rivalries, hopes, happiness and bitterness that would do a Shakespearean drama proud.

Book Review: Raiders from the North

In the coming years, India will no doubt emerge as a leading superpower in today's world. However, throughout the long history of this mighty nation, powerful empires, sophisticated culture and vast wealth in natural resources have never been in short supply. One of the greatest and most luxurious periods of Indian history is captures in a groundbreaking new series of novels by author Alex Rutherford; "Empire of the Moghul".

The first novel in the series centers around Babur, the founder of the Moghul dynasty. After becoming the ruler of a small Central Asian tribal kingdom at the age of twelve, Babur is immediately faced with almost constant battle, hardship and conspiracy amongst his own court and comrades. Always on the watch for the rival Uzbeks and his sworn enemy Shaibani Kahn, Babur endures betrayal, extreme cold and heat and he tests the loyalty of his troops and followers to the absolute breaking point.

Later, in his adulthood, Babur leads a massive army across the towering Hindu Kush mountains to invade India. With one earth-shattering battle, he controls most of the north of the country ("Hindustan"). Unfortunately, before the kingdom can be fully put together Babur dies, leaving the empire at the mercy of rivalry between his four ambitious sons.

Filled with beautiful and gritty historical detail and brimming with plenty of wonderfully developed characters, Raiders from the North will delight any lover of Indian history, or anyone who simply looker for a good story.

Movie Review: Jodhaa Akbar

I first came across this movie as part of a recommendation list on my Netflix account. It captured my attention but I was never overly inclined to see it. Now, however, after immersing myself in Alex Rutherford's spellbinding historical fiction series Empire of the Moghul, I finally decided to try this movie, and I was completely blown away.

The film showcases the early reign of Akbar the Great, the third emperor of the 16th century Moghul Dynasty of India. Descended from a Muslim tribal clan in Central Asia, Akbar was famous for promoting religious tolerance within the boundaries of his empire, and this shines through in the film. This inclusionist policy earns him friends and enemies, both in neighboring provinces and within his oun court and family.

The other leading face in the film is Jodhaa, princess of the Indian region of Rajasthan, played by Bollywood legend Aishwarya Rai. Although promised to Akbar in marriage to gain an alliance, the vivacious and headstrong Hindu proves more than a match for the Muslim emperor, and in time their marriage blossoms into a true romance.

Although some features do deviate from the historical record (based on my own knowledge and reviews posted by other Netflix viewers), a powerful love story set against a background of political intrigue and family drama, coupled with some classic Bollywood song-and-dance routines, combine to create perhaps to most moving and dramatic foreign film I have ever seen.