In this feature, we outline the chapters of The Legend of Ponnivala as we've laid them out in the animated and print series. The sub-story descriptions are those that occur in each episode, and are drawn from our Teacher's Handbook.
Lord Shiva has cursed a farming family to barrenness due to the death of some cows. But then he decides to lessen its impact by creating a little baby and hiding it under some stones. Once found, this baby is adopted and loved. But then the parenting couple die suddenly and the young boy is orphaned.
The child is found when the landowner discovers that one of his cows is not feeding its calf. There seems to be little milk it its udder. Following the cow and questioning the shepherd the landowner finally finds a beautiful baby under a large pile of rocks in his field. The cow with the empty udder had been secretly feeding it. This child shines “like the sun itself.” When the farmer takes it home his wife the wife takes a few minutes to adjust to the idea, asks some questions, and then becomes overjoyed at the prospect of keeping and raising the little infant as her own.
After only five years of joy, the parents who adopted the little boy both die. The Lord of Death shows them no mercy and they must take the ladder the heaven only hours after they learn of their fate. Their adoring son is left behind. The neighbouring Chola monarch who attends their funeral tries to console him and rebuild his confidence. This ruler gives the clansmen the right to use the lands for a few years, but they have to agree to return these fine fields to the boy when he grows up. As soon as this gentle ruler leaves, however, the clansmen of the boy’s parents begin their abuse. They attack the little hero verbally and beat him physically. Their motive is obvious. They want intimidate him and make sure that the family’s land will become theirs forever. These men quickly destroy the farmer king’s palace and drag the frightened little boy off.
Lord Shiva has cursed a farming family to barrenness due to the death of some cows. But then he decides to lessen its impact by creating a little baby and hiding it under some stones. Once found, this baby is adopted and loved. But then the parenting couple die suddenly and the young boy is orphaned.
A Babe is Found!
The child is found when the landowner discovers that one of his cows is not feeding its calf. There seems to be little milk it its udder. Following the cow and questioning the shepherd the landowner finally finds a beautiful baby under a large pile of rocks in his field. The cow with the empty udder had been secretly feeding it. This child shines “like the sun itself.” When the farmer takes it home his wife the wife takes a few minutes to adjust to the idea, asks some questions, and then becomes overjoyed at the prospect of keeping and raising the little infant as her own.
An Orphan Created by His Parents' Death
After only five years of joy, the parents who adopted the little boy both die. The Lord of Death shows them no mercy and they must take the ladder the heaven only hours after they learn of their fate. Their adoring son is left behind. The neighbouring Chola monarch who attends their funeral tries to console him and rebuild his confidence. This ruler gives the clansmen the right to use the lands for a few years, but they have to agree to return these fine fields to the boy when he grows up. As soon as this gentle ruler leaves, however, the clansmen of the boy’s parents begin their abuse. They attack the little hero verbally and beat him physically. Their motive is obvious. They want intimidate him and make sure that the family’s land will become theirs forever. These men quickly destroy the farmer king’s palace and drag the frightened little boy off.
