Epics of India: Week 7 Reading Diary B: The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata

This guy and his gambling "skills". He has nothing better to do in the last 12 years than practice dice throwing?
All the Pandavas disguise themselves on their last year of exile to get away from the spying eyes of their eldest cousin.

Yudhishthira disguises himself as Kanka, a gambler. Bhima becomes a cook named Ballaba. Arjuna takes the name Brihannala and will be a dancing teacher. Nakula takes the name Granthika and works in the stables, while Sahadeva takes the name Tantripala and becomes a cowherd. Draupadi will be Queen Sudeshna's maid under the name Sairandhri. Source

I think it is interesting that the subject of rape was brought up in both Indian epics. What is most curious is the responses in both stories. Even though Sita stayed loyal to her husband, Rama did not want anything to do with her for it looked bad to his kingdom. Draupadi almost got raped, went to one of her husbands (Bhima), and demanded vengeance. Which, he ultimately gave her quite willingly.
It is really messed up that upon seeing her face, the court decides to laugh off the attack rather than stand up to Prince Kichaka. Shame on them, bet they wouldn't have said that if they really knew she was a princess.
I definitely enjoy Draupadi's strong personality to that of Sita's. She took her punishment like a champ. Although, it must be nice to be married to five of the strongest and most powerful men alive.
Prince Duryodhana really is super hateful for wanting to demolish the city after Prince Kichaka's doom.
I am glad they decided to go to war instead of favoring peace by going into exile for another 12 years. Reoccurring pattern.
I wonder how old Prince Arjuna's son and his wife was. Like around 13, 14, 15 years old? Old enough to bear a son, I guess.
I guess King Yud makes it up to everyone in the end with his loyalty and takes everyone to heaven. Way better ending than Ramayana.