From: paulchem@tigger.cs.Colorado.EDU (Icarus)
Subject: Othenan's last fight  -- Excerpted Folk Tale -- Icarus.
Organization: The Net-Anarchists of SCI, Inc.
              Flaming Homer Division.
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1992 05:05:10 GMT

1] Folks, time for a story from the folk tales of Kerala.
   Folk Tales of Kerala. K. Jacob.

2]

      The Last Fight Of Othenan.
      --------------------------

Kathiroor Gurukkal was a well known master of the art of fencing. 
He had many followers, and could put a small army in the field,
if it came to a fight. He was a little envious of Othenan, and he was sure
that he himself was any day superior to him in the art of war.
Gurukkal wanted a trial of strength between them; in fact he was itching
for a fight.

An opportunity soon presented itself. Othenan was arranging to conduct a 
religious festivalk in his own place. A temporary shed was soon constructed
for the purpose with many fine decorations. The Gurukkal came and looked at\
it and made disparaging remarks about it. Othenan, however did not want to
make an issue of it, and tried to humour him. But unfortunately the Gurukkal
was bent on  a fight and othenan was no coward. The long and short of it was
that they challenged each other, and fixed a day for the fight.

It was not to be a mere duel. There wopuld be quite a good number of combatants
on either side. The Gurukkal was a past master  in the art of war,and was known
for his skill with the sword. Othenan's people were not very happy. When he
went to bid farewell to his wife Cheeru, she looked unhappy.

"Cheeru, my darling! Look up, do not worry.
I shall win this fight I know.", she said.
But she would not be comforted. She felt a grim foreboding.
Othenan tried to kiss her tears away.
He left after kissing his little son also.

The day for the battle dawned bright and clear.
Both parties got ready, and went to the Kalari(field) appointed for the 
fight.

Soon the fight began in good earnest. Othenan's friend Chappen and gurukkal
began a duel. It was a grim fight, but Chappen was no match for his opponent.
Othenan therefore joined the fray.

Long and terrible was that fight between the two champions of the day.
The people around held their breath. The Gurukkal was an expert, but so was 
Othenan. By clever footwork, othenan managed to trip up the Gurukkal and the 
latter fell down. In a moment Othenan's sword cut off the enemy's head and 
the fight was over.

After the victory Othenans party walked back in triumph. but on the way he
said 
"Oh, I have forgotten my dagger. I left it at the Kalari. "

He soon  walked back.


But a wicked friend of the enemy from his hiding place fired a gun at him and
sent a bullet through his forehead. The villain did not escape. He was killed
by an arrow shot by a member of othenan's party.

But Othenan fell down, and he knew that he was dying. His friends were in tears
But he said cheerful words to his elder brother
"Brother, I am not going to die", he said.
"It is only a slight wound"

Kommappa Kurup felt relieved. But it was only for a short time.
Very soon Othenan was dying and everyone could see it.
Chappen and the rest of them began crying.
Othenan said
"Dont cry, I have finished my work."

Then the agony of parting came to him.
He called his wifes name.
But she wasnt there.
He called the name of Ambadi, his little son.

"You must give my sword and shield to him he told Chappen.

Again he called his wifes name.

"Cheeru, dearest, I shall see you no more!
But no one should grieve for me. I have never brought shame on you."

The he called on the name of his Godess.

"Oh my Kavilamma!"

Then he died, one of the noblest and bravest sons of Kerala at
the early age of 32.

3]
  I rather liked the story.
  When we lived in Cannanore, Othenan was an almost tangible persona
  in the imagination of the people.

  I want to send in more of these very good stories time permitting.
  I will keep my promise to send in the continuation of the History
  Of Kerala and some continuations of the Dance form of Kathakali.
  Other topics I would like to send in are about temple architecture
  in Kerala, the formation of Kerala society and the effect and significance
  of Communism on Kerala.
  It might be of some interest to you to know that Kerala as the first state
  to elect a communist government by popular vote had assumed considerable
  importance to students of politics, both national and international.

  Needless to say there is no way of changing or improving the group 
  without feedback in the form of replies or posts.



4] We seem to have done well enough so far on alt.culture.kerala.
  A quick pat on our collective backs :-)
  Looking forward to seeing more of your posts.
  Wishing all of you a happy Onam even though we are far from home.

5] Stay Cool.
  

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.    o o      signito ergo sum.              paul chemmanoor.                .
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