Page 159 - Communication Processes Volume 3 Communication Culture and Confrontation

134 Guy Poitevin

(Table 4.2 Continued)
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Indra Megharaj and earth, the Sungod Surya
space of conflict and stake
4th sequence: Revenge
Indra orders the donkey Indra orders both the
to be brought to him, nostrils of the donkey to
muzzled. be enlarged flat.
Source: Created by the author.

Thematic Analysis
Scenario for a Conflict

The pattern of the narrative is structurally similar to the scenario of
the conflict projected in Vdr-02 and to some extent in Vdr-18. Our
reading here will concentrate on its essential elements. A comparison
of the three myths proves helpful to construct and articulate a sort of
logical pattern that I like to label as a conflict scenario, irrespective of
its various ‘actants’ and their shifting roles.

1. The conflicts start as a quarrel between two individual parties:
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l Hanuman/Vayu against Surya/all gods (Vdr-02);
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l Indra against Surya/all gods (Vdr-17); and
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l Hanuman/Śankar against Surya/Indra/all gods (Vdr-18).
.
The quarrel from the start appears to be not an occasional feud
but a standing opposition.
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2. In the three myths, Surya the sun god is the target of the aggres-
sion. The first party takes the initiative through:
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l swallowing Surya;
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l pulling Surya down to earth; and
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l plucking Surya as a fruit to be eaten.
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The aggression aims at taking hold of Surya and humiliating him.
The initial provocative step is the symptom of a deep hostility
which then unfolds itself. The myth could end with this petty
blow of no consequence. Such is not the case. The initial blow
only inaugurates the frontal attack.