
In Episode 3 “A Flowering Tree” @donnaleefields and Vanessa dive deep into this Indian fairy tale translated to English by A. K. Ramanujan to understand its significance, relevance and historical context. The story is a Kannada folklore that tells the tale of a young woman, Kumudha, who discovers that she has the magical ability to transform herself into a flowering tree. She uses this gift to support her impoverished family, but her transformation is later exploited. The story explores themes of magic, transformation, and the vulnerability of women, establishing a connection between women and nature. It is a woman-centered tale that highlights the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by women. The narrative involves elements of impossible events and mythic archetypes that resonate with universal human experiences.