The Tain - Anthropological Importance

I really just have a theory on why an entire epic was written about two bulls. Let's face it, as awesome as the hero was and how annoying the vain Queen and her ambitions, the story was really about these two treasured bulls. They were revered and held about the lives of men. I think this is because food is such an important aspect of anyone's life. In Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs ..food is right at the bottom. It has to be fulfilled first before any other need can be tackled. Thus the idea of these bulls, animals that provide food and supplies, becomes so consuming to the Celtic people they write a story to illustrate how important it is. So instead of a woman causing a war like in the Iliad (which was really about honor, not love) it was all about FOOD!

Divine Intervention

What I find the most interesting about Greek mythology is the massive amount of influence the gods play on humanity. Not only do they watch over the people and have a say in everything they do, they even take human form and come to Earth. This is so different from modern religions in which the gods are all knowing but stay out of our lives for the concept of free will. So my question is this. Why do you think the Greek gods and goddesses interfer in the war (besides the obvious Aphrodite protecting her claim to most beautiful goddess) even after Zeus calls a withdrawal?

The Importance of Love

In the very beginning of the story Devavrata takes a vow of celibacy all because of his father. He does it so his dad can marry this random fisherman's daughter. His celibacy also plays a role later on in the story. It all started because his father loved this woman.

What other times in the Mahabharata can you think about how the importance of love impacted the story in a vital way?