01:09 AM

Lately three women from the royal palace and one woman from the ancient myth circle in my mind.

Why don’t we start with the myth, first, since it’s easier.

Her name is Bari — short for Baridegi — who is now known as the Princess Bari.

And Bari, oh Bari, where do I begin with . . .

I had first heard about her back when I was middle school or high school.

The teacher used to make students get up and read our textbook, so the day I learned about her life, I had no choice but to read or listen intently.

She born as the seventh daughter from a poor family that desperately wanted a son.

Sons were important back in those days since they could inherit and provide for the family.

So when Bari’s parents saw that they had yet another girl, they couldn’t hide their disappointment.

They were, in fact, so mad and furious that they almost wanted to throw away the child.

Sadly, that’s why her name is Baridegi — it means, “The Abandoned.”

Now I want to go deeper into this story, imagine her life, her mother’s life, her father’s life, her six sisters’ lives, and everyone who had worked and lived with them — their chickens, dogs, flowers, and food.

I’ll continue tomorrow.