Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part C

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Steeth teeth worn by Richard Kiel as the killer Jaws, The Spy Who Loved Me
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Iron-toothed and iron-jawed: Vajradanshtra and Vajranhanu
The picture of two generals both possessing either teeth or jaw of iron brings almost a cyberpunk aspect to this section of the Ramayana for me. Were they injured in battle, resulting in iron implants? Were they part-Vajra, born with iron instead of teeth and bone? Was one just simply terrible with his dental hygiene? I love the image of these crusty generals both begging Ravana for battle. One presents his mace, and the other is asking to actually eat Ravana's foes. This is dark and bloodthirsty, and could be a fantastic scene in a retelling of the meeting Ravana calls to ask for the advice of his warriors, princes, and chiefs. This could be shown as a war rally, or could just as easily be depicted, as in MacKenzie's retelling, as that of a defeated and desperate regrouping searching for answers and ideas.

Vibhishana, noble brother of Ravana who is responsible for Ravana's failure
Vibhishana approaches Ravana pleading for the cessation of war against Rama. His lifetime, spent in meditation and prayer, seems to have prepared him for comprehending the futility of warring against Rama, backed by the gods. He is the voice of reason within Ravana's court, but is predictably ousted for his message of peace. This character is highly significant, as he goes on to become instrumental in the eventual defeat of Ravana and his forces. Is it wisdom alone that granted him the foresight to predict Ravana's failure? Or could it have been divine intervention? He represents a strong outlier against the rest of Ravana's family, and perhaps this is a reminder that birth and circumstance play no role in destiny and moral alignment.

The events which occur on Ravana's side of this epic battle are recounted in far less detail than those which take place on Rama's. This is natural, as this is the Ramayana, and not the Ravanayana. I like examining the history and motives surrounding villains, and exploring the reasons for their choices. The bad guys are usually more interesting to me than the heroes in any story, and learning what made them "bad" is usually my favorite part.

Bibleography
Ravana's Court, Ramayana, The Epic of Rama, Prince of India, by Romesh Dutt
Vibhishana, Indian Myth and Legend, Donald A. MacKenzie

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