Ramayana Worksheet
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Ramayana Worksheet
1. How was the epic transmitted?
2. How is the hero's pedigree mythically established?
3. What calls the hero to take action?
4. What tests does the hero have to endure?
5. What are the qualities of a hero revealed during the tests?
6. Who are the hero’s helpers?
7. Where does the hero's power come from?
8. What does the hero accomplish?
Identify:
Rama
Laxmana
Sita
Bharata
Ravana Ravana is a ten headed man with twenty arms, he is also the "demon-king" of Lanka. In many versions of Rama, Ravana is killed by Rama. Ravana is considered to be the face of all evil in India. In America, some might say, "Suzy (N.B- Suzy is a fictional character, invented for the purposes of this example) was acting like the devil last night." In India, someone might say, "Suzy was acting like Ravana last night." Ravana tends to be slightly self righteous and self involved. Ravana seems to be overly confident in himself. Ravana also had a love intrest, Sita. In some versions of Rama, Ravana held Sita captive, and advised her to marry him on many occasions. Although she always refused, Ravana never breached her boundaries. In modern day India, there is a festival known as Dusshera. This festival is held at the park and includes a reenactment of Rama and Ravana's intense battle (reenacted by huge doll like statues). Ravana is the embodiment of evil.
All information came from this website: http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/Religions/Avatars/Ravana.html
Caroline W.
Jatayu Jatayu is the vulture king, and in some sculptures he appears to look like a man with wings and a beak. Jatayu is the son of Garuda, and in the epic Ramayana, Jatayu involves himself in an intense battle with Ravana, the demon. While trying to rescue Sita, Jatayu slashes at Ravana, but, much like in Greek mythology, Ravana's limbs grow back almost instantaneously. Ravana swipes at Jatayu's wings and he falls to the ground, to his death. Jatayu's dying words, told to Rama and Lakshmana, the princes who found him dying, let the princes know where Sita was taken by Ravana. The princes are eternally grateful, and proceed to allow Jatayu to have a funeral. This is the basic journey of Jatayu.
All information came from this website: http://education.asianart.org/explore-resources/artwork/jatayus-jatayu-king-vultures-and-aide-rama-approx-1970
Caroline W.
Hanuman
Hanuman is one of the key deities in Hinduism. Sculpted, he appears to have a monkey like face and a chunky human body; this is fitting, because he is the monkey king. Hanuman tends to be favored among people who practice Hinduism because he assisted Rama on his journey. He is seen as a sort of lovable symbol that pushes away evil. Hanuman is the son of Vayu, the wind god, and Anjana, a cursed monkey. Hanuman was born when a crow dropped a magic piece of cake into the forest, Anjana ate it in the presence of Vayu; henceforth, Hanuman. Hanuman, a big eater, attempted to eat the sun, but was convinced not to. He grew into a strong and fast monkey-man. Hanuman was a large help in assisting Rama's battle with Ravana. He was such an amazing warrior, he could make himself the size of a mouse. This was a great help during battles. Supposedly in the legend of Rama, Hanuman, when no one could could cross the sea, he transformed into a huge flying creature and crossed. When no one could enter a room, he transformed himself into a miniscule creature and sled through the keyhole. Hanuman remains a beloved Hindu symbol, and continues to roam in the heavens.
All information came from this website: http://www.pantheon.org/articles/h/hanuman.html
Caroline W.
