Rakshasas are often depicted as monstrous, baneful, and negatively impulsive creatures, examples being Ravana, Surpanakha, and their siblings. Examples of actions include Surpanakha's lust for Rama, Machira's deception by transforming into a golden deer, and Ravana's kidnapping of Sita.
Exceptions to these depictions do exist, however. Kabandha is one such example, who requests his form and nature as a Rakshasas be burned away so that he arises again as a Gandharva, a heavenly being. In return, he tells Rama where Sita has been taken.
Vibhishana is yet another example. This younger brother of Ravana sees rationale in returning Sita to Rama, lest Ravana incite doom onto his kingdom. He is banished for assumed treason, crossing over to join Rama's forces in turn. Vibhishana is even crowned the new king of Lanka after his brother's death in the war against Rama.
A conversation between Rama and Vibhishana would make for an interesting story. Two princes, both exiles, each contending with personal issues surrounding the circumstances of the war, their banishment, the lives they involved in the struggle, and the natures of humans and demons. They would converse about these topics.
Could also take place after The Sorrows of Sita for extra conversation material.
Also provides a chance to wrap up loose ends with some other characters like Rama's brothers, Surpanakha, Hanuman, as well as the status of the two kingdoms.
Vibhishana is yet another example. This younger brother of Ravana sees rationale in returning Sita to Rama, lest Ravana incite doom onto his kingdom. He is banished for assumed treason, crossing over to join Rama's forces in turn. Vibhishana is even crowned the new king of Lanka after his brother's death in the war against Rama.
A conversation between Rama and Vibhishana would make for an interesting story. Two princes, both exiles, each contending with personal issues surrounding the circumstances of the war, their banishment, the lives they involved in the struggle, and the natures of humans and demons. They would converse about these topics.
Could also take place after The Sorrows of Sita for extra conversation material.
Also provides a chance to wrap up loose ends with some other characters like Rama's brothers, Surpanakha, Hanuman, as well as the status of the two kingdoms.
Losing Sita gives us the first instnace of Rama showing grief in the Ramayana. Exploring Rama's emotions regarding events would be a good idea. Are there any regrets he has?
Sita possesses remarkable fortitude, able to reject Ravana's declarations of love several times and stand surrounded by demons without fear.
A very visceral war with much chaotic imagery, from weapons both mortal and magical to the incredible feats of strength demonstrated by the apes and Rakshasas.
Sita possesses remarkable fortitude, able to reject Ravana's declarations of love several times and stand surrounded by demons without fear.
A very visceral war with much chaotic imagery, from weapons both mortal and magical to the incredible feats of strength demonstrated by the apes and Rakshasas.
Ramayana, inspiration taken from Donald A. Mackenzie's Indian Myth and Legend (1913)
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