There is a lot to learn from KR study. We could learn about Tamil language and its literature. Be able to compare our epics with the Western epics and understand the architectonics of Ramayana. We learn that while our epics follow a chronological order, western epics such as iliad began the story as close to the end as possible. While a dramatic opening had an advantage of arresting the imagination of the reader, the author is proud that our epics are such that generations will not willingly let (it) die. The epics have been listened, as lengthy as they are, with enthusiasm for months at a stretch. In fact it continues to be so thanks to cable TV.
The author opines that while the story is the same, here is a building which is built on the same plan no doubt, and with the same materials, but which possesses a striking individuality of its own.
We see the supernatural element in every epic says the author, in Ramayana it plays a very important part in the action of the story. They are mainly Rakshasas and Vanaras. Rakshasas are extraordinary beings, powerful, able to change form and fly. They have acquired these powers by performing austerities. In short they possess all the qualities and powers attributed to the greek gods. As a class they hate virtue and doers of virtue and love a life of vice and luxury. Destruction and humiliation of men and gods are their chief delight.
Ravana is even more extraordinary. He is able to lift mount Kailash with Shiva himself on it. His austerities have earned for him from Shiva and other gods power and strength only short of omnipotence.
Gods as such do not take an active part in the story. They have been conquered by their enemies, the rakshasas. Their world , the svarga, is in the hands of Ravana. Their wives and daughters are working as maids of Rakshasha 'women' in Lanka. They themselves are doing menial service to their rakshasa masters. Their king Indra is a wanderer away from his kingdom and throne. Even the supreme Three have been defeated by Ravana and live under a self-denying ordinance, resolving not to interfere with his doings till the strength of his austerities has begun to wane.
The situation was more serious than I had imagined. But luckily there was a solution, the gods took birth as Vanaras and Hanuman was endowed with even greater qualities and strength, he could change shape and fly. Garuda and Sampati were vultures, and the author said, they are the Indian version of Icarus and Daedalus. However Rama and his brothers were human in their actions and their physical condition, though they were divine in their ultimate nature.
Finally, all was not lost as gods still had their ability to load an astra with their power by means of a Mantra. Rama and Lakshmana on one side and the great leaders of Rakshasas are described as experts in a warfare using astras. In addition Rama's arrows had the power of returning to the quiver after their job was done!
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