Hero Myths

In most societies, stories are told of great heroes who were born with supernatural powers who are triumphant in their dealings or battles. Heroes have a tendency of fighting for the freedom and liberation of other persons and at the end of it all they end up not enjoying the fruits of their fight for liberty. They pass through struggles after which they emerge victorious. Their heroic acts are narrated from one generation to the next. These are referred to as hero myths. They represent the mind of the individual. Myths serve the functions of instilling and maintaining a sense of awe and mystery before the world, providing a symbolic image for the world, maintaining the social order by giving divine justification to social practices, and above …show more content…
Rama’s call to adventure is his banishment, and his entry into the unfamiliar forest is his initiation into the unknown world. His dismemberment from society is his symbolic death. His family accompanying him, as well as the royal charioteer, Sumantra, who drives him out of the city, are his helpers. Rama and his companions continue their life in the forest and their peace is disrupted when they encounter the sister of Ravana, Surpanakha, who wishes to marry Rama. Rama mocks her, and she attacks Sita unsuccessfully. Rama realizes his mistake in teasing such a creature. Lakshmana draws his sword and cuts her ears and nose off. The demon-woman flees to her brother, Khara, who dispatches fourteen warriors to attack Rama and his companions. When they are defeated, Khara, himself, attacks Rama. Rama slays him, but Surpanakha and another demon manage to flee to Lanka, to speak to Ravana, the lord of the demons (The …show more content…
Although the story does not reveal if Rama’s mother is a virgin, it reveals that his father is a king and the circumstances of Rama’s birth remain unorthodox. Rama’s birth cannot be considered a virgin birth, but it appears to be divine because of Vishnu involvement in the conception of the King’s children in which later Rama is born. Although Rama is actually Vishnu reborn, his birth has godly influence making him like a son of a god. In this story, there is a hateful mother-figure, Kaikeyi’s maid. Rama is spirited away, but is not technically reared by anyone in the forest. He becomes a guest to many hermits. There are minor details of his childhood. After slaying the father-figure Ravana, he returns home and becomes king, with Sita by his side. His reign is a happy one and order spreads throughout the land. The Ramayana is an ideal example of a myth teaching others regulations and propriety in life. Rama is devoted to the Vedas, a set of religious rules regarding morality. Rama is the archetype of humbleness. He understands the sacrifice he must make in order to preserve his father’s name. He is honored for his purity, thus persuading others to follow in his (The