Analytic essay on heroism in The Odyssey and Rama's Exile

Analytic on heroism in The Odyssey and Rama's Exile - Essay Example The main character Rama, is reincarnation of God Vishu who comes to earth as Rama to destroy the demonic forces that were creating havoc among the saints and the general public. The story enfolds with the King Dasrath of Ayodhya, who had four wives and five sons. Rama, being the eldest, was heir to the throne. One of the wives, Kaikai was brainwashed by her maid Manthara into forcing the king to nominate her son Bharat as his heir apparent and exile Rama for fourteen years. The king complies under pressure and dies. Bharat, meanwhile, refuses to accede to his father’s wishes but but agrees to manage the kingdom on his behalf. Later, Rama leaves for fourteen years of exile with his wife Sita and younger brother Laxman. During his exile, Rama kills demons and frees people from their evil acts and influence restoring peace and harmony. His killing of the legendary Ravan, a powerful demon King with ten heads, is the highlight of the great epic. Return of Sri Rama to Ayodhya, is ce lebrated with lighting of bulbs and lots of fireworks. The event is still celebrated among the Hindus as one of the major Hindu Festival known as Diwali. The epic has religious significance because the hero of the epic is assumed to be a reincarnation of God Vishnu, one of the deity in Hindu mythology. Rama embodies all the finer qualities of a man. He has high moral and ethical values which are amply demonstrated when he persuades his brother Bharat to accept the throne in order to keep the honour of the words of their father who had given a solemn promise to his mother Kaikai. Despite not being used to hardships of the life, he willing faced all the trials and tribulations of life as an ordinary mortal while in exile. ‘Rama’s heroism lies in his attitude as well as in his acts’ (Pollock, 578).Rama was a brave and fearless person who used his strength for the good of the human race. Even as a