The beginning of the book lays out each character's story and history.
I was very surprised to read that Rama had exiled Sita, especially since she was pregnant with Rama's children at that time.
Narada (a Vedic sage) asks Valmiki (the poet) to help Sita and teach Rama's story to her children. Brahma tells Rama's story to Valmiki who then teaches it to Rama's sons. I saw Valmiki as a sort of wise, authority-type figure.
Kusha and Lava - Rama's sons
King Dasharatha -on a quest to find children- plans a sacrifice so he can get sons.
He ends up having 4 children: Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna. He has these children with three women: Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra.
Ravana, the demon lord, challenges and defeats Indra, the god. The gods are forced to work in Ravan's palace. This was disappointing considering Ravana's foul intentions. I like Ravana even less after reading Narayan's version.
Rakshasas are unrighteous spirits (Wikipedia). Vishwamitra describes the creation of the rakshasas. After taking over Lanka City (which was built for them by the architect of the gods), and being attacked by Narayana, they fled to the underground.
Buck's version seems more focused on the demons and downfalls between the demons and the Gods whereas Narayan's version focused more on triumphs.
Pulastya- the mind-born son of Brahma.
Vishravas- son of Trinavindu's daughter and Pulastya.
Vaishravana- Vishravas' son and the lord of wealth (immortal.)
Kaikasi (Sumali's daughter) and Vishrava had four children: 10-headed Ravana, Vibhishana, Kumbhakarna, and Shurpanakha.
Ravana was granted many powers by Brahma.
Vishravana turned over Lanka City to Ravana. Many unsuccessfully tried to defeat Ravana.
It was interesting to learn more about Ravana; he is explained to a fuller extent in this version than he was in Narayan's version.
The only one's who did not surrender to Ravana were the Haihaya.
Ravana and his family challenged and defeated Yama (the god of death), Surya (the sun), Chandra (the moon), and Indra.
Ravana was able to defeat anyone in his path. This all happened before Rama was even born; therefore it is interesting to read knowing Ravana is eventually defeated by Rama.
Rama and Lakshmana are students of Vishwamitra. Lakshmana kills Subahu.
Rama wins Janaka's challenge and in turn gets to marry Sita.
(This was my favorite part of the story.)
The only one's who did not surrender to Ravana were the Haihaya.
Ravana and his family challenged and defeated Yama (the god of death), Surya (the sun), Chandra (the moon), and Indra.
Ravana was able to defeat anyone in his path. This all happened before Rama was even born; therefore it is interesting to read knowing Ravana is eventually defeated by Rama.
Rama and Lakshmana are students of Vishwamitra. Lakshmana kills Subahu.
Rama wins Janaka's challenge and in turn gets to marry Sita.
(This was my favorite part of the story.)
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