While in exile, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana come across a rakshasa who is invulnerable to weapons. The monster kidnaps Sita to make her his wife. Rama saves her by shooting Viradha, the rakshasa, with his bow and arrow. They start to battle. Rama and Lakshmana prevail by breaking Viradha's arms at the shoulders, digging an enormous pit, and throwing Viradha inside the pit. Viradha states that it was prophesied that he would die at the hands of Rama and that his death would set him free from his monstrous form.
This seems to indicate that there is some semblance of redemption even for evil-doers when they die. Again we see that Rama is a great warrior, as his arrows injured Viradha, even after he claims that no weapons could harm him. I want to use the concept of some immensely powerful being that is simply outsmarted by the hero in my own story.
"Battle With Khara" by Donald A. Mackenzie: Source
Again, an insane epic battle is summarized by just a few short paragraphs. This must be either a cultural choice or a choice by the story tellers who did not want to create excessively long stories. While I personally think these epic battles should be more descriptive (he fought 14,000 demons, and it took one paragraph), I have to accept that this is how they are described. It's important because this means I won't have drawn out battles where the battle itself is the majority of the story.
"Shurpanakha and Ravana" by Frederika Richardson Macdonald: Source
This scene is so cool. I imagine this enormous demon stretched out nonchalantly on a giant throne. Although if this demon's bruised and bloodied sister came running to him, I doubt that sister would have such detailed and drawn-out conversation. Again, I perceive that as a cultural thing, as the main characters, especially Sita, are described vividly. I see two main aspects I can use- the description of an evil being like Ravana and the pattern of vivid description of the main characters.
Ravana, the King of Demons is described as the ultimate evil.
"Sita in Lanka" by Donald A. Mackenzie: Source
The idea of some sort of prophecy or curse directly only at those who act lustfully or attempt to make someone their bride is unique. It seems to raise the position of women who to this point are clearly believed to be inferior to men. This prophecy seems to level the playing field in some way. Maybe I could create some sort of specific curse like this?
I also appreciate that no being seems to be invincible. Gods, demons, princes, and various animals all seem to be capable of dying which keeps the reader interested- the story isn't predictable.
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