Warrior Codes In The Tain And Rama The Steadfast

1808 Words4 Pages

Stephanie Correa
Mythology
What values do warriors abide by? There are universal similarities between all warrior codes, such as bravery and honor, but the specific distinctions vary according to the cultural values. These warrior codes have a big influence on the warrior ideologies in The Tain and Rama the Steadfast and ultimately determine their warrior practices. In The Tain, characters are very concerned with individual prowess and maintaining their reputation, whereas in Rama the Steadfast, their concern with pursuing their dharma leads them to justify the violent acts. Their warrior codes influence their ideologies and practices—characters are forced to face the consequences of the violent acts they are committing and as a result question their way of life.
The hostile and boisterous nature of Celtic warriors is depicted in tales of the Ulster Cycle, and hence explains common practices between characters and Celtic warriors. The Celt’s temper is illustrated in the tales of the Ulster Cycle: “the love of feasting and drinking, the boastful and quarrelsome nature of Celtic warriors and their love of spectacle and feats are daring and amply illustrated in these hero tales . . . these customs closely mirror the tales of the Ulster Cycle . . . in which the champion’s portion are central themes” (403-404). Cu Chulainn exemplifies the Celtic warrios’ loud and rambunctious behavior. The Tain is the most notorious mythology in the Ulster Cycle and illustrates through Cu Chulainn the ideal warrior and the champion’s portion that is so valued in the ancient Celtic warrior society. Simon Young in “Celtic Myths: Celtic History” argues that “recent research on early Celtic culture suggests that legends might be able to offer us a privi...

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...ect it, and it’s to my shame that this savage slaughter of Kumbhakarna and Prahasta has fulfilled Vibhisana’s prediction. It’s for banishing glorious, virtuous Vibhisana that I’m reaping this grim harvest” (309). Both Cu Chulainn and Ravana grasp the cruelty of war: demise is unavoidable.
Characters in The Tain and Rama the Steadfast try to justify their behaviors during war and embody the admired warrior codes of their culture. Cu Chulainn protects the Ulster men and is perceived as one of the greatest heroes in Irish mythology. Rama engages in a dharmayuddha war and exemplifies righteousness, whereas Ravana is forced to face the consequences of adharmic behavior. However, characters in The Tain and Rama the Steadfast question their principles and eventually come to the realization that war is nothing more than violence, brutality, and inevitable death.

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