Heroism In Ramayana

The idea that some people are strong enough to be completely independent of others might seem true at surface level, but further examination of this concept proves otherwise. Through analyzing the journey of Rama as well as those around him, The Ramayana becomes proof that all characters are relevant in accomplishing big-picture tasks. Characters in The Ramayana which seem to have varying levels of relevance or show antagonistic behavior all have large roles in accomplishing big-picture dharma; this fact becomes clear as their dependencies on each other are recognized, demonstrating that all individuals must rely on others.
It is essential that Rama, even being the hero that he is, has helpers to aid him through his journey; Hanuman,

This shows Rama as he hands off his “most important” (115) assignment to someone else (he needs someone to help him, even with the most important assignment). This also suggests the importance of helpers in the role of the hero’s journey; even “heroes” like Rama need the help of others. Rama’s assignment for Hanuman is another example which illustrates his reliance on others. Another instance in which reliance manifests itself in Rama’s behavior is when he leaves Lakshmana in charge of Sita, and goes into the woods. Rama confidently orders Lakshmana: “’Let me go and catch it myself. Meanwhile, guard Sita” (83). Because Rama is not even hesitant to leave Lakshmana, the idea that heroes have no choice but to rely on others throughout their journeys becomes clear. Among other reasons, this shows that even heroes like Rama must entrust helpers. Additionally, Rama more literally relies on Sugreeva’s entire army in order to help him defeat Ravana. As Sugreeva offers up his service, Rama jumps at the opportunity to request warriors: “’I want to serve you’…’yes…come with an army” (107). This quote is forefront when it comes to emphasizing Rama’s physical

Ravana is one of the characters that needs Rama in order to accomplish his dharma. The reader learns this because when Rama kills Ravana, he achieves moksha, a sign that he has fulfilled his dharma. This occurs when “Ravana’s… personality came through in its pristine form…” (146). This quote highlights the cyclical effect and subsequent reliance of the characters on each other to accomplish dharma. This shows something deeply similar about the two characters, almost giving them parallel relationships. Of course Rama needs Ravana so that he can kill him, but it is interesting to think that Ravana also needs Rama in order to accomplish his goal. Ravana’s reliance on Rama is one of the strongest pieces of evidence that many characters count on others. Another place of prevalence for reliance in the Ramayana is when Dasaratha decides he needs to step down as king, and simultaneously that Rama must be the one to resume his position. In fact, Dasaratha is so reliant on Rama, that when he is banished, Dasaratha is effectively paralyzed, as he does not know what to do without Rama, nor how to react to his banishing: “When Rama’s exile became known… Dasaratha himself [was] unable to bear the pang of separation from Rama” (50). This quote is important because it gives the reader a