Introduction
What is an
epic without the hero? The tasks he is and the great
deeds he must accomplish seem insurmountable when faced with the
obstacles. The usual story type is that the hero must save the damsel
in distress, rescue the world from certain doom, and remain true to
himself. His character must be one that resists temptation, is honest,
just, and compassionate. The hero has god-like expectations set upon
him almost from the outset but what of the women who support him and
drive this hero to become legendary?
This
storybook will
concentrate on pivotal women who meet the hero and decide to either
help or hinder. Their motivations and emotions are what drive them
rather than any set warrior code of honor and their decisions in these
stories are set to these male standards. Many times the thoughts of
these women are lost in the male point of view. There is more to women
than what meets the eye. Their jealousy, hatred, and the overwhelming
emotions and ambitions
drive them to decide their actions concerning the hero. This focus will
hopefully bring the reader to ask why a character decides to do
something in the story besides associating it with mere moral and
cultural standards because, although these have shaped women,
ultimately their own inner strength and desires are what make them act.
These
stories intriguing not just because the inner motivations and
emotions are hidden within the characters of these women but also
because of how their choices effect the hero. If Surpanakha had decided
that Rama was just a mere human then she wouldn't have gone through
such lengths to gain his love and she wouldn't not have felt so scorned
by his refusal which ultimately leads to Sita's capture. Why did Ganga
decide to decide to descend from the heavens to provide salvation
through her
waters? What pride did Ganga hold and what weight did she have that
could shatter the world? Could it not be just the weight of the water
that needed to go through Siva's hair but the weight of placing such
purity into the world?
These
women
may not be the heroes of the story and may even be
considered villains but their choices are what sets the hero on the
path to becoming great. Without the loyalty of Sita, she couldn't have
been stolen from Rama. And without Surpanakha's desire for Rama she
wouldn't have been maimed and felt so wronged as to go to Ravana and
tell him about Sita so she would be taken. It is the series of events
by all characters, not just the hero, that lead to epic heroism.
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