The Ramayana

by

R. K. Narayan

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Jatayu Character Analysis

Jatayu is a great eagle and was at one point a dear friend of Dasaratha. When he comes across Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita in the forest, he vows to stay alive and protect them until Rama's exile comes to an end. Ravana kills him when Jatayu tries to prevent Ravana from abducting Sita.
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Jatayu Character Timeline in The Ramayana

The timeline below shows where the character Jatayu appears in The Ramayana. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
4. Encounters in Exile
Duty, Honor, and Loyalty Theme Icon
Good vs. Evil Theme Icon
...wife gifts her clothes and jewelry to Sita. One day, they meet the great eagle Jatayu. He explains to Rama that he was a friend of Dasaratha, cries when hears that... (full context)
5. The Grand Tormentor
Duty, Honor, and Loyalty Theme Icon
Good vs. Evil Theme Icon
Storytelling, Teaching, and Morality Theme Icon
...loyal to Rama, and Lakshmana finally agrees to go help Rama. He tells her that Jatayu will protect her. (full context)
Heroism Theme Icon
Duty, Honor, and Loyalty Theme Icon
Storytelling, Teaching, and Morality Theme Icon
...the animals to tell Rama what happened. Ravana laughs at Sita as she insults him. Jatayu challenges Ravana, telling him that Rama will destroy all the rakshasas if Ravana doesn't let... (full context)
7. When the Rains Cease
Duty, Honor, and Loyalty Theme Icon
Good vs. Evil Theme Icon
Storytelling, Teaching, and Morality Theme Icon
...Angada suggests he commit suicide rather than return empty handed, and Hanuman reminds him of Jatayu's noble death, saying they can't die before searching every world. (full context)
Heroism Theme Icon
Storytelling, Teaching, and Morality Theme Icon
Hearing Jatayu's name, a grotesque and massive being approaches the group of monkeys. Hanuman challenges the being,... (full context)