Reading Notes: PDE Ramayana, Part B

Ravana fighting with Jataya. Originally published in Myths of the Hindus & Buddhists (1914).
Illustration by K. Venkatappa. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Section 21. Bharata Returns
Rama must have had a great deal of influence on his brothers while they were young. What are some incidents that could have occurred during their childhood that would make Bharata look up to and obey Rama? Something more than rank or seniority has influenced him.

Section 23. Rama and Bharata
Rama has thoroughly accepted his destiny. He is strong-willed and refuses the position that would give him power. How would Rama have seemed to his subjects if he had followed Jabali's advice?

Section 29. Lakshmana
Rama just can't catch a break. How is Rama able to defeat every single foe? He seems to have super strength. What if Rama was an out-and-out superhero bitten by, say, a magic elephant? Perhaps an origin story concerning Rama's superhuman strength.

Section 30. Battle with Khara
At this point, Rama's adventures seem a lot like the Labors of Heracles.

Section 31. Ravana
Rama's enemies become ever stronger. How would Rama have fared if all of the evil deities had fought him at one time?

Section 38. Rama and Jatayu
Rama's life centers around his wife, Sita. How would the story have gone if Lakshmana had stayed with Sita? Would the demon have kidnapped her anyway?

Bibliography

Various authors. Ramayana (public domain). Source.