The Legacy Of Heroes: Iliad, The Golden Compass, And Ramayana
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Sarah Rodrigues
Humanities 101
March 4, 2016
The Legacy of Heroes
When it comes to the topic of myths, most of us will readily agree that they help the world function structurally and societally. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of what can we learn from myths. Whereas some are convinced that myths are nothing but old stories, others maintain that they are very important to our culture, and they serve as instructional purposes. The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Iliad, The Golden Compass, and Ramayana all have similar aspects in their stories that influence their respected cultures and we can learn what their purposes are structurally and societally. The Epic of Gilgamesh demonstrates love as a motivating force. …show more content…
It is one of the most popular poems in the their society. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the battle between good and evil. The heroes fight those who did not respect Dharma. Dharma is seen as a godly law placed upon society. It refers to the central purpose of ones life, as well as the correct path that he or she should follow in the world. In not only the Hindu society but also many others around the world, the battle of good and evil is something that troubles many people. Everyday we make choices that affect our lives and most people want to do what is right. Where this conflicts in the myth and in many people is for example Rama exiled Sita because he thought that it was what was right for his people and himself even if he believed her and loved her. This myth teaches us that the decision we make might not turn our lives into what we want. For example Rama went through all the trouble to defeat Ravana to get Sita back, but even after all that he has to exile her. ?I have tried to think of a way to deal with this problem. I cannot rule Ayodhya and not have my people respect my queen. Therefore, with great sorrow and resolve, I have made a decision. Before dawn tomorrow you and Sumantra will take Sita back to the forest. Leave her there and return."[footnoteRef:5] According to the dialect from Rama he has no choice but to follow his Dharma and the rules of society. Rama is a leader and like many of our world leaders there are sacrifices that have to be made for the good of the people and nation. [5: Valmiki,?The Ramayana: A Telling of the Ancient Indian Epic (Syracuse University Maxwell School.?South Asia Center, 3 September 2015), 16.
Sarah Rodrigues
Humanities 101
March 4, 2016
The Legacy of Heroes
When it comes to the topic of myths, most of us will readily agree that they help the world function structurally and societally. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of what can we learn from myths. Whereas some are convinced that myths are nothing but old stories, others maintain that they are very important to our culture, and they serve as instructional purposes. The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Iliad, The Golden Compass, and Ramayana all have similar aspects in their stories that influence their respected cultures and we can learn what their purposes are structurally and societally. The Epic of Gilgamesh demonstrates love as a motivating force. …show more content…
It is one of the most popular poems in the their society. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the battle between good and evil. The heroes fight those who did not respect Dharma. Dharma is seen as a godly law placed upon society. It refers to the central purpose of ones life, as well as the correct path that he or she should follow in the world. In not only the Hindu society but also many others around the world, the battle of good and evil is something that troubles many people. Everyday we make choices that affect our lives and most people want to do what is right. Where this conflicts in the myth and in many people is for example Rama exiled Sita because he thought that it was what was right for his people and himself even if he believed her and loved her. This myth teaches us that the decision we make might not turn our lives into what we want. For example Rama went through all the trouble to defeat Ravana to get Sita back, but even after all that he has to exile her. ?I have tried to think of a way to deal with this problem. I cannot rule Ayodhya and not have my people respect my queen. Therefore, with great sorrow and resolve, I have made a decision. Before dawn tomorrow you and Sumantra will take Sita back to the forest. Leave her there and return."[footnoteRef:5] According to the dialect from Rama he has no choice but to follow his Dharma and the rules of society. Rama is a leader and like many of our world leaders there are sacrifices that have to be made for the good of the people and nation. [5: Valmiki,?The Ramayana: A Telling of the Ancient Indian Epic (Syracuse University Maxwell School.?South Asia Center, 3 September 2015), 16.