Ramayana and the Illiad - 1506 Words

Yogesh Tekwani Professor November 22, 2011 Second Writing Assignment Ramayana and the Iliad are two important literature pieces from Greece and India, both plays are set in time when Gods were known to make appearance on normal basis. The plays are main characters are Achilles and Ram, Achilles is a demi god and Ram is an incarnation of God Vishnu. In the Iliad, Achilles is an arrogant warrior who goes to war to claim glory and fame. In the Ramayana, Ram is a prince who is exiled to the forest. So what is the nature of injustice to the hero in these epics? What customs/values inform the heroes’ responses to this injustice? How do differences in customs/values inform differences in Greek and Hindu literature? What do arà ªte and†¦show more content†¦Achilles reactions on this situation is based on his understanding that he a demi god who can easily kill many men and that he only went to war to claim glory. Achilles response though is shown normal in Greek tradition because if injustice is done to anyon e, they can easily kill the person to regain justice. In the Ramayana, Ram who is shown as a noble prince who was brought up loving his parents and brothers, he is taught to always respect his elders and never question authority. Ram is told to exile in the forest for 14 years by his step mother; Ram does not question the injustice and accepts his fate. Ram is shown as the purest of men and one who respects his elders does not question authority. Ram is shown as person who lives life without jealousy and glory is not a part of it. When comparing Achilles and Ram, Achilles is shown as a person who questions authority and does not respect his elders whereas Ram is a person who accepts authority and respects his elders. So how do these the differences in custom/values inform differences in Greek and Hindu Culture? The Hindu culture is more about purity and how a person gains that trait. In Hinduism a person must try to live life with no greed, selfishness and arrogance. A person must completely put all of their faith in the hands of God, as they are trying to gain wisdom and purity for their soles. The Gods play a big part in Hindu cultures because it is through worshippingShow MoreRelatedGreek Myths And Stories Serve A Greater Purpose1799 Words   |  8 PagesGreek myths and stories serve a greater purpose than to simply entertain someone. These stories also serve as a way to teach important lessons and explain the history of certain things. Although the Epic of Gilgamesh, The Illiad,The Ramayana, and the Golden Compass are all very different they all have similar aspects that connect the stories and serve a greater purpose. These myths and stories serve as an insider into what it was like to live in that specific society. Myths allow us to learn what