Ramayana 6.95

Ramayana · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

"O Prince, the Self-existent gave This boon to Ravan; he may brave All foes in fight; no fiend or snake, Gandharva, God, his life may take. His brother Kumbhakarna vies In might with him who rules the skies. The captain of his armies--fame Perhaps has taught the warrior's name-- Is terrible Prahasta, who King Manibhadra's(930) self o'erthrew. Where is the warrior found to face Young Indrajit, when armed with brace And guard(931) and bow he stands in mail And laughs at spear and arrowy hail? Within his city Lanka dwell Ten million giants fierce and fell, Who wear each varied shape at will And eat the flesh of those they kill. These hosts against the Gods he led, And heavenly might discomfited."

Ramayana 6.95 · Ramayana · 6

Themes in this passage

War Leadership Strength Courage The Divine Family Protection

War in other traditions

The same theme, as Christianity, Taoism, Islam and Hellenism address it.

For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.

1 Samuel 17:21 · Bible · 1 Samuel

A master of the art of war has said, 'I do not dare to be the host (to commence the war); I prefer to be the guest (to act on the defensive). I do not dare to advance an inch; I prefer to retire a foot.' This is called marshalling the ranks where there are no ranks; baring the arms (to fight) where there are no arms to bare; grasping the weapon where there is no weapon to grasp; advancing against the enemy where there is no enemy.

Tao Te Ching 69.1 · Tao Te Ching

Those who believe do battle for the cause of Allah; and those who disbelieve do battle for the cause of idols. So fight the minions of the devil. Lo! the devil's strategy is ever weak.

Quran 4:76 · Quran · Women

He spoke, then rush’d amid the warrior crew, And sent his voice before him as he flew, Loud, as the shout encountering armies yield When twice ten thousand shake the labouring field; Such was the voice, and such the thundering sound Of him whose trident rends the solid ground. Each Argive bosom beats to meet the fight, And grisly war appears a pleasing sight.

Iliad 14.15 · Iliad · 14

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