Week 3 Story: Jatayu Helps Sita
Image Credit. Jatayu World's Largest Bird Sculpture. Source: Modern Met.
Jatayu was sitting proudly upon the tallest tree in the forest. He heard a scream from the North and immediately turned to see what it was coming from. He then saw Ravana carrying a handsome man through the air. The man was unconscious and it seemed that he had been hit over the head and knocked out. Jatayu started to follow Ravana but then he heard a faint but urgent yelling. He turned and flew as fast as he could towards the sound. As he got closer he could tell it was a young woman crying. He had to search for a few minutes to find her because the jungle was full of thick branches and she was on the ground. After spotting her he landed on a sturdy branch above her. The woman, Sita, saw the big vulture sitting on a limb above her and immediately a plan sprung to her mind.
She asked the vulture if he would be kind enough to help her for her husband, Rama, had just been kidnapped by Ravana. Jatayu did not know what to do. He wanted to help but knew how dangerous it was to try and challenge Ravana. Looking down at her one more time he saw the desperation in her eyes deciding immediately that he had to help her. Sita climbed up the branches and then very carefully onto Jatayu's back. No one had ever ridden on the vulture's back before.
They flew quick as lightning until they had Ravana in their view. Jatayu and Sita quickly came up with a plan. Jatayu was able to create mirages and made it seem like there was a large thunderstorm ahead of Ravana. Ravana saw the storm and landed on the ground roughly with Rama. Jatayu landed as well and Sita crawled off his back and ran to the place where Ravana had landed. Jatayu then flew into the air to create a diversion so Sita could escape with Rama. When Sita got to him Rama was just becoming conscious. Sita, still standing in the cover of the trees, caught Rama's eye and beckoned him into the forest. Rama, seeing that Ravana was busy, ran into the forest with Sita escaping quickly.
As they ran they heard a battle beginning in the sky. They turned to see Jatayu and Ravana fighting. Ravana was a fighter with unmatched skill and very soon Sita had to witness Jatayu fall from the sky. She wept for him in silence for they did not want to be captured by Ravana again. Sita was in deep mourning but Rama promised that Ravana would pay for what he did. Sita then felt peace knowing that there would be justice for Jatayu.
Author's Note
I created this story based on Jatayu's involvement in what was originally Sita's capture. Jatayu tries to help Rama rescue Sita in the original story but like in my story he is slain by Ravana. I wanted to make Sita the hero or main part of this story. In the Ramayana, Rama is always rescuing her so I thought it would be good to switch it up a bit. Also, I loved Jatayu's character and how he tries to help in both stories.
Source: Ramayana Online: Public Domain Edition.
Hi Hannah! First of all, this story immediately caught my attention because Sita was the hero! Girl power. I think it was a really interesting twist because Sita had to step up and save her husband, whereas traditionally it is the other way around. I wonder what happened during the fight and how Ravana actually killed Jatayu? I wonder what would happen if Jatayu had not been killed and if he would have instead killed Ravana? Could be a different twist to the story. I really loved your story and think that maybe a little more background information could help someone who did not read the Ramayana to understand what was happening! I think maybe just a brief description of why things were happening to could be helpful! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and am so happy someone decided to make Sita the hero! She deserves more recognition and I think this story nailed that concept.
ReplyDeleteHey Hannah! I like how you retold the story by reversing the roles of the characters! I have realized that in stories, females are usually never the hero, it is usually the male characters who are. So great job on showing gender equality! I wonder what would have happened if Jatayu didn't get killed in the Ramayana. This is something to think about and maybe you could write it as your next story!
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