The Ramayana / Illiad

The Ramayana was quite an interesting, but difficult literary piece to read. It is one of the two Hindu epics, although it does not follow the traditional structure that most epics do. The poem does not start in medias res, which is uncommonly seen in epics. When comparing the Ramayana to the Illiad, one similar idea comes to mind, didactic verse. The epics are both aiming to teach a moral lesson to its readers, such as the consequences of fighting in a war. Another parallel seen between the two epics is the abduction of a women, or “prizes”, to then men who captured them. I found it interesting that the people in the poem were meant to represent the ideal type of person they were. The two epics were both enjoyable to read, somewhat confusing, but enjoyable nonetheless. However, I’m finding it a bit difficult to see any obvious comparable and contrasting themes between the Illiad and the Ramayana.