Ramayana's Hanuman is devoted, Mahabharata's Karna is tragic hero from "summary" of Ramayana Versus Mahabharata by Devdutt Pattanaik
Hanuman, the loyal servant of Lord Rama in the epic Ramayana, is known for his unwavering devotion and dedication towards his master. His primary purpose is to serve and assist Rama in his quest to rescue Sita and defeat the demon king Ravana. Hanuman's loyalty knows no bounds, and he goes to great lengths to fulfill his duties, even risking his own life in the process. His actions are driven by his deep love and reverence for Rama, making him a symbol of devotion and selflessness. On the other hand, Karna, a key character in the Mahabharata, is portrayed as a tragic hero whose life is marked by sorrow and misfortune. Despite being born to Kunti, he is raised by a charioteer and faces discrimination and rejection from society due to his lowly birth. Karna's tragic fate is sealed by his allegiance to Duryodhana, which leads him to fight against his own brothers, the Pandavas, in the great Kurukshetra war. Despite his noble qualities and skills as a warrior, Karna is ultimately undone by his loyalty to a friend who leads him down a path of destruction. The contrast between Hanuman and Karna highlights the different themes and moral lessons found in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. While Hanuman exemplifies the virtues of devotion, selflessness, and loyalty, Karna's story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of misplaced loyalties and pride. Hanuman's unwavering dedication to Rama symbolizes the importance of serving a higher cause with humility and sincerity, while Karna's tragic downfall underscores the dangers of ego, ambition, and blind loyalty.- The characters of Hanuman and Karna embody distinct archetypes that reflect the core values and teachings of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Through their contrasting narratives, these epic heroes offer valuable insights into the complexities of human nature, the consequences of our actions, and the eternal struggle between right and wrong. Their stories continue to resonate with audiences today, inviting us to reflect on our own beliefs, choices, and relationships in the journey of life.
