Ramayana's Ravana Vadha is demon slain, Mahabharata's Ashwatthama Hata is tragedy from "summary" of Ramayana Versus Mahabharata by Devdutt Pattanaik
In the Ramayana, Ravana is portrayed as a demon who is ultimately slain by Lord Rama. This act of killing the demon is celebrated as a victory of good over evil, with Rama being hailed as a hero for vanquishing the villain. The narrative is straightforward and clear-cut, with no ambiguity in the outcome. On the other hand, the Mahabharata presents a more complex and nuanced portrayal of Ashwatthama's actions. While he commits a heinous act by killing the sons of the Pandavas, his character is not entirely evil. He is driven by a sense of revenge and loyalty towards his own father, Dronacharya. This tragic dimension adds depth to the story, blurring the lines between good and evil. The Ramayana's narrative is focused on the triumph of righteousness, with Ravana's defeat symbolizing the victory of dharma over adharma. In contrast, the Mahabharata explores the grey areas of morality, showcasing the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of actions driven by emotions like anger and revenge. The killing of Ravana in the Ramayana is a moment of catharsis, where the audience can revel in the defeat of a formidable adversary. In contrast, Ashwatthama's act of killing the sons of the Pandavas leaves a lingering sense of tragedy and sorrow, as the repercussions of his actions are felt long after the deed is done.- The contrasting treatment of these two incidents in the Ramayana and Mahabharata highlights the different narrative styles and thematic focuses of the two epics. While one offers a straightforward tale of good versus evil, the other delves into the complexities of human nature and the moral ambiguities that arise in the pursuit of justice and revenge.
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