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The eldest son of King Dasharatha and Kausalya. Rama represents the paragon of kingship: rightful heir, master of the bow, temperate, and beloved by his citizens. Many paintings depict Rama with blue skin, indicating his divinity.

The daughter of Janaka, king of Videha, born from a furrow in the earth. Steadfast in her devotion to her husband, Rama, she refuses to abandon him in his exile, and joins him in the forest. She is sometimes understood to be an incarnation of…

The younger half-brother of Rama, and his most trusted ally. Quick to anger but unquestionable in his loyalty, Lakshmana also accompanies Rama on his forest sojourn.

Son of the wind god Vayu, devotee and ally of Rama. The monkey Hanuman has superhuman powers such as the abilities to shapeshift and leap far distances. He plays several important roles in the rescue of Sita.

Ten-headed demon king of the island kingdom of Lanka, Ravana is a complicated and flawed character. He is at the same time a superb scholar, a capable ruler, a terrifying warrior, a lusty trickster, and the ultimate villain.