Week 5 Storytelling: Vali and Sugreeva

When Sugreeva received news that the great warrior, Rama, had arrived at Mount Matanga, his heart immediately filled with hope. Sugreeva’s closest companion, Hanuman, had told him many tales of Rama’s heroic deeds, and the two of them were convinced that he could be none other than the human incarnation of Vishnu. “All of these years, I have lived in fear of what my oppressive brother might do to me if I set foot off of this mountain, but no more! On this day, Vishnu himself has come before me to return my kingdom!” Sugreeva thought to himself. When Rama reached the top of the mountain, he was greeted kindly and proceeded to ask his acquaintances if they had any news about Sita. “What little information that I have about your beautiful wife is nothing in comparison to the strength of my armies. If you will return my wife and my kingdom, then I will do everything in my power to ensure that you find Sita free from harm.” replied Sugreeva, followed by the story about how Vali took his wife and forced him to live on Mount Matanga. “It is not like me to intervene in the affairs of rivaling brothers.” Rama responded. “However, it is my life’s mission to eradicate evil from this earth. Your brother is a very malicious and violent creature, who has taken many lives. For this reason, I will accept the conditions of your proposal.” Upon this agreement, the 4 embarked on their mission to confront Vali.

When they reached the base of the mountain, Rama and Lakshmana climbed to the top of the tallest tree and strung their bows, Hanuman stood at the base of the mountain, ready to protect his closest friend, and Sugreeva began to taunt his warmongering brother. Vali heard his brother’s petty challenges and could feel that he had finally set foot off of the mountain, unprotected by Sage Matanga’s curse. Vali equipped his armor and quickly departed toward his brother. When the two brothers finally caught a glimpse of one another, each one pounded his chest and let out a deafening screech. The battle had begun. Vali was much larger than his younger brother and clearly more experienced in hand-to-hand combat, but Sugreeva was agile and wise. For several hours, Sugreeva ran circles around his older brother, dodging Vali’s attacks, condemning him or his actions and trying to explain what really happened, but Vali would not listen. As the battle progressed Sugreeva grew tired, but Vali was used to long-lasting battles. When his brother stopped to rest, Vali raced toward him and kicked him with all of his might. Sugreeva fell to the ground, grasping his side, where Vali had broken several ribs. Rama knew that Sugreeva could not last any longer. As Vali approached his younger brother, both hands raised high above his head, ready to deliver the final blow, Rama quickly drew an arrow and delivered it to Vali’s heart.

 

(Battle between Vali and Sugreeva: ritsin) 

Vali removed the arrow from his chest and read Rama’s name from the head of the arrow. “Show yourself, coward!” demanded Vali. “I’ve heard stories about your noble ways and unrivaled marksmanship, yet you interfere with a conflict between brothers and slay one from the safety of the trees. You know nothing of honor, nor do you respect the rules of war.” At this moment, Rama emerged from the trees, his faced was red with anger. “How dare you challenge the honor of my ways! Your brother cared for you and did his best to protect you. He took care of your kingdom in your absence and you rewarded him by trying to take his life. He has lived in fear atop Mount Matanga all of these years, while you sleep safely inside the walls of your kingdom with his wife.”

In his final moments, Vali realized the corruption that came with his gift of strength. He had betrayed his own brother and treated him like an enemy. Vali sincerely regretted his actions and apologized for the years of torment that he had brought upon everyone. With his last breath, he gazed at Rama. “You are truly a great warrior. Watch over my brother and see to it that he is restored to his rightful position on the throne of Kiskinda.”


Author's Note: I chose to recreate this story because it was one of my favorite parts of the Ramayana. It was also one of the most significantly changed stories between the two versions that we've read, so I thought it might be fun to give my take on the events that occurred.

Bibliography: Buck, William (1976). Ramayana: King Rama's Way.