Once Hanuman is able to assimilate who he is, he utilizes his powers in an attempt to rescue Sita from the clutches of Ravana by leaping across the ocean to land on the island. Here he finds a surprise awaits him.
Instead of the island of Lanka being the picture of horror that he anticipated, it is fact a city of beauty and splendour. What devious plan is Ravana hiding beneath this veneer of gentility?
Sita knows, as she has been here to witness his subtlety in action. From the onset of her captivity, she is astounded to find that she is being treated with relative kindness and respect. Ravana seems to be at pains to present as opposite a picture of his true nature as possible. For a guy whose name means "he who makes the universe scream" he's being awfully polite and considerate.
But as events unfold, and her stay continues, Sita realizes what Ravana is up to. He is attempting to cast himself in the role of Rama, the virtuous adherent to dharma, and to paint Rama as the conductor of genocide and perpetrator of evil. As all good spin-doctors will, he uses actual events, and twists them to his advantage as evidence of Rama's nefarious attitudes.
If he can, he will besmirch the name of Rama and those who come after will see Ravana in the role of defender of his people and their way of life, while Rama is the one intent on destruction. So it is, that when Hanuman show's up to rescue Sita, although she desperately wants to leave with him, she knows she cannot. Rama must come to Lanka and expose Ravana to the world for what he is, and the only way he will do that is if Sita is still held captive. She is willing to sacrifice her own life to ensure that the necessary confrontation between the two beings occurs so that history will know Rama was a hero.
Reluctantly Hanuman acquiesces to her demands and changes his course of action from that of rescuer to that of emissary. Using his immense powers to defeat all challengers, he proceeds to rampage through the city demanding to be taken to Ravana. Finally, he allows himself to be captured and beaten by Ravana's eldest son so that his wish can be fulfilled.
Once again, Hanuman uses his powers to his best advantage and escapes the trap that Ravana sets for him, and manages to affect his return to Rama. Along with the message from Sita about the plans of Ravana, he brings with him a warning of how truly powerful Ravana and his armies still are, and they must be prepared for a fierce and protracted battle when they manage to obtain the island.
Article comments
1 - Victor Lana
What a wonderful review! From what I've read of Mr. Banker's posts and comments here on BC, I'd say your review must be right on the money. Now I have another book to add to my "to read" list.
2 - John Spivey
This review certainly makes me want to read the series.