Ravana

Mithuna 14, 1540

As the sun sets marking the end of the day, so does it set on the kingdom of Lanka. I know my final days draw near; I would be a fool to ignore the signs. Never before has there been a warrior so magnificent, so powerful that he slays entire armies by himself. It is obvious he is no mere mortal, but the incarnation of a god sent here to end my reign over the world. I wonder who they chose to oppose me? I do not think Shiva would seek to counter me as even now I praise him. Vishnu is the most likely candidate. He knows he cannot defeat me in his true form, although I would have expected a god not to circumvent the rules of Brahma. The council will present their decisions on war tonight, but I already know the outcome.

-Ravana

Mithuna 15, 1540

The council seems confident the war will end in our favor. If the armies were fighting alone, perhaps, but I suspect that is not the case. Mandodari opposes the battle. Sweet Mandodari, my heart yearns for a time where we were free to spend our days together. I realize now that I have wasted my time in conquest when you were the true treasure all along. If only I had not been bewitched by the temptress Sita. Rama is right to come for me.

-Ravana

Mithuna 18, 1540

Oh Lord Shiva, your guidance has left the first day of battle in our favor! I've ordered Indrajit and Trishira to prepare for war. I have little hopes for Trishira to survive an encounter with Rama and his army, but Indrajit is a force to be reckoned with. My spies tell me that Lakshmana is currently fulfilling the circumstances to bring about Indrajit's death, but I will see to it that Lakshmana is dealt with first. Without him, Indrajit will be free to crush the entire army. With my sons entering the battle, maybe a victory is possible after all! However, Rama is terrifying on the battlefield. Never before has there been a greater threat to my throne; his archery skills are matched only by Indrajit's, and his willpower is greater. Even with all of his ability, he is not enough. Only with the help of the other gods will he be able to conquer my army. Lord Shiva, I ask that you keep the other gods out of this fight. Lend me your strength so I may crush Rama in your name!

-Ravana

Mithuna 19, 1540

Rama's victory is imminent. Kumbhakarna and Indrajit are gone, Vibhishana has betrayed me, and the remains of my army are in low morale. My worst fears have been realized, as the other gods have supported Rama's army throughout the fight; oftentimes they are the sole reason he has not seen defeat. Tomorrow I shall see Rama in battle, and it will be over no matter who falls. Should I not return, I pray that Mandodari is not punished for my sins. I pray that she will receive amnesty and comfort in whatever is built here. I will see her in the afterlife.

-Ravana

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Author's Note: Ravana has always been one of my favorite characters, and I like the idea of him being an introspective and thoughtful villain. In the Ramayana, the days leading into the battle are filled with his rage as the council tells him war is the way to go. However, there's evidence that the council knew war would be bad, but they were afraid of angering Ravana. In the Ramayana, he is extremely prideful and doesn't believe Rama will be able to stop him even though he knows Rama is one of the greatest warriors ever. I've wondered how he could be so blind to his obvious downfall, especially since he spends much time in worship. I feel that he would have a respect for the power of the gods and be able to recognize an obvious move against him. Even though he recognizes the attack in my story, he knows that there is little he can do to oppose the support and force of the gods working towards his defeat.

I also made him recognize the fact that kidnapping Sita was a really bad move for him. I wasn't sure how I could fit it in well, but Ravana is also under the "curse" of Vedevati. Vedevati was the granddaughter of the Lord-Guru of the gods, and spent her time in meditation and worship to have Lord Vishnu as her husband. Ravana tried to have her as a bride, but she refused and pledged to be the cause of his death. This comes true as she is reincarnated as Sita. As well, Ravana is a bit of a womanizer in the Ramayana; though it appears that he still loves Mandodari and Mandodari loves him. I included his lament for the fate of Mandodari to add to his character.

Finally, Trishira is another son of Ravana who plays a role in the Battle for Lanka, although not so much in the Ramayana. He is a general who did battle with Rama before being slain. In the cover page, Hanuman is chopping off his head.

Bibliography: Ramayana by Valmiki