Navigation
Compare non-Western epics to see how different societies define honor, duty, and leadership.
Imagine being forced into a 14-year exile on the very day you were supposed to be crowned King. Would you rebel to take what is yours, or walk away to protect your family's honor?
In the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, the protagonist Rama embodies the concept of Dharma. While often translated as 'duty,' Dharma is more complex: it represents the cosmic order, social law, and moral righteousness that keeps the universe in balance. When Rama is unfairly exiled to the forest by his father’s wife, he does not fight back. To do so would violate his Dharma as a son and a prince. His journey isn't just about defeating the demon-king Ravana; it is a blueprint for how a 'perfect man' (Maryada Purushottama) maintains his integrity despite immense suffering. In this tradition, leadership is defined by self-sacrifice and adherence to a higher moral code rather than personal gain.
Consider Rama's reaction to his exile: 1. Rama is told he must leave the kingdom for 14 years so his half-brother can rule. 2. Instead of starting a civil war, Rama accepts the decree calmly. 3. He prioritizes his father's promise (truth) over his own right to the throne. 4. This act reinforces the social hierarchy and the sanctity of a father's word.
Quick Check
In the context of the Ramayana, what does 'Dharma' primarily represent?
Answer
Dharma represents the moral duty and cosmic order that guides a person's righteous actions.
The Epic of Sundiata tells the story of the founder of the Mali Empire. Unlike the written epics of the West, this story was preserved for centuries by the Griot (or Djeli). A Griot is much more than a storyteller; they are a diplomat, historian, and royal advisor. In Malian culture, 'the word' is sacred. The Griot serves as the 'living archive' of the people. Without the Griot, a king's legacy would vanish. In the epic, Sundiata’s relationship with his griot, Balla Fasséké, is central to his power. Leadership in this context is tied to ancestral legacy and the ability to fulfill a destiny that has been spoken into existence by the keepers of history.
How a Griot functions in the Mali Empire: 1. The Griot memorizes thousands of years of genealogy and law. 2. When a King needs to make a decision, the Griot recites the successes and failures of ancestors. 3. This ensures the King acts in a way that honors the community's history. 4. The Griot acts as the 'bridge' between the past and the present.
Quick Check
Why is the Griot considered essential to the leadership of a Malian King?
Answer
The Griot preserves the king's legacy and provides ancestral wisdom, acting as a living historical record.
When we compare these epics to Greek traditions like the Iliad, we see a shift in values. Greek heroes often seek Kleos (eternal glory through individual deeds), sometimes at the expense of their community. In contrast, Rama’s Dharma emphasizes social harmony and collective order. Similarly, Sundiata’s leadership is defined by destiny and community preservation. While Achilles might sulk in his tent and let his army suffer to protect his pride, Rama and Sundiata are bound by their roles as protectors of a social fabric. These non-Western epics suggest that a true leader is a servant to the law and the lineage, rather than a seeker of personal fame.
Compare the 'Why' behind the hero's actions: 1. Achilles (Greek): Fights for personal glory () to ensure his name is remembered forever. 2. Rama (Indian): Acts to uphold , ensuring the moral balance of the world is not broken. 3. Sundiata (Malian): Reclaims his throne to fulfill a prophecy and unite his people under a stable empire. 4. Conclusion: The Western hero often seeks to transcend society, while the non-Western hero seeks to stabilize it.
If a leader in the Ramayana chooses to follow their 'Dharma,' what are they doing?
Which of the following best describes the role of a Griot in the Mali Empire?
Unlike Greek heroes who often seek individual glory, Rama and Sundiata are primarily motivated by their responsibilities to their community and traditions.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to explain the difference between 'Dharma' and 'Kleos' to a friend or family member.
Practice Activity
Research a modern leader and decide: are they motivated more by 'Dharma' (duty to the system) or 'Kleos' (personal legacy)?