Śuka
Family: Rákshases · Role: messenger · First appears: Book VI, Canto 20 · The Spies
In Book VI, Canto 20, Rávaṇ sends Śuka to urge Sugríva to withdraw. Sugríva’s followers attack him, accuse him of spying, bind him, and bring him to the ground; Ráma intervenes, orders the Vánars to release him, and spares him. In Canto 24, Ráma again has Śuka freed, and Śuka returns to Rávaṇ with news that the army has crossed the sea: “A bridge athwart the sea was cast, / And o’er it have his legions passed.”
In Canto 25, Rávaṇ sends Śuka and Sáraṇ to survey the Vánar host. Disguised in the camp, they are captured by Vibhishaṇ, but Ráma releases them and sends them back. They report Ráma’s strength and urge Rávaṇ to return Sítá: “O King, be wise, contend no more, / And Sítá to her lord restore.” In Canto 36, Śuka and Sáraṇ go to protect Lanká’s north gate while Rávaṇ takes charge there.
Relationship record
Book VI, Canto 20 · The Spies
- lord: Rávaṇ “And Rávaṇ called to Śuka: “Fly, Sugríva lord of Vánars seek, And thus my kingly message speak:”
- patron: Ráma “But Ráma’s heart inclined to spare, He listened to his plaint and prayer, And cried aloud: ‘O Vánars, cease; The captive from his bonds release.’”
- enemies with Angad “This is no herald but a spy. Above thee from his airy post His rapid eye surveyed our host,”
- with Ráma (Ráma spares and releases the captive herald.) “But Ráma’s heart inclined to spare, He listened to his plaint and prayer, And cried aloud: ‘O Vánars, cease; The captive from his bonds release.’”
Book VI, Canto 24 · The Spy’s Return
- lord: Rávaṇ “Loud laughed the lord of Lanká’s isle: “Where hast thou stayed this weary while?”
- with Sugríva (interaction) “Now, Monarch, ere the hosts proceed, Let Śuka, Rávaṇ’s spy, be freed.”
Book VI, Canto 25 · Rávan’s Spies
- lord: Rávaṇ “To Śuka and to Sáraṇ cried: “O counsellors, the Vánar host Has passed the sea from coast to coast,”
- patron: Ráma “The giants from their bonds released Lauded the King with glad accord, And hasted homeward to their lord.”
- lord: Ráma “Again to Lanká’s town repair, Speed to the giant monarch there, And be these words to Rávaṇ told:”
Book VI, Canto 36 · Rávan’s Reply
- lord: Rávaṇ “And mighty Sáraṇ hastened forth With Śuka to protect the north.”
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Extracted from the original text of The Rámáyan of Válmíki. Made with Rho MD.