Ancient Wisdom Atlas

Motif

aged hero recalls lost youthful power

aged_hero_recalls_lost_youthful_power

A motif of the Lament, Mourning, and Tragic Recognition family, within the sub-family Lost Heroic Age. Every row below is a tagged passage; each rests on a quote in its source text.

2 occurrences

1 traditions


hindu

  • The Ramayan of Valmiki Canto L. The Enchanted Cave. / Canto LII. The Exit. / Canto LXIV. The Sea. / Canto LXV. The Council.; lines 44487-44551 confidence: high

    “Then spake good Jámbaván the sage, / Chief of them all for reverend age”

    Jámbaván contrasts present weakness from old age with former extraordinary speed and strength.

    read in the book
  • The Ramayan of Valmiki Canto L. The Enchanted Cave. / Canto LII. The Exit. / Canto LXIV. The Sea. / Canto LXV. The Council.; lines 44487-44551 confidence: high

    Jāmbavān, the sage and aged chief, says old age weighs on him; he can still leap ninety leagues and must not slight a task when Rāma and the king unite.

    Jāmbavān contrasts his present age-weakened body with his former power, including his youthful flight around Vishṇu.

    read in the book