Myth of the Week · India
Ravana for kids: the ten-headed king
· P.Sean Tales
Imagine having ten heads. Ravana, the demon king of Indian legend, had exactly that — ten heads and twenty arms — and he is one of the most famous characters in the whole Ramayana.
Ten heads, ten kinds of cleverness
The ten heads are not just for show. Storytellers say each one stood for a different kind of knowledge, because Ravana was tremendously learned — a scholar, a musician, and a ruler of a glittering golden city.
The flying chariot
Ravana travelled in a flying chariot called the Pushpaka, which could soar wherever its owner wished. Ancient audiences loved it for the same reason kids love a spaceship today.
Not a simple villain
Here is what makes Ravana interesting: he is the one who must be defeated, but he is also brilliant, devoted and a gifted musician. The story asks a big question in a small way — what good are ten clever heads if you make one bad choice?
Did you know?
Every year, huge figures of Ravana are built for the festival of Dussehra, and the celebration ends with them going up in a blaze of fireworks.
Color the legend yourself
Ravana leads the cast of Indian Demons & Asuras — the asuras, rakshasas and mighty foes of Indian legend:
- Indian Demons & Asuras — Ravana and the asuras
- Indian Heroes & Beasts
- Indian Gods & Goddesses
- Indian Spirits & Ghosts
Or start free: grab the free coloring pages.