batch.motif.hindu-ramayana-griffith-gutenberg-l38762-l38925
---
record_id: batch.motif.hindu-ramayana-griffith-gutenberg-l38762-l38925
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
passage_locator:
label: BOOK IV. / Canto V. The League. / Canto VI. The Tokens. / Canto XI. Dundubhi.;
lines 38762-38925
start: '38762'
end: '38925'
translation: The Ramayan of Valmiki
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: 'Matanga curses the Vánar who defiled his hermitage with the demon bull’s
corpse and threatens Vánars near his retreat with death or petrification. The
Vánars flee and report the curse to Báli, whose later attempt to appease the sage
fails; the curse keeps him away from Rishyamúka. Sugríva points out Dundubhi’s
bones and seven Sál trees as signs of Báli’s strength, doubts whether Ráma can
defeat him, and asks for a test. Ráma playfully sends the bones twenty leagues
away with his foot, but Sugríva asks for a further proof: piercing a Sál tree
with an arrow.'
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: Matanga finds the dead bull-like demon body near his hermitage and identifies
the doer of the deed.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: Matanga curses the responsible Vánar, saying he must not come near the retreat
and will die if he does.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:3
text: Matanga also commands the Vánar lords near his cell to leave and threatens
remaining Vánars with being turned to stone for countless years.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:4
text: The Vánars flee from the woods and mountain side after hearing the curse.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:5
text: Báli asks the fleeing Vánar chiefs why they have left Matanga’s grove, and
they tell him about the curse.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:6
text: Báli tries to soothe Matanga with reverent hands, but the sage rejects him
and returns angrily to his cell.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:7
text: The curse keeps Báli away from Rishyamúka and makes him unwilling even to
look toward the grove.
category: relationship
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:8
text: Sugríva points to the uncovered white, dry bones of the demon and to seven
Sál trees in a row.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:9
text: Sugríva says Báli could seize the seven Sál trees at one grasp and shake them
leafless.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:10
text: Lakshmaṇ asks what proof of power would remove Sugríva’s doubts.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:11
text: Sugríva proposes that Ráma either pierce a tree with an arrow or throw the
demon bull’s remains as a test of strength.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:12
text: Sugríva describes Báli as a strong and mighty king and says fear of his brother’s
power keeps him moving on Rishyamúka with Hanumán and loyal lords.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:13
text: Sugríva calls Ráma his ally and refuge but says he has not yet seen Ráma’s
strength in war.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:14
text: Ráma touches Dundubhi’s vast frame with his foot and sends it twenty leagues
away.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:15
text: Sugríva says the thrown bones are dry and light compared with the fresh corpse
that Báli had thrown, and asks Ráma to pierce a Sál tree with an arrow.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: Matanga
description: A sage or holy man whose hermitage and grove have been defiled by the
demon corpse; he pronounces the curse.
role_refs:
- role:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Báli
description: A Vánar king with a chain of gold, described as immensely strong and
as the feared brother and foe of Sugríva.
role_refs:
- role:2
- role:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:5
- ev:7
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Sugríva
description: A Vánar who fears Báli, lives on Rishyamúka with Hanumán and loyal
lords, and seeks proof of Ráma’s strength.
role_refs:
- role:4
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:5
- ev:7
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Ráma
description: The son of Raghu whom Sugríva calls ally and refuge; he demonstrates
strength by hurling Dundubhi’s bones with his foot.
role_refs:
- role:6
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Lakshmaṇ
description: Ráma’s companion who laughs and asks what proof of power will end Sugríva’s
doubts.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Vánar chiefs and lords
description: Vánars dwelling near Matanga’s cell who flee after hearing the curse
and report it to Báli.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Dundubhi / demon bull
description: A demon in bull form whose corpse and later dry bones serve as evidence
of prior conflict and as an object in the strength test.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:3
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: Hanumán
description: Sugríva’s chosen friend who attends his steps with faithful lords.
role_refs:
- role:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
roles:
- id: role:1
label: cursing sage
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Matanga pronounces a curse after the holy place by his retreat is defiled.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: role:2
label: feared antagonist
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Sugríva describes Báli as strong, cruel, and the foe whose power he fears.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:5
- id: role:3
label: one constrained by curse
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: The curse keeps Báli away from Rishyamúka and Matanga’s grove.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: role:4
label: doubtful ally-seeker
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: Sugríva calls Ráma ally and refuge but requests proof of his strength.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
- ev:7
- id: role:5
label: narrator of Báli’s strength
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: Sugríva describes Báli’s deeds with Dundubhi and the Sál trees.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:7
- id: role:6
label: tested hero
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: Ráma is asked to prove his power by feats involving Dundubhi’s remains and
a Sál tree.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: role:7
label: ally and refuge
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: Sugríva names Ráma as his best ally and surest refuge from his foes.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: role:8
label: questioning companion
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: Lakshmaṇ asks what proof would remove Sugríva’s doubts.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: role:9
label: cursed forest dwellers
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: The Vánar lords near Matanga’s cell are ordered to leave and threatened by
the curse.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: role:10
label: demon corpse used as token of strength
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: Dundubhi’s corpse and bones are cited and moved in comparisons of Báli’s
and Ráma’s power.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: role:11
label: loyal attendant and friend
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: Sugríva identifies Hanumán as his chosen friend who attends his steps.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: defiled hermitage grove
literal_form: Matanga’s holy retreat, pleasant shade, woods, and grove
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:6
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: sym:2
label: Dundubhi’s bones
literal_form: white, dry, uncovered bones of the demon bull
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:4
- fig:7
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: sym:3
label: seven Sál trees
literal_form: seven high Sál trees in a row with drooping branches
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs:
- tree
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:7
- id: sym:4
label: Rishyamúka steep
literal_form: hill or steep where Sugríva roams and where Báli is kept away by fear
of the curse
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs:
- mountain
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:5
- id: sym:5
label: bow and arrow test
literal_form: Ráma’s bow, straining string, and arrow aimed at a Sál tree
associated_figures:
- fig:3
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:7
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Matanga’s curse after the demon corpse defiles the retreat
summary: Matanga sees the dead demon bull at his hermitage, curses the responsible
Vánar, and orders nearby Vánars to leave under threat of death or petrification.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:6
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: scene:2
label: Vánars flee and Báli fails to appease Matanga
summary: The Vánars flee from the grove and report the curse to Báli; Báli approaches
Matanga reverently, but the sage rejects him, and the curse keeps Báli away from
Rishyamúka.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:6
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: scene:3
label: Sugríva displays tokens of Báli’s power
summary: Sugríva points out Dundubhi’s bones and the seven Sál trees, explaining
that they demonstrate Báli’s extraordinary strength.
figure_refs:
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:2
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: scene:4
label: Sugríva requests a proof of Ráma’s strength
summary: After Lakshmaṇ asks what test would satisfy him, Sugríva proposes that
Ráma pierce a tree or throw Dundubhi’s remains, while also explaining his fear
of Báli and his reliance on Ráma as ally.
figure_refs:
- fig:3
- fig:4
- fig:5
- fig:8
symbol_refs:
- sym:2
- sym:3
- sym:4
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: scene:5
label: Ráma hurls the bones and Sugríva asks for the tree test
summary: Ráma lightly touches Dundubhi’s dry frame with his foot and sends it twenty
leagues away; Sugríva acknowledges the feat but asks for the further proof of
piercing a Sál tree.
figure_refs:
- fig:3
- fig:4
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:2
- sym:3
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: curse establishes a forbidden boundary
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Matanga’s curse forbids Báli and other Vánars from approaching his retreat
and makes the area around Rishyamúka safe from Báli.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
confidence: high
cautions: The passage presents the curse as effective within this episode; broader
ritual or legal meanings are not stated here.
- id: motif:2
label: hero proves strength by extraordinary physical feat
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Sugríva asks Ráma to prove his power through feats involving Dundubhi’s remains
and a Sál tree; Ráma first hurls the bones twenty leagues with his foot.
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:6
- ev:7
confidence: high
cautions: The requested tree-piercing feat is introduced in this passage but not
completed within the supplied lines.
- id: motif:3
label: tokens of a rival’s power shown before combat
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Sugríva uses the demon bones and the seven Sál trees to explain Báli’s might
and to question whether Ráma can defeat him.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:7
confidence: high
cautions: The objects function as evidentiary tokens in Sugríva’s speech; no independent
symbolism beyond the passage is assumed.
- id: motif:4
label: fearful exile seeks a powerful ally and refuge
taxonomy_refs:
- covenant
basis: Sugríva says fear of Báli keeps him roaming on Rishyamúka, and he names Ráma
as his best ally and surest refuge.
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage mentions alliance and friendship, but the formal making of
a covenant or league is not described within the supplied lines.
comparison_claims:
- id: claim:1
claim: The episode fits a functional pattern in which a prospective ally asks a
hero to demonstrate extraordinary strength before trusting him against a feared
opponent.
claim_level: same_function
target: heroic strength-test pattern
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- ev:6
- ev:7
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: high
limitations: This is a functional comparison only; the passage does not point to
historical contact or a specific external parallel.
- id: claim:2
claim: 'Matanga’s curse functions like a protective boundary: a feared enemy is
prevented from entering a refuge zone.'
claim_level: same_function
target: protective curse or taboo-bound sanctuary pattern
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
counter_evidence_refs: []
confidence: medium
limitations: The passage presents the boundary as a curse tied to a sage’s grove,
not as a general sanctuary institution.
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: lines 38762-38796
quote_or_summary: Matanga sees the dead bull-like demon at his hermitage, identifies
the doer, curses the Vánar not to approach, orders nearby Vánars to leave, and
threatens remaining Vánars with petrification.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: lines 38797-38820
quote_or_summary: The Vánars flee and tell Báli about Matanga’s curse; Báli tries
to appease the sage but is rejected, and the curse keeps him away from Rishyamúka.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: lines 38821-38836
quote_or_summary: Sugríva points to the dry bones of the demon and to seven Sál
trees, saying Báli could seize and shake the trees leafless, and asks how Ráma
can meet him in battle.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: lines 38837-38855
quote_or_summary: Lakshmaṇ asks what proof will end Sugríva’s doubt; Sugríva proposes
tests involving Ráma piercing a tree with an arrow or hurling the demon bull’s
remains.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: lines 38856-38891
quote_or_summary: Sugríva describes Báli’s great strength, says he roams Rishyamúka
in fear with Hanumán and faithful lords, and calls Ráma his ally and refuge while
admitting he has not seen Ráma’s strength.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: lines 38892-38901
quote_or_summary: Ráma says the test will remove doubt, touches Dundubhi’s vast
frame with his foot, and sends it twenty leagues away.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: lines 38902-38925
quote_or_summary: Sugríva contrasts Báli throwing the fresh corpse with Ráma throwing
dry bones, asks Ráma to pierce a Sál tree with an arrow, and praises him as foremost
in heroic worth.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summarized.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: medium
notes: Extraction is based only on the supplied English passage. Motif labels are
functional and should be reviewed against the wider canto context, especially
the formal alliance and the subsequent tree-piercing episode outside the supplied
range.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-28'
notes: |-
All observations and motif candidates are grounded in the supplied passage; no external parallels or unprovided taxonomy IDs were added.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:hindu-ramayana-griffith-gutenberg__l38762-l38925
passage_sha256=f7caeb5ab38a602d31df564693889e32f13043d1d5e174c85058f9eec73f7b67