batch.motif.hindu-ramayana-griffith-gutenberg-l55883-l56065
---
record_id: batch.motif.hindu-ramayana-griffith-gutenberg-l55883-l56065
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
passage_locator:
label: Canto CVIII. The Battle. / Canto CIX. The Battle. / Canto CXIV. Vibhishan
Consecrated. / Canto CXVI. The Meeting.; lines 55883-56065
start: '55883'
end: '56065'
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: After the battle, Sítá is brought from Lanká to meet Ráma. Ráma orders
that she be bathed, adorned, and brought before him, then has her litter set down
so the assembled Vánars may see her. Sítá approaches him with fear, shame, and
joy. Ráma then declares that he has recovered her for honor rather than love and
rejects her because she was carried away and held by Rávaṇ. Sítá answers that
her heart remained true, blames fate and her captor for the forced contact, recalls
her birth and marriage, and asks Lakshmaṇ to prepare a fire-pile as refuge from
her disgrace.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: A noble Vánar tells Ráma that he may now meet the queen for whose sake his
task began.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: Ráma orders Vibhishaṇ to have Sítá bathe, adorn herself, and be brought before
him in scented garments and gold ornaments.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:3
text: Sítá is conveyed through Lanká’s gate in a screened litter by Rákshas bearers
while Vánars crowd around to look.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:4
text: Ráma reproves Vibhishaṇ for restraining the Vánars and says Sítá should come
on foot and be seen by the woodland hosts.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:5
text: Sítá approaches Ráma slowly, ashamed and fearful, then looks at him with joy
and trusting love.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:6
text: Ráma tells Sítá that his task is completed, his honor has been restored, and
the foe has been slain.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:7
text: Ráma says the war was fought for honor and insulted law, not for love of Sítá,
and tells her to go where she wishes but not with him.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:8
text: Ráma states that Rávaṇ carried Sítá through the sky, touched and embraced
her, and kept her in his women’s quarters.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:9
text: Sítá replies that she is not as Ráma declares, that forced contact was due
to fate and the robber, and that her heart remained true.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: obs:10
text: Sítá asks Lakshmaṇ to prepare a pile, saying kindled fire will end her woes
and be her surest friend.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: Ráma
description: Archer chief and son of Raghu who orders Sítá brought, directs that
she be publicly seen, and later rejects her after recovering her from Rávaṇ.
role_refs:
- role:1
- role:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:4
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Sítá
description: Queen and wife of Ráma, formerly held in Lanká, brought adorned before
him, and later replying to his accusation before asking for a fire-pile.
role_refs:
- role:3
- role:4
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:5
- ev:9
- ev:10
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Vibhishaṇ
description: Rákshas king whom Ráma orders to bring Sítá and whom he reproves for
restraining the Vánar crowd.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Lakshmaṇ
description: Sumitrá’s son, present at the meeting and addressed by Sítá with the
request to prepare a fire-pile.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- ev:10
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Vánars / woodland hosts
description: Allied hosts who crowd around Sítá’s litter and are permitted by Ráma
to look on her face.
role_refs:
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:5
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Rákshas bearers and warders
description: Servants and guards who carry Sítá’s litter and attempt to restrain
the crowd at Vibhishaṇ’s command.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Rávaṇ
description: The foe slain in battle, described by Ráma as the one who bore Sítá
away, held her, and fixed his eye on her.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:8
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: Hanúmán
description: Messenger sent by Ráma who had earlier sought Lanká across the sea,
mentioned in Sítá’s reply.
role_refs:
- role:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: fig:9
name_or_label: Sugríva
description: King who led hosts that counselled, fought, and bled, mentioned by
Ráma as part of the successful campaign.
role_refs:
- role:12
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
roles:
- id: role:1
label: victorious warrior
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Ráma states that the foe has been slain, his labor crowned with success,
and his honor retrieved.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: role:2
label: rejecting husband
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Ráma tells Sítá that his love is gone and that she may go where she wishes
but not with him.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: role:3
label: recovered queen
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Sítá is called the queen and brought from Lanká to Ráma after the task is
won.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:3
- id: role:4
label: abducted wife
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Ráma describes her as having been carried through the sky and kept by Rávaṇ.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: role:5
label: accused speaker defending fidelity
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Sítá denies Ráma’s charge, says her heart was true, and blames fate and the
captor for forced contact.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: role:6
label: new Rákshas king and attendant ruler
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: Vibhishaṇ is called the Rákshas king and receives Ráma’s order concerning
Sítá.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- id: role:7
label: brother addressed to prepare fire-pile
assigned_to:
- fig:4
basis: Sítá turns to Sumitrá’s son Lakshmaṇ and asks him to prepare a pile.
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: role:8
label: allied witnesses
assigned_to:
- fig:5
basis: The Vánars gather around the litter and Ráma directs that they may look on
Sítá’s face.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: role:9
label: bearers and crowd-controllers
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: Rákshas bearers carry the litter and warders repress the rushing crowd.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: role:10
label: abductor and slain foe
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: Ráma refers to the insulting foe slain in battle and says Rávaṇ carried Sítá
away and kept her captive.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:8
- id: role:11
label: messenger to Lanká
assigned_to:
- fig:8
basis: Sítá recalls Hanúmán as sent by Ráma to seek Lanká across the sea.
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- id: role:12
label: allied king and war leader
assigned_to:
- fig:9
basis: Ráma names the hosts led by King Sugríva among the elements that brought
success.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: fire-pile
literal_form: A pile to be kindled, requested by Sítá as refuge and an end to her
woes.
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:4
taxonomy_refs:
- fire
evidence_refs:
- ev:10
- id: sym:2
label: screened litter
literal_form: A litter concealed behind a silken screen in which Sítá is carried
before Ráma orders it set down.
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:6
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: sym:3
label: public unveiling of the queen
literal_form: Ráma orders that Sítá come on foot and that the hosts look near upon
her face.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:5
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: sym:4
label: bridge over the foaming flood
literal_form: Ráma recalls the bridge spanning the foaming flood as part of the
completed campaign.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs:
- water
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: sym:5
label: golden ornament and scented raiment
literal_form: Sítá is ordered to appear bathed, dressed in scented clothing, and
adorned with golden ornament.
associated_figures:
- fig:2
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: Announcement of reunion
summary: A Vánar tells Ráma that he may now meet the queen for whose sake the campaign
began, while Ráma stands tearful and pensive.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:5
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: scene:2
label: Sítá brought from Lanká
summary: Vibhishaṇ has Sítá brought from her bower, adorned and screened in a litter,
through Lanká’s gate as Vánars gather around.
figure_refs:
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:5
- fig:6
symbol_refs:
- sym:2
- sym:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- id: scene:3
label: Ráma orders Sítá to come on foot
summary: Ráma reproves Vibhishaṇ for restraining the Vánars, states that conduct
is a woman’s best defence, and orders the litter set down so Sítá may be seen.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:5
symbol_refs:
- sym:2
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: scene:4
label: Sítá approaches Ráma
summary: Lakshmaṇ and the Vánar chiefs grieve at Ráma’s words; Sítá approaches with
shame and fear, then looks at Ráma with joy and trust.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:4
- fig:5
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: scene:5
label: Ráma’s rejection
summary: Ráma declares that his task is complete and that he fought for honor rather
than love; he rejects Sítá because of her captivity by Rávaṇ.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:7
- fig:9
symbol_refs:
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: scene:6
label: Sítá’s defence and request for fire
summary: Sítá answers Ráma’s accusation by asserting her truth and forced helplessness,
recalls her birth and marriage, and asks Lakshmaṇ to prepare a fire-pile.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:4
- fig:8
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:9
- ev:10
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: stolen beloved recovered after war
taxonomy_refs:
- stolen_beloved
basis: The passage repeatedly frames Sítá as the queen taken by Rávaṇ, recovered
after the foe is slain and the campaign is completed.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:6
- ev:8
confidence: high
cautions: The passage emphasizes honor and public reputation at least as much as
conjugal reunion.
- id: motif:2
label: return of captive spouse to the hero
taxonomy_refs:
- return
basis: Sítá is brought from captivity in Lanká to meet Ráma after the victory, but
the return becomes troubled by public rejection.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:5
- ev:7
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage does not present a simple restoration; Ráma refuses to receive
her.
- id: motif:3
label: public ordeal or appeal to fire initiated by accusation
taxonomy_refs:
- fire
basis: After being accused and rejected, Sítá asks Lakshmaṇ to prepare a pile and
says kindled fire will end her woes.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:9
- ev:10
confidence: medium
cautions: Within this passage, the fire is requested but the actual ordeal or outcome
is not yet narrated.
- id: motif:4
label: royal honor overriding private affection
taxonomy_refs:
- royal_legitimacy
basis: Ráma says he fought to avenge honor and insulted laws, not from love, and
worries about disgrace before friends and race.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage gives Ráma’s speech but not an external judgment of his reasoning.
comparison_claims: []
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: lines 55883-55894
quote_or_summary: A noble Vánar tells Ráma that he may now meet the queen for whose
sake his task began and says she remains sorrowful until she sees him.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; concise summary.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: lines 55895-55902
quote_or_summary: Ráma stands tearful and pensive, then tells King Vibhishaṇ to
have Sítá bathe, dress her hair, and be brought in scented garments and gold ornaments.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; concise summary.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: lines 55903-55916
quote_or_summary: Sítá is brought from her bower, carried by Rákshas bearers through
Lanká’s gate in robes and gems, concealed by a silken screen, while Vánars crowd
around and warders restrain them.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; concise summary.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: lines 55917-55942
quote_or_summary: Ráma reproves Vibhishaṇ for vexing the Vánars, says conduct is
a woman’s best defence, and orders that the litter be set down so Sítá may come
on foot and the woodland hosts may see her face.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; concise summary.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: lines 55943-55958
quote_or_summary: Lakshmaṇ and the Vánar chiefs grieve; Sítá approaches slowly with
shame and fear, then looks upon Ráma with joy and trusting love.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; concise summary.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: lines 55961-55982
quote_or_summary: Ráma tells Sítá that his task is done, the prize of war is won,
the foe is slain, his honor restored, and the bridge, city, Sugríva’s hosts, and
Vibhishaṇ’s aid are crowned with success.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; concise summary.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: lines 55983-56004
quote_or_summary: Ráma says the army crossed the sea not from love for Sítá but
for honor and law; he says his love is gone, calls her stained by shame, and tells
her to go where she wishes but not with him.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; concise summary.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: lines 56005-56012
quote_or_summary: Ráma says Rávaṇ bore Sítá through the sky, fixed his eye on her,
embraced her, and kept her in his women’s bower.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; concise summary.
- id: ev:9
type: summary
locator: lines 56015-56054
quote_or_summary: Sítá, pierced by Ráma’s words, weeps and replies that she is not
what he declares; she says forced contact should be blamed on fate and the robber,
that her heart remained true, and recalls Hanúmán, her birth from earth, marriage,
obedience, and faithful love.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; concise summary.
- id: ev:10
type: quote
locator: lines 56055-56065
quote_or_summary: "“Sumitrá’s son, a pile prepare... The kindled fire my woes shall
end / And be my best and surest friend.”"
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/hindu/project-gutenberg/ramayana-griffith.md
rights_note: Public domain translation; short excerpt used for evidence.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: uncertain
notes: Literal sequence and speakers are clear in the supplied passage. Motif labels
are limited to the provided taxonomy and should be reviewed, especially the fire-related
candidate because the passage stops before any fire ordeal is completed.
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: |-
No comparison claims were added because the passage itself does not explicitly compare this episode with another text or tradition.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:hindu-ramayana-griffith-gutenberg__l55883-l56065
passage_sha256=e3b874e13c3dffddc03a07c8249dced1964442d438e5d2585fab32fe31d03c89