The Empire of the Holy Monkeys
Rama and Lakshmana set out in search of Sita. They came upon
a dying eagle, Jatayu, who informed them that Ravana had carried off
Sita to Lanka. Jatayu had tried to stop Ravana, but had been badly wounded
in the process.
Rama and Lakshmana continued in their quest to find Sita, and
sought the help of the brave monkey Hanuman. Hanuman took them to his
chief, the monkey Sugriva, who'd seen Sita's abduction from afar. Sugriva
promised to help rescue Sita if Rama in turn helped him overcome his
powerful brother Bali, who had banished Sugriva from his kingdom. Rama
agreed, and killed Bali during a battle between Sugriva and Bali.
The monkeys, then led by Hanuman scattered to look for Sita.
Rama gave Hanuman his ring, as a token that Sita would recognise if
Hanuman found her. As the monkeys searched south-ward, they came upon
a vast ocean, across which lay Lanka.
