Indian Mythology
Hanuman
the Monkey God — Son of the Wind
Hanuman is an Indian hero of strength, associated with the realm of earth. Hanuman belongs to the hero generation of the pantheon. Roughly equivalent to Heracles in cross-pantheon mapping. Symbolised by the gada.
Historical Note
Son of Vayu. Leaped to Lanka, found Sita, set the city ablaze with his tail, and brought back the Sanjivani mountain because he couldn't tell which herb on it Rama needed. The pattern of perfect bhakti — selfless devotion — in Indian thought.