e
_Daityas_ and wrested from them all their valuable possessions. And as
he had terrified all creatures, he was called _Ravana_. And Ravana,
capable of mustering any measure of might inspired the very gods with
terror.'"

SECTION CCLXXIV

"Markandeya said, 'Then the _Brahmarshis_, the _Siddhas_ and the
_Devarshis_, with _Havyavaha_ as their spokesman, sought the protection
of Brahma. And Agni said, "That powerful son of Visrava, the Ten-headed
cannot be slain on account of thy boon! Endued with great might he
oppresseth in every possible way the creatures of the earth. Protect us,
therefore, O adorable one! There is none else save thee to protect us!"

"'Brahma said, "O Agni, he cannot be conquered in battle by either the
gods or the _Asuras_! I have already ordained that which is needful for
that purpose. Indeed his death is near! Urged by me, the four-headed God
hath already been incarnate for that object. Even Vishnu, that foremost
of smiters will achieve that object!"'

"Markandeya continued, 'Then the Grandsire also asked Sakra, in their
presence, "Be thou, with all the celestials, born on earth! And beget ye
on monkeys and bears, heroic sons possessed of great strength and
capable of assuming any form at will as allies of Vishnu!" And at this,
the gods, the _Gandharvas_ and the _Danavas_ quickly assembled to take
counsel as to how they should be born on earth according to their
respective parts. And in their presence the boon-giving god commanded a
_Gandharvi_, by name Dundubhi saying, "Go there for accomplishing this
object!" And Dundubhi hearing these words of the Grandsire was born in
the world of men as the hunchbacked _Manthara_. And all the principal
celestials, with Sakra and others begot offspring upon the wives of the
foremost of monkeys and bears. And those sons equaled their sires in
strength and fame. And they were capable of splitting mountain peaks and
their weapons were stones and trees of the _Sala_ and the _Tala_
species. And their bodies were hard as adamant, and they were possessed
of very great strength. And they were all skilled in war and capable of
mustering any measure of energy at will. And they were equal to a
thousand elephants in might, and they resembled the wind in speed. And
some of them lived wherever they liked, while others lived in forests.
And the adorable Creator of the Universe, having ordained all this,
instructed _Manthara_ as to what she would have to do. And Manthara