From the Ramayana

• Rama was banished from his kingdom and his wife is named Sita.
• Rama and Sita wandered in exile for 14 years.
• Ravana is the chief of a group of rakshasas, or demons.
• Rama seeks Sita with the help of Hanuman, the monkey god.
• Ravana found the gory scene intolerable, despite living a life of violence.
• Before the battle, Ravana had a ritual bath and performed special prayers to gain the blessing of Shiva.
• Ravana's resolve was that either Sita or his wife Mandodari would become widows before the day ended.
• The gods, feeling that Rama needed their utmost support, requested Indra to send down his special chariot for Rama's use.
• Rama instructed the charioteer to follow his directions and to speed up when necessary.
• Mahodara was described as "A giant among giants" in his physical description.
• Ravana ordered Mahodara to leave Rama to him alone and, if he really wanted to fight, to fight his brother.
• Rama noticed Mahodara's purpose and blocked his path with his chariot to stop him.
• Mahodara's charioteer suggested not charging towards Rama and to stay away for the time being, but his obstinance refused.
• Mahodara charged towards Rama and was killed in a moment's work.
• After Mahodara's defeat, Ravana's anger reached insane heights.
• The omens that appeared before Ravana were: bowstrings snapped, mountains shook, thunders rumbled in the sky, tears flowed from the horses' eyes, and elephants moving along dejectedly.
• Ravana underestimated Rama, calling him a mere mortal.
• Rama, instead of going straight for him, decimated the army supporting him, in an attempt to maybe bring a change of heart to Ravana.
• Ravana's chariot could move by itself.