Courage is not absence of fear but how well we overcome it. (Sundara Kanda and Practical lessons)

The two most courageous characters in the Sudara Kanda are undoubtedly Mother Sita and Hanuman. However, at various points, they are assailed by fear and doubts. When Hanuman sets eye on Ravana for the first time his heart trembles. Then imagine how Sitadevi must have felt every time Ravana approached Her! Valmiki describes Her as trembling like a plantain leaf in the wind (prabale kadnee yathaa). But the true measure of Her courage comes when, in response to Ravana’s entreaties and temptations, She tells him to his face that, having belonged to SriRama She cannot even consider his offer. Not only that, She also advises him to surrender to Sri Rama to save his life and his race. That, friends, is true courage!