Purpose of Sub-Stories in Kambar Ramayanam

கம்பராமாயணக் கிளைக்கதைகளின் நோக்கம்

Abstract

Literary works not only reflect the thoughts of the creator but also express social ideas and shape human emotions. Traditional beliefs widely held among people have been transformed into central themes in epics, a major literary genre. To provide continuity to the events depicted in epics and to convey the creator’s purpose, the epic poet constructs sub-stories (kilaikathai). This article examines how these sub-stories in Kambar Ramayanam serve the purpose of reinforcing the central themes and artistic goals of the epic.