Jatayu the Brave Bird

When Sita was being carried away across the sky by the demon-king Ravana, an old and noble vulture named Jatayu saw her crying out for help.

Though he was aged and Ravana was mighty, Jatayu did not hesitate. He flew straight at the kidnapper and fought with all his strength to free her.

He could not win, and he fell, gravely hurt — but he lived just long enough to tell Rama which way Sita had been taken. His courage gave Rama the very first clue to find her.