Hanuman Grows

Transformation of the Mighty Vanara

As Hanuman remembers his divine powers, his body begins to grow. The humble vanara expands to mountainous size, his golden form blazing like the rising sun. The other vanaras watch in amazement as Hanuman's true form is revealed.

The Transformation Begins

The vanaras have stopped breathing. Hanuman stands before them, the same Hanuman they have known for years, the quiet servant of Sugriva, the humble messenger who never boasted of his strength. But something is happening to him.

As Jambavan's words settle into his consciousness, as the memories of his childhood flood back, Hanuman's body begins to change. It starts slowly, a straightening of the spine, a squaring of the shoulders, a lifting of the chin. Then it accelerates.

Hanuman's body begins to expand. Not metaphorically, not symbolically, literally. His muscles swell. His frame stretches. His form grows larger and larger with each passing moment. "By the gods..." one vanara whispers. "He's growing... he's actually growing!" The vanaras step back as Hanuman rises above them. One foot tall. Two feet. Four. Eight. Sixteen. He grows past the height of the tallest vanara. He grows past the height of trees. He grows until his head blocks out the sun and his shadow covers the entire assembly.

Mountain-Like Form

When the growth finally slows, Hanuman stands before them like a mountain made flesh. His golden fur blazes like fire in the sunlight. His eyes burn with an inner flame, not anger, but purpose. His tail, massive now, curls behind him like a second mountain range.

The vanaras crane their necks to look up at him, and many fall to their knees in awe. "This is... this is what was hidden within you?" Angada gasps. "All this time?" Hanuman's voice, when he speaks, is like thunder rolling across the sky. "This is who I was before I forgot. This is who I have always been. This is who I am."

Something happens among the vanaras, a shift from astonishment to reverence. They have just witnessed a miracle. The ordinary has revealed itself to be divine. They begin to praise Hanuman, and their praise seems to fuel his growth even more. "Victory to Hanuman!" they cry. "Victory to the son of Vayu! Greatest of vanaras! Mightiest of warriors! He will cross the ocean! He will find Mother Sita!" Each cry of praise adds energy to Hanuman's form. He doesn't just grow in size, he grows in radiance. His entire body begins to glow, blazing like the sun itself. Jambavan watches with quiet satisfaction. The awakening is complete.