RV 25 (5)

Rig Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

2 With these discomfit hosts that fight against us, and check the opponent's wrath, thyself uninjured. 3 Those who array themselves as foes to smite us, O Indra, be they kin or be they strangers,− 4 With strength of limb the hero slays the hero, when bright in arms they range them for the combat. 5 Yet no strong man hath conquered thee, no hero, no brave, no warrior trusting in his valour. 6 He is the Lord of both these armies' valour when the commanders call them to the conflict: 7 And when the people stir themselves for battle, be thou their saviour, Indra, and protector, 8 To thee for high dominion hath been for evermore, for slaughtering the Vrtras, 9 So urge our hosts together in the combats: yield up the godless bands that fight against us.

RV 25 (5) · Rig Veda · null

Themes in this passage

War Courage Strength Anger The Divine Protection

War in other traditions

The same theme, as Christianity, Taoism, Islam and Hellenism address it.

For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army.

1 Samuel 17:21 · Bible · 1 Samuel

A master of the art of war has said, 'I do not dare to be the host (to commence the war); I prefer to be the guest (to act on the defensive). I do not dare to advance an inch; I prefer to retire a foot.' This is called marshalling the ranks where there are no ranks; baring the arms (to fight) where there are no arms to bare; grasping the weapon where there is no weapon to grasp; advancing against the enemy where there is no enemy.

Tao Te Ching 69.1 · Tao Te Ching

Those who believe do battle for the cause of Allah; and those who disbelieve do battle for the cause of idols. So fight the minions of the devil. Lo! the devil's strategy is ever weak.

Quran 4:76 · Quran · Women

He spoke, then rush’d amid the warrior crew, And sent his voice before him as he flew, Loud, as the shout encountering armies yield When twice ten thousand shake the labouring field; Such was the voice, and such the thundering sound Of him whose trident rends the solid ground. Each Argive bosom beats to meet the fight, And grisly war appears a pleasing sight.

Iliad 14.15 · Iliad · 14

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