RAIVATO
allyHero
Ravato, whose name also appears in the forms Raivato or Revato, is the antagonist of the Malagasy epic Ibonia. His name, built on the Malagasy word vato which designates stone, is often translated as the Man of Stone. He carries off Iampelasoamananoro, the betrothed of the hero Iboniamasiboniamanoro, and holds her captive, provoking the hero's long quest. Protected by talismans, he is finally defeated by Ibonia, who approaches him disguised as an old man before undoing him by cunning and by force. Ravato does not appear outside the cycle of the Ibonia, where he embodies the principal obstacle of the narrative.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Voice of its pantheon. RAIVATO carries the memory of its tradition and weaves a thread into the Mabioni. Bound to the Malagasy pantheon.
Sacred Mask
An ancient ritual mask of sacred wood, old metal and black stone, engraved with symbols of antagonist, embodiment of the power of Raivato
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
Who is Ravato in the epic Ibonia?
He is the antagonist of the narrative, nicknamed the Man of Stone. He carries off the hero's betrothed and thus provokes Ibonia's quest.
What does his name mean?
It rests on the Malagasy word vato, which means stone, whence the nickname of Man of Stone.
How is he defeated?
Ibonia approaches him disguised as an old man, foils his talismans, then undoes him by cunning and by force and takes back his promised one.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- Lee Haring, How to Read a Folktale: The Ibonia Epic from Madagascar, Open Book Publishers, 2013
- Encyclopædia Britannica, article Ibonia