Myth as a device in R. K. Narayan's The Man-Eater of Malgudi

Author(s)	Shubham Tiwari
Country	India
Abstract	In general, myth is considered to be a traditional tale which involves supernatural power whereas history comprises the chronological details of past events which refer to facts. Myths have been playing a significant role in the aura of Indian English literature. Myths have their own roots in Indian English literature and Myth has become a supportive backdrop. From the ancient time Indian authors have made use of the mythical tales from the Epics, the Puranas, the Panchatantra and the Jatakas in their writings. Indian English literature is embellished by tales and concepts of Vedas, Upnishads, Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Man Eater of Malgudi is obligatory novel based on Hindu mythical stories accordingly referencing to Hindu Gods and Goddesses. As a typical Indian author, Narayan has also used myths and metaphors abundantly in his novels and short Stories. In this novel, the author has re-visited multiple myths ranging from the Bhasmasura myth as a deva-asura war from Vedas and Puranas. R. K. Narayan borrowed Myth and Folklore from Indian Culture and Religion
Keywords	Myth, Deva-Asura war, Good and evil, Realism and Love-Hate relationship
Field	Sociology > Linguistic / Literature
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-15

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research