Hindu
Hanuman
The strong, loyal monkey hero of the Ramayana, loved as a symbol of devotion and courage.
Hanuman is a much-loved figure in Hinduism, a monkey hero famous for his strength, loyalty and devotion to Rama in the Ramayana, one of India's great epics. In one well-known tale he leaps across the sea and, when he cannot tell which herb will heal a wounded friend, carries a whole mountain back.
As a baby he mistook the rising sun for a mango and leapt up to catch it. Some tellings say he forgot his own powers until a friend reminded him, which is how he finds the strength to cross the sea.
Many people today pray to Hanuman for courage and help, and he is celebrated at Hanuman Jayanti. He is shown as strong but humble, and is a favourite with children.