Introduction
Jatayu is a giant vulture, the son of Aruna and the brother of Sampati. He was a friend of Dasharatha. He is known for trying to rescue Sita from Ravana.
This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.
Family
Meeting the exiles
Jatayu met Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in the Dandaka forest and offered to guard Sita while they were away. Rama accepted.
The fight
When Ravana carried Sita away in his flying chariot, Jatayu attacked him and fought hard. He destroyed Ravana's chariot and wounded him, but Ravana cut off his wings.
Death
Rama and Lakshmana found him dying. He told them what had happened, and that Ravana had taken Sita south. Rama performed his funeral rites as a son would for a father.