Chapter 4.17 - The Striped Hyene in the Epics

Hyenas are of two kinds^[1] and are considered younger brothers of Vyaghras.

The Striped hyenas are born with black and red body colour. Their feet are suitable for running fast. They have long and rough bristle on the body. Their feet and claws are short. They have a whitish tinge on their neck. Their faces are turned downwards. They have thick tails and are fast and fearless. They love human flesh and the flesh of the deer. They have frothy mouths.

The second type is called Cheetah (Mrigadana). They are shorter than the striped hyenas. They are yellow in colour. Their body is black and red and they are known for cruelty. Their tails and claws are long and they are thickly spotted. They have red or black stripes on the skin. Normally their faces are turned upward. They move fast and are valiant. They are fond of human flesh. They also eat the flesh of animals like cow, antelope and bison. Some Cheetahs have beards on their chins and some have very big faces and noses. They live for 14 years.