Hear now the sacred narrative as revealed in the hymns of the Rig Veda, where the seers call upon the divine powers with reverence and devotion. The tale begins with Agni, the radiant fire, immortal and wise, whose brilliance is invoked with heartfelt songs. His chariot is drawn by tawny steeds, borne by red ones, and the dawns themselves become his protectors, surrounding him with their gentle light. Agni, well-nourished and upright, is produced anew by the efforts of the people. He takes countless forms, even as an embryo within many places. By his power, he dwells unopposed in the dry wood, ever insightful and present. Approaching Agni, offerings of oblation and ghee are made, for he pervades all worlds. Vast and spreading, Agni’s strength is great; he is generous with food and swift to behold. From every direction, the people come to him, seeking protection from evil. They pray that Agni, youthful and beautiful, will accept their offerings with his mind. They touch him, ever growing, ever renewing his body. The worshippers speak to Agni with chosen words, knowing the rightful portion, strong as his envoys, in the manner of Manu. They call upon Agni, who never fails, with speech and sweet praise, desiring wealth and blessings. Turning now to Indra, the mighty lord, the seers call upon him: “Hear our call, O Indra, let no harm befall us. May we be among those whom you enrich, for our songs, flowing like rivers, increase your strength, O generous bestower of wealth.” Indra, the hero, released the great rivers that were held back by the serpent. With his might, he struck down the immortal Dasa who thought himself powerful, growing stronger through the songs of praise offered to him. The hymns and Rudra-like chants are for Indra, delighting and honoring him, just as shining streams flow forth for Vayu. His power is bright, increased by the prayers of the people. His thunderbolt shines in his arms, and his strength grows among the people as he overcomes the Dasa hosts, together with the sun. Even when hidden in secret, concealed in the waters, veiled in magic, Indra’s might prevails. He struck down the serpent who held back the waters and upheld the sky. The seers praise his ancient deeds and his recent acts, extolling his thunderbolt and his steeds, which are banners of the sun. Indra’s two steeds bring victory, flowing with ghee, sounding clear and pleasant. The earth, unshaken, was spread out, and even the mountain moved forward. The loosened mountain fell down, rushing forth, rejoicing with its mothers, and the voice spread far and wide, creating channels set in motion by Indra. Indra, mighty and fierce, struck down the great serpent Vritra, master of illusion. The two worlds trembled in fear at the roaring of the bull and his thunderbolt. The thunderbolt roared aloud when Indra struck the non-human foe, casting down the illusions of the crafty Danu, having drunk the pressed Soma. The people invite Indra to drink the Soma, to rejoice in its pressed juices, filling and increasing his bellies. Through Indra, the people gain power and insight, walking in truth, seeking his help and praise, ready for his wealth. They pray to be among those whom Indra protects, whose strength increases with his help. The gods are praised, and Indra is asked to grant wealth rich in heroes. They seek a dwelling, friendship, and Indra’s force like the Maruts, rejoicing together, led by the winds to the foremost path. Among those whom Indra delights in, he is called to drink the pressed Soma to his fill, protecting the people in battles, increasing their strength, and upholding the sky with great hymns. Those who are mighty call upon Indra with hymns, seeking his favor, spreading the sacred grass in their homes, and thus attaining the prize. Indra is invited to delight in the Soma at the three vats, pleased with the bearded ones who praise him, coming with his steeds to the drink of the pressed Soma. He is asked to take up his might, with which he struck down Vritra, the Danu, like a swelling cloud. He uncovered the light for the Aryan, and from the right side, the Dasyu sat down. With Indra’s help, the people seek to overcome all hostilities, conquering the Dasyus with Aryan strength. They ask for the all-formed wealth of Tvashtar for themselves, as Indra granted it to Tritas, the friend. Indra, growing strong through the exhilarating Soma, shattered the cloud, and like the sun turning its wheel, he split open Vala, O Angiras. The singer prays that Indra’s generous reward always be granted, asking to be taught and not deprived of his portion. May their speech be mighty in the assembly, victorious. The narrative then celebrates Indra, the god who, being born, was first and most powerful, surpassing all other gods by his will. By his might, heaven and earth tremble, and by his heroic greatness, men exist. Indra made firm the trembling earth, set the mountains in motion with his anger, measured out the wide midspace, and propped up the sky. Indra, having slain the serpent, released the seven rivers, drove out the cows from the cave of Vala, generated fire between two stones, and gathered in battles. By him, all moving things are set in motion; he struck down the dark-skinned Dasa hidden below, and like a hunter, destroyed the many rich ones. Of Indra, people ask, “Where is he?”—so fearsome is he, though some say, “He does not exist.” He diminishes the wealth of the prosperous, as if splitting it; faith is placed in him. Indra encourages the weak and the poor, protects the priest who is not honored, and guards the one who presses Soma with stones. His horses, cows, villages, and chariots are everywhere. He generated the sun and the dawn and is the leader of the waters. Both the weeping and the united call upon him, both distant and near, all enemies; even those who ride the same chariot but differ in mind invoke him. Without Indra, men do not win; fighters call for his help in battle, and he became the measure of all things, the unshaken among the unshaken. He struck down the proud, ever-arrogant ones who thought themselves invincible, never yielding to the challenger, the slayer of the Dasyu. Indra found Shambara dwelling among the mountains in his fortieth autumn, slew the growing serpent, and struck down the sleeping Danu. As the bull with seven rays, he released the seven rivers to flow, and with thunder-armed might, struck down Rauhina as he ascended to the sky. Heaven and earth bow to Indra, and even the mountains fear his might. The drinker of Soma is praised, thunder-armed and thunder-handed. He protects the one who presses Soma, who cooks, who praises, and who is silent in worship. For Indra, prayer is strength, Soma is joy, and his gifts are blessings. Such is the story of Agni and Indra, as sung by the ancient seers—invoked, praised, and worshipped for their power, generosity, and protection.