From a tree near the hermitage, Jatayu, king of the vultures, saw all and rushed to the aid of Sita. Jatayu's was a noble fight, he flew again and again at Ravana and his chariot, but with one mighty sweep Ravana struck off both of his wings and he fell dying to the earth.
When the deer cried out Rama realised he had been tricked. Hesitating briefly, only to despatch the demon to it's death, he rushed back to the hermitage. He was too late, Sita was gone. Lakshmana joined him and great was their grief and desolation.