Valmiki (V-IV centuries BC) – is a semi-legendary poet of ancient India, the author of the Ramayana. According to the tradition, in his youth Valmiki was a highway robber. After meeting with a sage (rishi) Narada he changed his life completely. He had been expiating his sins for many years. Finally he was forgiven. Later on Valmiki became a sage himself and wrote the Ramayana.