“Jatayu was really no match for Ravana. But still, out of duty and love, he fought Ravana and was defeated. Later, when Lord Ramachandra was traveling through the forest looking for Sita, He came upon Jatayu, who explained exactly what he had seen. Lord Ramachandra was so pleased with Jatayu that He embraced him and told him He loved him like His own father. Jatayu died in the Lord’s arms, and Lord then performed the funeral ceremony for him just like a dutiful son. Srila Prabhupada used this story to illustrate the point that if we give our lives to the service of the Lord, even if the opposing elements are too powerful for us to be victorious externally, the Lord will be pleased and we will be successful.”
Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.7.23 (Right-click to download)