Transcript The Reamker - Studies of Asia Wiki

The Reamker
A Cambodian Epic Poem
The Reamker
The Epic Poem known as the Reamker
adapts Hindu ideas to Buddhist themes and
shows the balance of good and evil in the
world.
The Reamker has its basis in spiritual beliefs
Moral and philosophical lessons
Like India's Ramayana, the Reamker is a
philosophical allegory, exploring the ideals
of justice and fidelity as embodied by the
protagonists, Prince Rama and Queen Sita
In Western civilization such ideals are related
through Fairy Tales, Fables, and for those
with Christian faith, through Biblical
Parables
The themes in the poem
The epic poem the Reamker explores issues of
trust, loyalty, love, and revenge
It portrays the complex interplay of strengths
(bravery, foresight) and weaknesses
(distrust, trickery) but performed in in
episodes lined with magic
While the characters in the poem are princes
and giants, monkeys and mermaids, and a
forlorn princess, the issues are very human
The story of The Reamker
The story centres on Preah Ream, a prince
who was exiled to the forest for fourteen
years. Following many adventures, including
the abduction of his wife Neang Seda by the
evil giant Krong Reap, and her eventual
rescue with the help of an army of monkeys
guided by Hanuman, Preah Ream returns
home in triumph and claims his throne.
Images from The Reamker
The Reamker – in puppetry and in drama
Epic Journeys – Contemporary
Stories
The Monomyth:
A hero ventures forth from the world of
common day into a region of supernatural
wonder: fabulous forces are there
encountered and a decisive victory is won:
the hero comes back from this mysterious
adventure with the power to bestow boons
on his fellow man
Some contemporary versions of Heroic Journeys
Star Wars – Luke Skywalker
Lord of the Rings – Frodo Baggins
The Matrix – Neo
Harry Potter
Chronicles of Thomas Covenant – The
Unbeliever
His Dark Materials – Will & Lyra