Common Myth and Tales Pt.II: Ramayana

I think everybody in this region is familiar with the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, albeit we know it with slightly different names in each of our languages.










Cambodia














Indonesia (Javanese)













Indonesia (Balinese)












Laos











Myanmar










Thailand







The great epic inspires us so much that each of us adopted it as our national epic. Each nation adjusted the story to fit their own tradition and culture, resulted in unique varieties we find all over Southeast Asia.

Khmer people call it by the name Reamker. Indonesians have various versions including the Javanese Kakawin Ramayana and Balinese Ramakavaca. Phra Lak Phra Lam is what it's called in Laos. Burmese people has their version which is called the Yama Zatdaw. Malaysian version was adjusted to Islamic teachings in Hikayat Seri Rama. While people the Philippines got Maradia Lawana and Darangen. And of course, Thai people have Ramakien.

The epic inspires not only in the area of literature, but also in other areas such as drama dances and puppet theaters. People adores the characters so much, they name their children with the names of the characters from the epic. Go on, look around you and try to find people whose names have connection with Ramayana, it shouldn't be hard.