Epic
รามเกียรติ์
Not translated into English
Synopsis
The Thai version of the story of Rama, transposed into the landscapes and culture of Ayutthaya. Phra Ram, an incarnation of Phra Narai, lives in the forest with his wife Nang Sida and his brother Phra Lak, when Thotsakan, king of the demons of Lanka, abducts Sida. Phra Ram then gathers Hanuman and an army of monkeys, who throw a causeway across to the island; Thotsakan cannot die as long as his heart remains hidden in a box, and the Thai Hanuman shows himself playful and gallant.
Context
The versions written under Ayutthaya disappeared for the most part with the destruction of the city in 1767, and King Taksin composed four episodes. The most complete version was assembled at the court of Rama I, who wrote part of it, in 116 volumes; Rama II drew episodes from it for the stage. The galleries of Wat Phra Kaew, in Bangkok, unfold the whole story in murals.
Who it is for
For reading the national epic of Thailand, the one of the temple frescoes of Bangkok and the masked dancers.
Prizes and reception
Northern Illinois University sees in it a written work that shares many features of works of pure oral tradition.
Sources for this page 4
The pages consulted to check this page.