Thailand Tourism: Literature

Home > Travel Guides > Asia > Southeast Asia > Thailand > In Depth > Literature

Literature

hide display ads

Thailand Travel & Vacation Deals

Sponsored Links

Private Guided Thailand

Bangkok Chiang Mai & Rai from $1501 Nat'l Geo Adventure, Top Outfitter.
www.KensingtonTours.com

Bangkok Vacation Sale

Book now for 30% off your vacation! Deals on travel to 220 destinations
www.Expedia.com

Luxury Thailand Tours

Hike at Chiang Mai and experience Bangkok in utmost luxury and style
www.coxandkingsusa.com

The Ramakien: A Traditional Tale--This classic Hindu tale was brought from India via Cambodia centuries ago. The Khmer cult of Vishnu made this particular story a favorite -- for the hero of the tale was none other than Vishnu himself. Known as the Ramayana in India, once transplanted, the story developed its own unique Siamese traits. The bad guy is always Burmese.

So loved was the character Rama that rulers of the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya kingdoms incorporated his name into theirs. King Mongkut, when he named the Chakri dynasty kings "Rama" in succession, melded his identity to the current Thai royal lineage. It is widely accepted that the kings of Thailand can trace their ancestry to Rama, securing their heavenly mandate.

The story is relayed in temple murals throughout the country, where Thai artists have animated characters set amid elaborate backdrops. A bit confusing for foreigners, the events of the tale are rarely presented in chronological order. If you have trouble identifying the demons from the monkey warriors, the demons wear evil scowls, while the monkeys smile something like a fierce grimace. The Ramakien is also the subject of the Khon, the traditional Thai dance performance enacted with demons and monkey warriors in wooden masks (replicas of which are found at many souvenir stalls and markets).

Once upon a time there lived an evil demon king. Tosakanth filled his people with fear, but he was so powerful that no one was able to topple him. The gods above were concerned about his might, especially Vishnu the Protector, who decided it was time to save everyone. And so Vishnu incarnated himself on earth as Rama, prince of Ayutthaya. Rama grew into a strong, brilliant, and handsome man.

One day while on a mission to a neighboring kingdom, Rama fell in love with the Princess Sita, lovelier than any woman on earth. Sita's father promised that whoever may string the great Bow of Indra, a hard and stiff bow, would marry his daughter. Many suitors tried and failed, yet Prince Rama strung the bow with ease (for he was a god) and won Sita's hand.

But there was trouble back in Ayutthaya. One of the king's wives tricked him into proclaiming her son the heir to the throne, and Rama, stripped of his claim to the kingdom, was banished. As he departed, he promised that in 14 years he'd return to claim the throne after slaying the evil Tosakanth. And so he went off with his bride, the Bow of Indra, and another brother, the loyal Lakshman.

By this time Tosakanth received word of Sita's immeasurable beauty. His greed drove him into the forest where he tricked Rama and Lakshman, kidnapped Sita, and imprisoned her in his evil court.

While Rama and Lakshman searched the forests for her, they encountered Hanuman, king of the monkey warriors. Hanuman vowed to help Rama, and went to Tosakanth's kingdom to find Sita. On the way Hanuman met and fell in love with the beautiful Suwanna Malee. A princess from a neighboring land, Suwanna Malee enlisted her father's armies for Rama's campaign. Continuing onward, Hanuman found Sita unharmed in Tosakanth's court, and promised to return with Rama and free her.

Hanuman and Rama organized armies from countless kingdoms for the great war with Tosakanth. They stormed the fortress and for days they fought the evil demon warriors. Tosakanth challenged Rama to battle. On elephants they charged, drawing swords and striking, Rama's strength chipping away at his opponent. Tosakanth, fearing his demise, drew a vial of poison from his breast and dipped the tip of his sword into the vial. But as Rama was warned of the poison, he drew the Bow of Indra and shot Tosakanth straight through the heart.

Tosakanth's miserable subjects were freed, Sita was released and she and Rama were reunited. Hanuman and Suwanna Malee were married. And eventually Rama returned to Ayutthaya -- 14 years after his exile. In the face of Rama's heroic efforts, his brother graciously turned the throne over to him, and Ayutthaya rejoiced.

hide display ads

Country Guide

Thailand Tourism: Literature

Literature

Thailand Travel & Vacation Deals

Thailand Travel Deals