The Ramayana and the Ramakien are two of the most famous epics in the world, and both have had a significant impact on the cultures of their respective countries.
The Ramayana is an ancient Hindu epic that tells the story of the prince Rama (an avatar of Vishnu) and his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.
While the Ramakien, is a Thai adaptation of the Ramayana, which was written in the 18th century during the reign of King Rama I.
Both the Ramayana and the Ramakien are considered to be sacred texts in their respective countries, and they continue to be celebrated to this day.
In this article we’ll go through the story of the Ramakien and explore its similarities and differences with the Ramayana.
What is the Ramakien?
The Ramakien is Thailand’s national epic, derived from the Indian Ramayana, a Sanskrit epic composed by the sage Valmiki around the 5th century BCE.
The Ramakien is essentially a Thai adaptation of the Ramayana, with changes made to its characters, plot, and settings to better suit the cultural context of the Thai people.
The Ramakien is not only a literary work but also an essential part of Thai culture, influencing various art forms, including dance, theater, and literature. The story has been depicted in numerous forms, such as murals, sculptures, and traditional Thai dance performances known as Khon.
We even found the statue of the antagonist Thotsakan standing guard in Wat Arun, the most iconic temple in Bangkok!
The epic has played a crucial role in shaping Thai identity and values. It imparts essential teachings on the nature of good and evil, the importance of loyalty, and the virtues of a righteous ruler. Which is why you’ll find that all the kings of Thailand are named after Rama.
Who Wrote the Ramakien?
The first known written version of the Ramakien, called the “Ramakien of King Rama I,” was composed in the late 18th century by King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty. Unfortunately, this version was lost during the sacking of Ayutthaya by the Burmese in 1767.
History of the Ramakien
The Ramayana, meaning “Rama’s Journey,” was introduced to Southeast Asia around the 8th century through Indian traders and scholars. It quickly spread its influence over other cultures from the Kecak dance of Bali and the Wayang Kulit shadow puppetry of Malaysia.
The Ramakien, meaning “Rama’s Glory,” is believed to have gone through several revisions over the centuries, and the version commonly known today is based on the editions produced during the reign of King Rama I and King Rama II.
Is the Ramayana and Ramakien the Same?
No, while the Ramakien draws plenty of inspiration from Ramayana, there are numerous dissimilarities that make the Ramakien unique to Thailand. Both epics share some similarities in terms of the beginning plot: Rama and Sita fall in love, Rama gets exiled with Sita, Sita gets abducted by Ravana and the war between Rama and Ravana to regain Sita. Towards the end however, they start to diverge.
Aside from the difference in character names, some portrayals are also vastly different, especially the Ramakien’s version of Rama and Hanuman. We’ll go through the character introductions first and then the story of Ramakien and at the end you’ll find just how different the two epics are.
The Ramayana in Various Cultures
While the Ramayana originated in India, it has since spread to many other cultures, where it has been adapted and retold in a variety of ways. Here are just some of them:
- Cambodia: known as “Reamker” in Cambodia, you can find it depicted in carvings on the walls of the Angkor Wat temple complex. The carvings show scenes from the epic, including the battle between Rama and Ravana.
- Philippines: there is a version of the Ramayana known as the Maharadia Lawana. It tells the story of Rama and Sita, but with a Filipino twist. Here, Rama is known as Radiya Mangandiri and Sita is known as Towan Potri Malano Tihaya.
- Indonesia: the Ramayana is known as the “Kakawin Ramayana.” You can find it’s influence in the Kecak dance performed in Bali.
- Malaysia: the Ramayana is known as the “Hikayat Seri Rama.” The Hikayat Seri Rama is often performed as the wayang kulit, a traditional form of shadow puppetry.
- Thailand: the Ramayana is known as the “Ramakien,” which means “Glory of Rama.” The Ramakien is often depicted in murals especially in the Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok, and it is also performed as a traditional dance-drama known as Khon.
Ramayana and Ramakien Character Names
If you’re already familiar with the story of the Ramayana then this would be much easier but for now let’s go over the differences in the character names so as not to get confused later on:
Divine Beings
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Ramayana
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Ramakien
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Description
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|---|---|---|
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Vishnu
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Phra Narai
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God of Preservation
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Shiva
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Phra Isuan
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God of Destruction
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Brahma
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Phra Phrom
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God of Creation
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Lakshmi
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Phra Laksami
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Goddess of Fortune
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Indra
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Phra In
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King of the Gods
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Surya
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Phra Atit
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Sun God
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Humans
|
Ramayana
|
Ramakien
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|
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Rama
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Phra Ram
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The Protagonist, Incarnation of Vishnu
|
|
Sita
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Nang Sida
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Wife of Rama, Incarnation of Lakshmi
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Bharata
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Phra Phrot
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One of the 3 Brothers of Rama
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Lakshmana
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Phra Lak
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Rama's Closest Brother
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Shatrughna
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Satarut
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Twin Brother of Lakshmana
|
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Dasharatha
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Thotsarot
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King of Ayodhya, Father of Rama
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Kaikeyi
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Nang Kaiyakesi
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One of the 3 Wives of King Dasharatha, Mother of Bharata
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Janaka
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Chonok
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King of Mithila, Father of Sita
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Kucci
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Manthara
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The Hunchback
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Valmiki
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Wachamarik
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A Wise Sage, Penned the Ramayana
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Phra Loph
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Lava
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Son of Rama and Sita
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Phra Monkut
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Kusha
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Twin Brother of Lava
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Vanara
|
Ramayana
|
Ramakien
|
Description
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|---|---|---|
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Hanuman
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Phra Hanuman
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Stalwart Ally of Rama, Monkey God
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Sugriva
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Sukhrip
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Uncle of Hanuman
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Tara
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Dara
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Wife of Sugriva
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Vali
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Phali
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Brother of Sugriva
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Kesari
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Khodam
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King of Kishkindha
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Kala Acana
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Anjana
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Wife of Kesari
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Demons
|
Ramayana
|
Ramakien
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Description
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|---|---|---|
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Ravana
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Thotsakan
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The Antagonist, King of Lanka
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Kala Akhi
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Mandodari
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Wife of Ravana, Queen of Lanka
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Indrajit
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Intharachit
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Son of Ravana
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Vibhishana
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Phiphek
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Brother of Ravana, Advisor
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Surpanakha
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Sammanakha
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Sister of Ravana
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Kingdoms
|
Ramayana
|
Ramakien
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Description
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|---|---|---|
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Ayodhya
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Ayutthaya
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Kingdom of Rama
|
|
Kishkindha
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Khitkhin
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Kingdom of the Vanara
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|
Langka
|
Longka
|
Kingdom of Ravana
|
What is the Story of the Ramakien?
This is a summary of the Ramakien, it is meant to give you some more context and to help highlight some of the differences between the two epics, if you want to read the full story of the Ramayana, I’ve written a much more comprehensive blog post about it here.
Thotsakan
The Ramakien begins with the story of Phra Narai, a powerful deity who takes on the form of a boar to defeat the demon Hiranyaksha.
Then it proceeds to the origins of Thotsakan, the main antagonist of the story. Thotsakan was once a servant of Phra Isuan, who granted him a deadly power to destroy anyone at whom he pointed his diamond finger to. However, when Nonthok, as he was then called, began to abuse this power, Phra Narai assumed the form of a woman to trick Nonthok into pointing the diamond finger towards himself, causing his own death.
Nonthok is later reborn as Thotsakan, who becomes the powerful demon king of Longka. Thotsakan then brought out his heart so that he can never be killed.
Thotsakan marries Kala Akhi, and they have a son, Ronapak, who becomes known as Intharachit after he defeats Phra In.
The Vanara
The Vanara are the monkey-like beings present in all renditions of the epic.
Phali and Sukhrip were born to Kala Acana, the wife of King Khodam of the Khitkhin Kingdom, as a result of her adultery with Phra In and Phra Athit respectively. When King Khodam immersed them in a lake to test their legitimacy, they turn into monkeys and vanish into the forest.
Phali is granted a magic trident by Phra Isuan which transfers half the strength of anyone fighting him, while Sukhrip is rewarded with a beautiful maiden named Dara. However, Phali takes Dara for himself and sends Sukhrip into exile where he meets Hanuman.
Hanuman, perhaps the most famous character in the Ramakien, is said to be born after Phra Isuan places his celestial weapons in the mouth of Sawaha, the daughter of Kala Acana.
Hanuman stays with Phali and Sukhrip for a time, but eventually joins Sukhrip in his banishment to the forest.
Phra Ram and Nang Sida
The story then shifts focus to the introduction of Phra Ram, a reincarnation of Phra Narai and the son of King Thotsarot.
Phra Ram was known for his exceptional qualities, including his strength, intelligence, and devotion to duty. He was beloved by his family and subjects.
Phra Ram’s brothers, Phra Lak, Phra Phrot, and Phra Satarut, represent Phra Narai’s emblems of the serpent, the discus, and the mace.
Phra Ram’s consort, Nang Sida, is a reincarnation of Phra Narai’s consort Laksami, but is actually born as the daughter of Thotsakan (yes, in the Ramakien, Sita is born under Ravana) and adopted by King Chonok of Mithila.
The Exile
Phra Ram met and fell in love with Nang Sida at first sight. Phra Ram then proceeded to win the hand of Nang Sida by breaking the powerful bow of Phra Isuan at her swayamvara, a traditional wedding ceremony. From that point on, their fates were intertwined, and they pledged to stand by each other through thick and thin.
Their love story is interrupted by the scheming of Kucci, a hunchback who instigates Nang Kaiyakesi to ask King Thotsarot to make her son, Phra Phrot, king and for Phra Ram’s banishment. This was due to a promise he had made to her in the past and he was forced to fulfill it due to his duty as a king.
Phra Ram accepts the banishment and sets off to live in the forest with Nang Sida and his brother Phra Lak, where they meet Sammanakha, the sister of Thotsakan who takes on the form of a beautiful maiden. The demoness tries to seduce the two brothers, but they resist and humiliate her.
The Abduction
Thotsakan seeks revenge for the punishment of his sister but ends up falling deeply in love with Nang Sida and comes up with a plan to kidnap her.
He arranges for Phra Ram to leave Nang Sida alone in the forest as he chases after a demon disguised as a golden deer.
While Phra Ram was away, Thotsakan abducted Nang Sida and attempts to marry her, not realizing that she was his daughter. Nang Sida refused his advances, and in a further attempt to force himself upon her, Thotsakan tried to rape her.
However, he was unable to do so because when he touched her skin, he was burned.
Phali and Sukhrip
Phra Ram meets Phali and Sukhrip during his search for Nang Sida. The vanara brothers, both former rulers of the monkey kingdom, were engaged in a bitter feud. Phra Ram helps Sukhrip to defeat Phali and Sukhrip becomes the new king of Khitkin.
In return, Sukhrip and his army of monkeys agree to help Phra Ram to rescue Nang Sida from the Thotsakan.
Phra Hanuman
Phra Ram and Phra Lak then meet Phra Hanuman.
Before the war between Phra Ramand Thotsakan begins, Thotsakan tries to stop Phra Ram from advancing by using various tricks. One of the tricks involves a female demon who takes the form of a dead Nang Sida and floats down the river towards Phra Ram.
Phra Ram is fooled by the trickery and becomes grief-stricken, but Phra Hanuman, his ever-loyal monkey soldier, is suspicious and uncovers the deception, thus foiling Thotsakan’s plan.
When Phra Hanuman is ordered to take the female demon back to Thotsakan, he instead seduces her, which sets the stage for his many romantic adventures.
Phra Hanuman, using his incredible strength and intelligence, is able to locate Nang Sida in Longka and identifies himself to her by showing her a ring and kerchief and retelling the secret of her first meeting with Phra Ram.
However, Hanuman is caught by Thotsakan’s son Intharachit and imprisoned.
Hanuman, using his cleverness, is able to escape and sets Longka on fire. Phra Hanuman then stretches himself across the sea, allowing Phra Ram to cross over by walking over his back.
The Battle at Longka
The war with Thotsakan and his demons commences, with Phra Ram and his allies fighting valiantly against their foes.
There were many epic battles, and many champions from both sides were felled.
There was also a betrayal by Thotsakan’s own brother Phiphek, who provided vital information to Phra Ram. Such were the intense moments of drama throughout the war.
With the help of his allies and the blessings of the gods, Phra Ram is able to kill both Thotsakan and Intharachit. Thotsakan dies when Phra Ram shoots him with an arrow, while Phra Hanuman crushes the box containing his heart.
Thus, Nang Sida is finally freed from the clutches of evil.
Nang Sida's Trial
After the war, Phra Ram became doubtful of Nang Sida’s loyalty as she was kept under the enemy’s household all this time. He questioned her faithfulness and as a result, Nang Sida had to undergo a trial by fire to prove her loyalty.
During the trial, Nang Sida entered a great fire and emerged unscathed, which was interpreted as proof of her purity.
However, this only temporarily reassured Phra Ram.
Epilogue
Many years later, a demon, bitter about Thotsakan’s defeat, tricks Nang Sida into drawing a picture of Thotsakan and leaving it under Phra Ram’s bed. This makes Phra Ram believe that Nang Sida misses Thotsakan.
Phra Ram then orders Phra Lak to take her to the forest and kill her. However, instead of following through with the command, Phra Lak brings back the heart of a doe to trick Phra Ram into thinking that Nang Sida is dead.
In reality, Nang Sida was actually pregnant at that time and finds refuge with a hermit named Wachamarik, where she gives birth to two sons, Phra Monkut and Phra Loph.
The princes find out about their father and tell Phra Ram that Nang Sida is alive and well.
Phra Ram decides to take Nang Sida back to Ayutthaya, but she refuses and disappears into the Underworld.
Finally, after plenty more trials and tribulations, Phra Isuan brings them back together again and Phra Ram and Nang Sida live happily ever after.
What are the Differences Between the Ramayana and Ramakien?
If you’re familiar with the Ramayana, you might be surprised at the stark differences between the two epics. Here are just some of the main differences between the two:
The Setting
- Instead of Ayodhya in India, the Ramakien centers around Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand.
The Portrayal of Rama and Sita
- In the Ramakien, Nang Sida is the daughter of Thotsakan and adopted by King Chonok (Janaka) whereas in the Ramayana, Sita is the daughter of King Janaka.
- While in the Ramayana, Rama never doubted Sita but had to do the trial by fire to appease the people, in the Ramakien Phra Ram had doubts about Nang Sida and asked her to prove her loyalty.
- The episode with Nang Sida drawing a portrait of Thotsakan never happened in the Ramayana. This also involves the killing of the doe to trick Phra Ram about Nang Sida’s death.
- The discovery of the portrait then led to Phra Ram ordering Nang Sida’s execution which sounds blasphemous considering how sacred their relationship was in the Ramayana.
- A similar gut-wrenching scenario also happened in the Ramayana which forced Rama to send the pregnant Sita into exile but it was for a different reason that involved public opinion, similar to the trial by fire.
The Potrayal of Hanuman
- The Ramakien version of Hanuman is that he is more of a central hero in the story, rather than a supporting character.
- While in the Ramayana, Hanuman is depicted as a morally perfect and selfless character who is solely focused on helping Rama, in the Ramakien he is presented as a flawed and human-like figure. Phra Hanuman is portrayed as prone to acting impulsively and forgetting the larger goal of serving Rama.
- In contrast to the portrayal of Hanuman in the Ramayana as a celibate devotee of Rama and Sita, Phra Hanuman in the Ramakien is depicted as a sexually active monkey who seduces several women in the story, including Phiphek’s (Vibhishana) daughter and one of Thotsakan’s (Ravana) daughters. Phra Hanuman is even shown to have raped Kala Akhi (Mandodari) while disguised as Thotsakan.
- Phra Hanuman plays a much larger role in the Ramakien, serving as the bridge leading to Longka. In the Ramayana, the whole army works together in constructing the bridge known as Rama Setu (Rama’s Bridge) that was held by Varuna, the Sea God.
- Phra Hanuman was even paramount to the defeat of Thotsakan as he was the one who crushed his heart which wasn’t a thing in the Ramayana.
