1. The Reamker
A Cambodian Epic Poem

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. Images from The Reamker

7. The Reamker – in puppetry and in drama

8. 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

9. 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