Chasing Tale: Hanuman, simple simian to sex magnet

Jessica Lee Jacob, Theatre

The tale of the Ramayana is a worldwide phenomenon which poses unlimited analytical opportunities. While the epic tale has received extensive study, the highly significant character of the monkey Hanumān has cleverly escaped much academic scrutiny.  In my research, I provide an account of the eccentricities, developments, and consistencies that involve Hanumān in parallel sections of two disparate Ramayana versions: that of India’s Valmiki from 750-500 BCE and that created during the reign of Thailand’s King Rama I of the Ghakri dynasty in 1797.  Relevant and anecdotal links to other works provide context or possible geographic genealogy to the epic’s post-Valmiki developments.  It could it be that Hanumān’s metamorphosis acts as metonymy for the epic at large.

    I have approached the material by evaluating Hanumān’s most salient character traits in turns. Prior to that study is a patchwork overview of the Ramayana’s early sphere of influence and a comparison of Hanumān’s disparate and surprising origin myths.

     When geographically and theologically distanced from its Hindu origins, the Thai Ramakien takes on an overarching theme of human conflict versus the divine purpose of its Hindu precursor.  The characters become more accessible and comprehensible to the common man; the tale is imbued with local trappings and ideas. Hanumān’s metamorphosis embodies this phenomenon.  Comparisons demonstrate: a multifaceted family tree reflecting its culture of origin; a verbose minister, turned charmer; a sensitive and devoted hero, with growing excess and remorse; a super-hero, turned magician; a celibate, turned Casanova; and in both cultures a divine with dramatic appeal.