Hikayat Seri Rama

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Hikayat Seri Rama is one of two Malay adaptations and localization of Valmiki's Sanskrit version of the Ramayana, the other being Hikayat Maharaja Wana. This epic that was originally written in Jawi script contains many spellings of characters that are different from the original Sanskrit version as the translator(s) was not familiar with the characters in the epic. The main purpose of the Hikayat Seri Rama is to show the ideals of righteousness, love, loyalty, and selfless devotion.

Hikayat Seri Rama probably reached Malaysia by way of Javanese traders who brought along their shadow play, Wayang Kulit. The legend of Rama, as depicted by Valmiki, reached the shores of Indonesia in the 9th century AD and gradually spread to the whole of Java and Bali.

Local storytellers however localized the Ramayana and showed the legacy of their particular civilization in their version of the epic. Religious beliefs also influenced these changes since the Malays were by then followers of Islam. Numerous branch stories had also been developed as accretions to or extensions of this epic, with the addition of motifs from the Javanese Panji romance, the upgrading of minor characters to major ones, or the invention of totally new characters. For example, Malay writers and storytellers have produced variations in which Lakhsmana, the younger brother, becomes more important than Rama the elder prince. Rama, although righteous and virtuous, was perceived to be weak and his character is often moved to the background. The younger Lakhsmana's courage and willingness to react decisively appear to be traits which are more appreciated by the Malays.

Puppeteers of wayang kulit pick the most exciting episodes for their shows, in particular the scenes relating to the marriage of Seri Rama and Siti Dewi, the abduction of Siti Dewi, the final battles in Langkapuri, and the heroine's rescue by her husband.