Preah Ream (Khmer: ព្រះរាម), known in the Ramayana as Lord Rama, is the central protagonist of the Reamker, the Cambodian adaptation of the famous Indian epic. He is considered an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, brought to earth to uphold righteousness (dharma) and defeat evil forces. In the Reamker, Preah Ream is a prince exiled to the forest due to palace intrigue, accompanied by his devoted wife Neang Seda and his loyal younger brother Preah Leak.
Throughout the story, Preah Ream faces a series of challenges that reflect virtues such as honor, justice, and loyalty. His wife is abducted by the demon king Krong Reap (Ravana), prompting him to ally with the monkey general Hanuman and others to rescue her. Preah Ream’s battles symbolize the struggle between good and evil, with his character serving as a moral example of kingship, compassion, and the power of virtue over violence.
Unlike in Indian versions, the Reamker blends Hindu and Buddhist influences, often interpreting Preah Ream and other characters as mortals rather than divine beings. It emphasizes human responsibility, moral doubt, and karmic consequences, especially when Preah Ream questions Seda’s purity after her rescue—a reminder of the complex, very human nature of the epic’s heroes.
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