STORIES THEN AND NOW: GODS, HEROES, AND AVATARS

Objectives:
Students trace the movement of Hinduism, and one of its primary stories, the Story of Rama, from
India to Bali, Indonesia; discuss how stories change and are reinterpreted according to time and
place; and make comparisons between characters in the Story of Rama and the film series Star Wars.

Materials:
Heroes and Antiheroes: Star Wars and the Ramayana (student worksheet)
Access to websites: www.asianart.org; www.starwars.com

Vocabulary:
hero/antihero or protagonist/antagonist (for older)

Procedure:
1. Use a map to show the movement of Hinduism. What do you think might happen to stories
and ideas when they travel so far away? Explain how storytelling and stories in art help to spread
ideas, and also become unique and take on new meaning in contemporary culture.
2. Brainstorm or search online for other contemporary references to the Story of Rama (Buffy the
Vampire Slayer episode, Rama videogame). Share.
3. The Story of Rama inspired another epic that students will likely know, Star Wars. Distribute
Heroes and Antiheroes: Comparing Star Wars and the Story of Rama. In groups, pairs, or
as a whole class, brainstorm the qualities of the characters in Star Wars. For a summary of Star
Wars, visit: starwars.com. Complete.
4. Discuss the comparisons that students made between Star Wars and the Story of Rama. Did
anything surprise you during this activity?

Asian Art Museum Education Department