Reamker - the abduction of Preah Neang Seda (Sita)
The abduction of Preah Neang Seda (Sita) by Krung Reap (Ravana) in the guise of a hermit is one of the major portions of the Ramayana. Krung Reap, King of the Giants, with 10 heads watches Preach Neang Seda in the forest and falls in love with her. Krung Reap gets his evil servant, Maricha, to disguise himself as a golden deer and tempt Preah Ream (Rama) and Preah Leak (Lakshmana) away from Preah Neang Seda. It was truly an exquisite creature like no other deer she has ever seen before. Its skin has a golden luminous sheen.
Preah Neang Seda (Sita) is charmed and requests Preah Ream (Rama) to bring her the deer. The prince could not resist his wife's plea and follows the deer into the forest to capture it and bring it back for his wife. But before he leaves he cautions Preah Leak (Lakshmana) not to leave Preah Neang Seda for a moment. Preah Ream finds the deer to be an elusive creature that lets him deeper and deeper into the forest. In an instant, the deer is transformed into the giant Maricha who cries out for Preah Neang Seda and Preach Leak in a perfect imitation of Preah Ream's voice. Preah Neang Seda begs Preah Leak to go to his brother’s aid. Before he leaves, he draws a circle around her with his arrow and tells Preah Neang Seda not to step out of the circle.
Krung Reap (Ravana) disguises himself as an old hermit and asks Preah Neang Seda (Sita) to come close to him. Preah Neang Seda first refuses but finally steps out of the circle. The hermit becomes Krung Reap (Ravana) who tries to court Preah Neang Seda. Before her refusal, he catches the princess in his arms and flies to his kingdom Lanka.
Hanuman is sent by Preah Ream (Rama) to find Preah Neang Seda (Sita). It is easy for Hanuman to jump and climb the trees, to hide himself in the bushes or the leafy branches. He could, in addition, become very small and thus escape the attention of the guards. At last, Hanuman enters the palace. He decides to present himself before Preah Neang Seda and shows the ring bearing the name and seal of Preah Ream in the lap of Preah Neang Seda. Her surprise turns into emotion of joy when she finds the ring to be genuine: of her Master Preah Ream. Hanuman assures Preah Neang Seda that soon Preah Ream would come, conquer Krung Reap (Ravana) and takes her back.