The Rice Myths in Asia: The Comparative Literature Study

The main aim of the paper is to compare the rice plant myths from the Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, China, Japan, and India. Data was collected through literature study and then, ten stories of the rice myths will be analyzed uses the literary comparative study approach. The comparison includes the version, theme, and topoi of the story. The results of comparison are differences and similarities of the story based on topoi and theme. In addition, the rice myth is also closely related to the concept of the Mother Goddess; a concept that identifies the mother/woman as the earth or the source of life. Meanwhile, the most topoi which is found in the story are sacrifice and transformation that means respect and praise for the earth among the agrarian community culture.