Understanding “Raya and the Last
Dragon”
In Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon,” we are introduced to Sisu, who is the Last
Dragon. She is voiced by Awkwafina and is based on the mythology of the Naga. Check
out this description of the Naga below:
“The Naga appears in Hinduism and Buddhism and is a member of a class of mythical
semidivine beings. The Naga is half human and half cobra. They are a strong,
handsome species who can assume either wholly human or wholly serpentine form
and are potentially dangerous but often beneficial to humans.”
For this lesson, I would like you to undertake a little research investigation into the Naga
and South-East Asian mythology – remember, these stories are the same as what NamHuong would have been told by her parents before she was forced to come to Australia.
In your books and using the Chromebooks:
1) Choose three words from the definition of the Naga (above) that you are
unfamiliar with and define them in your own words.
2) Create a visual representation of the Naga based on its depictions in South-East
Asian mythology (draw a picture!).
3) Write your opinion in 4 sentences: Does the Naga look the same as Sisu does in
“Raya and the Last Dragon”? Why/Why not? Give reasons to support your answer.
4) Do a little bit of research: Are there any other water-based spirits that appear in
other cultures’ mythology? For example, Poseidon is the Greek God of the seas.
Can you name any others?
5) Using the following link, pick one create of your own choosing from Chinese
mythology and write a letter to the Australian Prime Minister explaining that you
have discovered it in the wilderness for the first time.
- What does it look like?
- How did you feel when you saw it?
- Does it pose a threat to humans?
- USE CONVENTIONS OF A LETTER!
https://www.christies.com/features/Mythical-creatures-in-the-life-and-art-ofAncient-China-8157-1.aspx
(Turn over to see what a typical letter might look like)