A book promoting Lao literature.

Books promote Lao literature

The two volumes of the book “Treasures of Lao Literature”, published by the Lao Journalists Association, are aimed at popularising the country’s literary heritage among Lao and foreign readers.
The books were written by Somsanouk Mixay, who is the Vice President of the Lao Journalists Association, and feature illustrations by Savanh.
The books feature several immortal epics dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. They were originally written on palm leaves and kept in monasteries or private libraries. These poems are chanted during important religious festivals in temples or in houses.
Most of the stories were written in Lao verse, and some of them were inspired by the Jatakas, the lives of Buddha, and depict the struggle between good and evil. The heroes are often deities sent to earth to accept their karma, and they must go through numerous trials. They are often helped by the gods and by magic powers to achieve their noble aims, including winning over beautiful and virtuous princesses.
Some stories have a tragic ending, and all of them contain teachings for the readers.
The authors of the epics were not named in the original manuscripts, and two stories, “The Tiger and the Cobra” and “The rabbit scared by Maak Toom fruit”, are from a collection of moral tales written in the 16th century by Sieosavath to teach a prince how to govern his kingdom.
The books consist of Lao tales such as “Lintong”, “Chanthakhat”, “Khampha Pheenoi”, “Bachieng and Nang Malong”, “Khoun Lou and Nang Oua”, “The Tiger and the Cobra”, “The Golden Turtle” and “The rabbit scared by Maak Toom fruit”. Each story features illustrations.
The second volume of “Treasures of Lao Literature”, featuring epic poem and tales, is very popular.

One of the illustrations appearing in the book.

By Sisouphan Amphonephong
(Latest Update June 2, 2022)