Khun Chang Khun Phaen
The story of Khun Chang Khun Phaen ( Thai ขุน ช้าง ขุนแผน , pronunciation: [kʰǔn t͡ɕʰáːŋ kʰǔn pʰɛ̌ːn] ) is a Thai verse epic and one of the most important classics of Thai literature .
The basic motif comes from folk traditions that have been recited over generations by so-called Sepha narrators . In the early 19th century, it was written down by various poets - including the Thai national poet Sunthon Phu - and added many details and decorations. Even two kings tried to edit the material. The version that is officially valid today was compiled in 1917/18 by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab .
The core motif is a classic love triangle : Khun Chang and Khun Phaen, both of whom belong to the lower nobility - one rich but ugly, the other dashing but destitute - are courting the lovely Wanthong. In the course of the plot, which spans a period of 50 years, there are two wars, kidnappings, betrayals, an idyllic stay in the woods, trials, torture and imprisonment. Ultimately, the king sentenced Wanthong to death for refusing to finally choose one of the two men. The appeal of the piece is made up of diverse elements such as heroism, romantic love, sexuality, violence, supernatural abilities, horror, sometimes rough comedy, but also sections of lyrical beauty.
The play is well known in Thailand, and children learn parts of it in school. The motifs of the story are the subject of songs, they shape proverbs and idioms in everyday Thai language. There are several film adaptations (including Kunpan from 2002). Scenes from Khun Chang Khun Phaen are motifs for numerous works of Thai art.
literature
- Chris Baker , Pasuk Phongpaichit (Ed.): The Tale of Khun Chang Khun Phaen. Siam's Great Folk Epic of Love and War 2010. (English translation with numerous annotations), 2 volumes, Silkworm Books, Chiang Mai 2010.
- Klaus Wenk : Studies on Thai literature. Texts and interpretations by and about Sunthon Phu and his circle Duang Kamol, Hamburg / Bangkok 1985.