Three Shan texts
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Three Shan texts
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Søren Egerod
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Three Shan texts
Year: 1961 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5266
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The story narrated in the text revolves around a legend from the Kengtung State, particularly focusing on a character named Koapaala, a cowherd. The tale unfolds with the circumstances surrounding the death of a prince and the subsequent search for a new ruler, leading to an unexpected turn of events involving a flock of black crows. This narrative weaves themes of gratitude, betrayal, and divine favor, emphasizing the interplay between humans and the natural world.
The Emergence of the Crow-borne Lord
One important concept is the rise of the Crow-borne Lord, Phajaa Kaahaab, who ascends to power through the intervention of the black crows. Following the death of the reigning prince, the leaders of Kengtung convene a grand festival to find a suitable successor. It is during this festival that the crows, led by their prince, seek to repay the kindness shown to them by Koapaala, who had fed them daily. The crows orchestrate an elaborate plan to bring Koapaala to power, showcasing a unique alliance between man and nature, as well as the fulfillment of destiny through unexpected characters.
The Role of Kindness and Gratitude
Another significant theme in the narrative is kindness and its repercussions. Koapaala’s acts of feeding the crows set off a chain reaction that exhibits the importance of benevolence. The crows' gratitude transforms into a powerful force that not only changes Koapaala’s fortune but also allows him to gain the respect and loyalty of the citizens of Kengtung. This element of the story serves to reinforce the idea that kindness can yield significant rewards, establishing a moral framework within the tale.
Betrayal and Consequences
Betrayal stands out as another critical theme as the Crow-borne Lord later faces consequences for his actions. After gaining power, he neglects his promise to the crows regarding their sustenance and takes a path of indulgence and excess. This leads to frustration among the crows, culminating in their decision to abandon him in a remote location. The narrative warns against swaying from promises made and highlights how the pursuit of personal pleasure can lead to dire repercussions.
The Cycle of Fate and Retribution
Additionally, the concept of fate and retribution is paramount in the story. While the crows initially uplift Koapaala, his eventual downfall serves as a reminder of the moral order that governs whether through divine intervention or natural consequences. His decline, alongside the spirits' ultimate decision to forsake him, illustrates the cyclical nature of fate—those who act with integrity are rewarded, while those who betray their values face inevitable retribution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the tale of the Crow-borne Lord succinctly encapsulates rich themes of kindness, power, betrayal, and the moral consequences inherent in human actions. Through Koapaala's journey from a humble cowherd to a crowned ruler and ultimately his fall from grace, the story serves as a fable that reminds audiences of the profound interconnectedness between human affairs and the unseen forces of nature. It becomes a timeless lesson on the virtues of loyalty, integrity, and the responsibilities that come with power.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of the crows in the story?
The crows play a crucial role in helping Koapaala become the prince of Kengtung, demonstrating themes of loyalty and kindness that echo through the narrative.
Who is Koapaala and what is his background?
Koapaala, a cowherd near Paaraanashi, becomes the prince thanks to the help of crows he fed daily, highlighting themes of fortune and destiny throughout the tale.
What roles do the fortune-tellers have in the narrative?
They verify Koapaala's suitability as a king by interpreting signs and blessings, which reinforces the legitimacy of his rule.
How does the Crow-borne Lord end up being punished?
His greed and betrayal to the crows led to his neglect of their needs, culminating in their decision to abandon him on an isolated island.
What moral lessons can be drawn from the story?
The story teaches about the consequences of ungratefulness, the importance of loyalty, and the value of humility in leadership roles.
How does the narrative depict parenting and upbringing?
It portrays indulgent parenting through Koapaala’s parents, who spoil him, ultimately leading to his downfall due to his lack of moral guidance.
What is the role of music and celebration in the text?
Music and celebration signify cultural values and serve to announce significant events, such as the ascension of Koapaala to prince, enhancing community ties.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “Three Shan texts�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Khaw:
Khaw references a slave or servant, indicative of social hierarchy within the texts. Servitude is a common theme in folklore, often portraying the dynamics between rulers and subjects, showcasing the power relations and the responsibilities of those in lower societal ranks based on their servitude. This character's absence or presence often symbolizes the social order.
2) Crow:
The crow holds significant relevance in the folktale as it symbolizes intelligence, adaptability, and resourcefulness. In many cultures, crows are seen as messengers or spiritual guides. In the context of the Shan tale, the crow's actions drive the narrative leading to the elevation of Koapaala, highlighting themes of loyalty and unexpected guardianship.
3) Sang:
Sang is a common verb or particle used in various contexts within the text. It indicates the act of doing something, often used in conjunction with other verbs to express actions taken by characters. Its repetitive use emphasizes continuity in actions or descriptions overall, serving as a linguistic structure emphasizing action.
4) Black:
The term black denotes not just color but often symbolizes mystery, foreboding, or the unknown in literature. In the context of the crows being black, it may signify their connection to supernatural elements or the darker aspects of the narrative. This element helps to build tension and intrigue throughout the story.
5) Child (Children):
Children symbolize innocence, growth, and the potential for future societal change. In the narratives, they often serve as harbingers of moral lessons, with their actions leading to broader understandings of community values and the consequences of nurturing.
6) Shang:
Shang can be associated with completion or result in the text. This particle helps articulate a conclusion or summarization of events as they unfold. It indicates processes and serves as a transitional element in the narrative, guiding the reader through complex storytelling and maintaining coherence throughout.
7) Shan (San):
Shaan, a variant of Shan, reflects the broader ethnic identity within Southeast Asia. It emphasizes the importance of heritage, pride, and the distinct cultural practices and narratives that shape the Shan people and their storytelling.
8) Sam (Sham):
Sham signifies a false appearance or pretense. In the context of the tales, it may refer to deceitful acts or behaviors by characters that lead to significant plot points. This element serves to critique or reflect upon the authenticity of one's actions versus their pretensions.
9) Kalam:
Kaalam connotes time or era, which may link to generational stories passed down through oral tradition. This aspect emphasizes the importance of narratives as cultural memory, shaping identity and values across different timelines, and playing a significant role in the community's cultural continuity.
10) Khun:
Khun means person or people, often indicating a level of respect or formality in addressing someone. It emphasizes social relationships within the community, showcasing the interplay between respect and hierarchy in interactions, crucial for understanding character dynamics in the narratives.
11) City:
City in the text symbolizes civilization, governance, and community gathering. It serves as a backdrop for the narrative bringing characters together and setting the stage for conflicts and resolutions. Cities often encapsulate the essence of cultural life, reflecting collective experiences and shared stories.
12) Man (Men):
Maan denotes status or honor, which can be connected to one's societal role. It highlights the ideas of respect and authority that permeate the text's cultural fabric. Characters' interactions often pivot around this notion, framing their actions within the broader spectrum of societal values.
13) Festival:
Festivals are communal celebrations that signify cultural identity and shared heritage. In the narratives, they act as focal points for character assembly, conflict resolution, and social bonding. Festivals often symbolize hope, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life.
14) Kati:
Kati signifies promises or commitments, reflecting the narrative's moral fabric around integrity and trust. Such commitments by characters often set the stage for the unfolding drama and provide essential lessons on the impact of keeping one's word.
15) Desire:
Desire represents the motivations driving characters' actions. It reflects aspirations, ambitions, and cravings for better conditions or possessions. Exploring the theme of desire highlights conflicts arising from unmet needs, which are central to the development of the narratives.
16) Money:
Money symbolizes wealth and power in the tales, often being the catalyst for conflict. The characters' relationship with money mirrors societal values and desires, illustrating lessons about greed, generosity, and the moral implications inherent in wealth.
17) Hundred:
The number hundred represents abundance and is often used for emphasis in storytelling. It can symbolize multitude and quantity, adding weight to the narrative around characters' experiences and achievements, enhancing the epic quality typical of folktales.
18) Speech:
Speech discusses the power of words and communication within the narrative, highlighting character interactions and conveying their intentions. The significance of dialogue reflects cultural values around respect, authority, and relational dynamics, underlying the importance of language in social settings.
19) Cattle:
Cattle represent livelihood and wealth in agrarian societies, acting as physical symbols of prosperity. Their presence in the stories reinforces themes of sustenance, social status, and traditional roles associated with agriculture, crucial in understanding the characters' choices.
20) Heart:
Heart signifies emotional depth, love, lost aspirations, and humanity within the tales. Characters' hearts often guide their decisions, reflecting cultural values around compassion, integrity, and moral dilemmas faced, commonly explored through narrative arcs.
21) Food:
Food is a recurring motif in the narratives, symbolizing sustenance, community bonding, and cultural heritage. It portrays social interactions, familial relations, sharing customs, and the fundamental human experiences connecting characters across different contexts.
22) Tai:
Thai refers to the people and language family encompassing various ethnic groups, including the Shan. Recognition of Thai elements in the text signifies linguistic and cultural exchanges, reflecting broader Southeast Asian historical contexts in which these narratives exist.
23) Indulging:
Indulging reflects the theme of permissiveness, often leading to consequences within the narrative as seen in parental neglect versus active participation in children's lives. It symbolizes the delicate balance between freedom and responsibility crucial for moral lessons.
24) Kindness:
Kindness indicates the importance of compassion and benevolence in human relations, reflecting shared values within the Shan context. Acts of kindness among characters often highlight the consequences of generosity or lack thereof, serving to deepen thematic explorations in the tales.
25) Village:
Village denotes a sense of community and shared identity, representing the smallest social unit where interpersonal dynamics unfold. Its role emphasizes the collective experiences and relationships depicted in the stories, vital to societal cohesion and cultural continuance.
26) Grammar:
Grammar pertains to the structure and rules governing language use, crucial for interpreting the tales and preserving their narratives. The associated languages' grammatical elements help articulate meaning and cultural nuances central to oral traditions.
27) Khing:
Khing, referring to potentially a type of plant or edible item, symbolizes the connection to nature and agriculture. It plays a significant role in the narratives depicting relationships with the land and implications for sustenance in the characters' lives.
28) Sword:
The sword often represents power, conflict, and defense in tales. Its presence indicates themes of bravery, honor, and the tensions inherent in human needs for protection and aggression, pivotal in shaping dramatic moments in storytelling.
29) House:
House signifies stability, family, and community in the stories. It embodies the physical and emotional refuge for characters. The bond within a household highlights interpersonal themes of love, tradition, and belonging critical to the narrative.
30) Woman (Women):
Woman reflects strength, nurturing, and resilience within the narratives. Their depiction emphasizes the importance of feminine qualities in shaping societal values and moral frameworks, highlighting the interplay between gender roles and cultural expectations.
31) Kham (khams, Khaam):
Kham denotes status or honor within cultural narratives. Its reference emphasizes the importance placed on dignity and respect within social hierarchies, showcasing character interactions and motivations throughout the storytelling.
32) Koan:
Koan suggests inquiry and understanding, often used in the context of self-reflection or moral questioning in stories. The narrative may use such concepts to prompt philosophical discussions regarding morality, consequence, and the deeper meanings of actions.
33) Mang:
Mang is indicative of growth and potential, often linked to fertility and success in the thematic elements of the tales. Its exploration represents fertility in both literal and metaphorical senses within the context of the characters� lives.
34) King:
King exemplifies governance and authority. He often represents the ideal leader or the archetype of power within narratives. The confrontation with kings in stories serves to explore themes of justice, leadership, and societal expectations.
35) Buffalo (Buffaloes):
Buffalo signifies agricultural wealth and strength within community dynamics. Its presence reflects the dependency on livestock for sustenance, further emphasizing themes of livelihood, relationships with nature, and the importance of resources to societal infrastructures.
36) Mountain:
Mountain represents challenges, obstacles, and the ethereal connection to nature. In storytelling, it often symbolizes both literal geographical features and metaphorical trials characters face, reinforcing themes of perseverance and resilience.
37) Juncture:
Juncture signifies critical points of change in narratives where decisions lead to outcomes, often creating conflict or resolution. It emphasizes the gravity of choices made by characters, delineating paths offered within their life journeys.
38) Benares:
Benares serves as a historical and cultural reference point, linking the tales to broader narratives within Southeast Asia. Its inclusion provides a geographical context that enriches cultural intersections and acknowledges the shared history among various peoples.
39) Dialect:
Dialect refers to variations in language that hint at regional identities and cultural nuances. This concept reflects the storytelling's linguistic richness, capturing diverse voices within the Shan tales while emphasizing the importance of local culture.
40) Police:
Police symbolize law enforcement, authority, and societal order. Their actions reflect themes of justice and morality within the narratives, embodying the roles that maintain societal balance and respond to characters' transgressions.
41) Robber:
Robber represents moral decay or social disruption in narratives. Through the actions of robbers, tales critique the aspects of society that lead to crime and promote dialogue around the implications for justice and community safety.
42) Island:
Island symbolizes isolation and self-reflection. Characters stranded on an island face deep existential struggles and confront their actions, often leading to themes of repentance, returning to oneself, or community isolation.
43) Garden:
Garden connotes cultivation, nurture, and beauty within stories. It serves as a metaphor for relationships and the growth of characters, emphasizing the intertwined destinies of family and the environment surrounding them.
44) Future:
Future indicates potential and consequence, capturing the essence of characters' life choices and their anticipated outcomes. It represents the passage of time's impact on narratives, reinforcing moral lessons based on foresight and wisdom.
45) Thong:
Thong suggests a connection to traditional practices or practical items, enriching the conversation around cultural artifacts and their meanings within everyday life in tales, often linking to a sense of continuity between past and present.
46) Horse:
Horse symbolizes status, freedom, and mobility in narratives. Its presence often plays into themes of conflict and resolution, depicting relationships that reveal character dynamics and social structure within the tales.
47) Thief:
Thief embodies deceit and moral conflict, driving critical dilemmas faced by characters. The representation of thieves introduces themes of ethics, societal expectations, and consequences linked to wrongdoing prevalent in moral narratives.
48) Peace:
Peace reflects the harmony sought within community dynamics. The narratives often explore the struggles to establish and maintain peace, showcasing the characters' efforts to resolve conflicts and restore balance in their lives.
49) Sleeping (Sleep):
Sleep represents rest and restoration, often sought after by characters amid chaos. Its inclusion signifies the necessity of balance in life, intertwining with themes of reprieve, recovery, and the importance of mental health.
50) Anger (Angry):
Anger denotes emotional turmoil and conflict in narratives. Characters� experiences of anger highlight societal tensions and individual struggles, serving as pivotal moments that spur resolutions or escalate conflicts central to the storytelling.
51) Tam:
Tham signifies a depth of understanding or wisdom within the narratives. It encourages exploration of moral lessons and ethical considerations faced by characters, reflecting the intricate web of community life and the balance sought therein.
52) Phan:
Phan symbolizes sacrifice or dedication in the narratives. Often tied to pivotal moments of both conflict and celebration, it emphasizes the characters' journeys toward understanding deeper values of community and responsibility.
53) Shon (Son):
Shon refers to something that can be contained, often symbolizing societal norms around control and compliance. It underscores the importance of balance between personal desires and collective responsibility within the story framework.
54) Kaam:
Kaam may denote work or effort within the narratives. It symbolizes commitment and labor and reflects the cultural emphasis on industriousness, essential in the Shan community's dynamics around identity and purpose.
55) Drum:
Drum symbolizes tradition, communication, and celebration in the tales. Its rhythmic essence connects characters and events, often marking pivotal moments and capturing the cultural ambiance of communal life within the narratives.
56) Rice (Rce):
Rice represents sustenance, community, and cultural identity in the text, serving as a staple food linking to agricultural practices. Its recurring mention highlights the increased significance of nurturing relationships through shared meals in social contexts.
57) Crab:
Crab may symbolize resilience or resourcefulness, reflecting various attributes associated with adaptation and survival in the narratives. It emphasizes lessons around community and persistence in navigating life's challenges.
58) Han:
Haan often represents authority or identity within familial structures. Its usage indicates lineage or respect in relationships, contributing to understanding the social hierarchy and connections within the collected narratives.
59) Nan:
Naan may indicate spatial or directional references within the storytelling, helping situate readers in the narrative's landscape. It underscores interactions among space, action, and consequence tied to the worlds presented in the tales.
60) Shen:
Shen refers to preciousness or rarity, often associated with treasured items within the narratives. Its explorations link to themes of value, morality, and the choices made surrounding valuable possessions.
61) Precious stone:
Precious stone symbolizes wealth and rarity, often serving as metaphoric elements in storytelling to illustrate greed, desire, and consequences surrounding material aspirations within the characters' lives.
62) Royal throne:
Royal throne signifies authority and governance within narratives, embodying the pinnacle of power. Its portrayal often illuminates themes of legitimacy, leadership, and the implications of ruling, directly reflecting the tales' socio-political structures.
63) Destruction:
Destruction represents the culmination of conflict or moral decay within the narratives. It emphasizes the consequences of choices and societal breakdown, serving as a cautionary tale illuminating the fragility of societal constructs.
64) Enjoyment:
Enjoyment highlights the significance of pleasure and leisure in the narratives, marking moments of joy and community bonding. Its incorporation reflects cultural values surrounding happiness and the necessity of wellness amid strife.
65) Sacrifice:
Sacrifice signifies devotion and loss, emphasizing the themes of giving for the greater good within the tales. Characters� acts of sacrifice often reveal deep moral underpinnings and the struggle inherent in balancing self-interest with communal responsibilities.
66) Residence:
Residence indicates a sense of belonging and stability. Within narratives, homes serve as anchors for characters, emphasizing relationships built on love, trust, and shared history in defining the larger communal identity.
67) Elephant:
Elephant symbolizes strength, memory, and socio-political power. Its presence within the narratives often serves to elevate status and complexity, reflecting the ties between power and the natural world within cultural stories.
68) Pleasure:
Pleasure indicates positive experiences and enjoyment derived from leisure activities within the narratives. Its representation reflects cultural attitudes toward happiness and the balance necessary between labor and enjoyment in daily life.
69) Treasure:
Treasure embodies the concept of wealth and its moral implications within storytelling. It urges reflections on the pursuit of materialism versus the value of community and shared experiences, often posing critical questions about morality and desire.
70) Diamond:
Diamond symbolizes rarity, beauty, and value and often reflects themes of greed and material aspiration. Its portrayal within the narratives serves to critique human desires and serve as a metaphor for purity and commitment in personal relationships.
71) Leaf (Leaves):
Leaves represent growth and renewal in storytelling. They symbolize the natural cycles of life, connecting characters to the worlds around them, serving as metaphors for change and the fragility of existence.
72) Family:
Family represents the core social unit in the narratives, showcasing interpersonal relations and values that bind characters. Its explorations emphasize love, loyalty, and responsibilities that shape identity and destiny within the stories.
73) Silver:
Silver denotes wealth and value often associated with preciousness or material riches. Its mention in the narratives prompts reflections on wealth's role and the choices made surrounding these possessions in the context of morality.
74) Throne:
Throne signifies authority and governance, encapsulating the essence of power in social structures. Its presence in tales embodies themes of leadership and legitimacy, illustrating complex relationships between rulers and subjects.
75) Nannan:
Nannan conveys a sense of history or continuity, emphasizing the importance of memories and experiences passed down through generations. It links storytelling to cultural heritage, a crucial aspect of community identity.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 110]