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Yuan Phai, the Defeat of Lanna: A Fifteenth-Century Thai Epic Poem
Written after a battle fought in approximately 1475, this poem may be the oldest work of literature from Siam. It features the earliest and most detailed description of a Siamese army, the most elaborate eulogy of an early Thai monarch, and a fascinating discussion of the concept of loyalty. Scenes of personal treachery, heroism, combat, and looting after victory give an absorbing image of early Siam.
This translation shares the poem―esteemed in Thailand for its historical and literary importance―with a wider audience. Blank verse conveys the rhythm and atmosphere of the original, and annotations explain obscure words and concepts. An afterword analyzes form, content, and the poem's literary and historical significance.
This translation shares the poem―esteemed in Thailand for its historical and literary importance―with a wider audience. Blank verse conveys the rhythm and atmosphere of the original, and annotations explain obscure words and concepts. An afterword analyzes form, content, and the poem's literary and historical significance.
119 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2017
23 people want to read
About the author
Chris Baker
130 books21 followersChris Baker is an independent scholar and long-term resident of Thailand.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 19, 2021
This review is taken from my bookstagram IG: @descanto
During the 15th century, the Ayuttaya Kingdom had frequent battle against the Khmer Empire of Angkor Wat to the east, the Malay states to the south and the Lan Na Kingdom in the north.
The Ayutthaya- Lan Na War started with the Ayutthayan invasion to the southern Lan Na until 1474. This border conflict between Ayutthaya Kingdom (now Thailand) and the La Na Kingdom (north Thailand) lasted from 1441 to 1474. Lan Na could get some regions but was finally weakened by the internal struggles and conflicts.
This war is written in Yuan Phai, a 15th-century Thai epic poem. We can only assume the writer of the poems. Some may think that it was written by King Trailokanat, or by King Intharacha, or some other monks whose name is hidden somewhere in the text. Yet as these texts are one of the oldest works of Siam literature, there is a possibility of some addition and revisions over the periods of time. Some lines might be omitted and couldn’t be traced anymore. This epic poem is divided into 8 structures which narrate the eulogy of King Trailokanat, the author’s (false) apology, summary of the events from 1431, the main narrative, Muen Dong Nakhon story, Description of the army and the march, the battle and the celebration of victory. This poem reminds me a bit of Bhagavad Gita tho!
I honestly can say that I have spent more time in reading this epic poem. It’s prolly because I’m not a Thai by birth and it took me a while to dig and figure out their ancient history. Add the fact that Thai is a bit like Indonesian, our culture are somehow connected to the Indian one. The use of names for instance is derived from Indian tradition, including gods and literary characters. However, I should be grateful because (1) the characters here are translated in their Pali-derived form rather than the Thai version. Example: Siva rather than Issuan and Yuthisthira rather than Yuthisthian. (2) The authors provide me with the explanation in their footnotes which makes it easier to go deeper into the book as a non-Thai who knows nothing about its history.
The longest epic poem I’ve ever in terms of time but well, it’s worth trying because it enriches my Asian lit preferences.
During the 15th century, the Ayuttaya Kingdom had frequent battle against the Khmer Empire of Angkor Wat to the east, the Malay states to the south and the Lan Na Kingdom in the north.
The Ayutthaya- Lan Na War started with the Ayutthayan invasion to the southern Lan Na until 1474. This border conflict between Ayutthaya Kingdom (now Thailand) and the La Na Kingdom (north Thailand) lasted from 1441 to 1474. Lan Na could get some regions but was finally weakened by the internal struggles and conflicts.
This war is written in Yuan Phai, a 15th-century Thai epic poem. We can only assume the writer of the poems. Some may think that it was written by King Trailokanat, or by King Intharacha, or some other monks whose name is hidden somewhere in the text. Yet as these texts are one of the oldest works of Siam literature, there is a possibility of some addition and revisions over the periods of time. Some lines might be omitted and couldn’t be traced anymore. This epic poem is divided into 8 structures which narrate the eulogy of King Trailokanat, the author’s (false) apology, summary of the events from 1431, the main narrative, Muen Dong Nakhon story, Description of the army and the march, the battle and the celebration of victory. This poem reminds me a bit of Bhagavad Gita tho!
I honestly can say that I have spent more time in reading this epic poem. It’s prolly because I’m not a Thai by birth and it took me a while to dig and figure out their ancient history. Add the fact that Thai is a bit like Indonesian, our culture are somehow connected to the Indian one. The use of names for instance is derived from Indian tradition, including gods and literary characters. However, I should be grateful because (1) the characters here are translated in their Pali-derived form rather than the Thai version. Example: Siva rather than Issuan and Yuthisthira rather than Yuthisthian. (2) The authors provide me with the explanation in their footnotes which makes it easier to go deeper into the book as a non-Thai who knows nothing about its history.
The longest epic poem I’ve ever in terms of time but well, it’s worth trying because it enriches my Asian lit preferences.
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April 17, 20221475 or soon later
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews