Thai Tales: Folktales of Thailand (World Folklore (Hardcover))

Margaret Read MacDonald, renowned author of more than 15 books on folklore and storytelling, teams up with librarian Supaporn Vathanaprida to present this fascinating folktale collection and introduction to Thai thought. Drawing on memories of her childhood in Northern Thailand, Supaporn shares her tales and comments to help both adults and children understand the surprising world of Thai folklore and culture. The 28 engaging stories show many aspects of the Buddhist worldview in action. Humorous stories, animal tales, teaching tales of Buddhist monks, and tales of amazing magical events that entertain the Thai imagination are included in the collection. Gathers Fairy Tales, Humorous Tales, Animal Tales, And Stories Told By Buddhist Monks To Illustrate Their Teachings. Nithan Gohok, Lying Tales: Lung Ta, The Calm Woodcutter -- Liars Compete -- Marvelous Canning Factory -- Liars Contest Of The King -- Nithan Talok, Humorous Tales: Drinking With Yommaban, The King Of The Dead -- Sri Thanonchai And The King -- Sri Thanonchai And The Two Moons -- Sri Thanonchai's Special Dishes -- Nithan Ruang Sat, Animal Tales: Why The Bear Has A Short Tail -- Tiger Seeks Wisdom -- Elephants And The Bees -- Power And Wisdom -- Nithan Chadok, Jataka Tales: Deer Buddha -- Seven Stars -- Honest Woodcutter -- Thieving Crow -- Nithan Son Khati Tam, Tales To Make You Think: Who Is Best? -- Pious Son-in-law -- He Who Thinks He Is First Is Unwise -- Plenty -- Good Boy -- Medicine To Revive The Dead -- When Death Comes -- If It Belongs To Us, It Will Come To Us -- Tamnan, Local Legends: Muang Laplae, The Land Of Fantasy -- Mouse Island And Cat Island -- Nithan Songkhruang, Elaborate Tales: Kaeo, The Horse-faced Girl -- Chet Huat Chet Hai (seven Pot, Seven Jar) -- Thep Niyai: Tales Of Helpful Gods And Spirits: Twin Stars -- Songkran: A Thai New Year Story -- Daughters Of Thao Kabinlaphrom And Their Attributes -- Place Of Buddhism In Thai Life: Tham Boon, Making Merit -- Plongtok, Acceptance -- Attahi Attano Natho, Self-reliance -- Chai Yen, Self-reliance -- Mai Pen Rai, Never Mind -- Kreng Chai, Consideration -- Respect For Elders -- Humbleness And Gentleness -- Monkhood -- Samsara, The Wheel Of Life -- Way Of Buddha, Or The Path Toward Enlightenment -- Eightfold Path, Or The Middle Way -- Five Rules Of Conduct For Laymen -- Prom Wihan -- Thailand, The Land Of Smiles. Retold By Supaporn Vathanaprida ; Edited By Margaret Read Macdonald ; Illustrations By Boonsong Rohitasuke. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 124-141) And Index.