Lao Folktales

By Steven Jay Epstein

Book Overview

Here in one slim volume is a selection of the best-known and best-loved Lao folktales that have entertained the Lao people for generations. We meet the legendary trickster Xieng Mieng who matches his wits with merchants, monks, and kings. We find a quick-witted toad that terrifies tigers, a turtle that flies, a cadre of snails that race a rabbit, and a mynah bird that speaks five languages fluently.

The reader may recognize a whisper of Aesop or a Jataka tale, but each story is distinctively Lao, retold with Lao humor and charm reflecting a Buddhist culture in a Marxist state. Works by Anoulom Souvandouane, the foremost illustrator in Laos, enliven the stories.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9749575873
• ISBN13: 9789749575871
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Silkworm Books
• Length: 124 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.2" x 7.7"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Not as broad in scope and encompassing as I’d like.

A fun collection of Aesop-esque tales. There are two ways Steven Epstein could have written this book. He could have written it as a scholarly, diverse collection with footnotes abound. He could have written this as a short collection for someone to tell their children. He chose the latter. Epstein gathered these stories while living in Laos for a few years. His approach is informal, and it might feel odd that a Swede compiled this collection of Lao folklore. Still, this was one of the better-recommended books on the subject. Before being too harsh, I wonder how Aesop’s tales might seem to someone who never grew up with them. Also, collecting folktales from a place with few written records, especially so shortly after a Communist takeover, is not going to be an easy challenge. Epstein adds his own touch here and there. And it's also clear that the Lao Communist Party may have also influenced parts of these stories. Some details differ from Thai or Issan versions. It's fascinating how stories can change over time and place. Regardless, the collection isn’t as complete as I wanted. There are no origin myths, ghost stories, or well-known tales like “the frog that swallowed the moon.” But it's a good starting point. Many of these stories focus on trickster Xieng Mieng outsmarting the monarchy and bourgeoisie. Imagine telling those jokes in Thailand! Still, I appreciate Epstein’s effort. And it gives me something I can talk about with my mom. 3/5 stars. Beautiful illustrations by Anoulom Souvandouane.