Ramakien, Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Phra Suthon Manora, and Kraithong: Literary Works in the Southern Thai Nora Ritual Tradition

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the background of literary works referred to in Southern Thai Nora rituals and 2) analyze the strategies of literary reference employed in Nora rituals. Data were purposively collected from three Nora troupes in Songkhla, Phatthalung, and Pattani provinces. The research methods included interviews and 
observations of four ritual performances in the Nora Rong Khru tradition: Yiap Sen, Tat Mreuy, Khlong Hong, and Thang Khao. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis.
The findings revealed that
1.  The literary works referred to in Nora rituals consisted of Ramakien, Khun Chang Khun Phaen, Phra Suthon-Manorah, and Krai Thong. These works originated from various written literary traditions, including royal compositions, dramatic poems from the Ayutthaya period, Panyas Chadok literature, verse dramas, and local literature from both Central and Southern Thailand. They were later adapted into Nora lyrics in accordance with Nora legends, beliefs, and ritual contexts.
2. Regarding the strategies of literary reference in Nora rituals, the study found three major forms: 1) partial episode reference, as found in the Yiap Sen ritual, which employed the episode of Phra Lak being struck by the Mokkhasak spear from Ramakien; 2) partial event reference, as found in the Tat Mreuy ritual, which employed the episode of Khun Phaen entering Khun Chang’s house from Khun Chang Khun Phaen; and 
3) full-event reference, as found in the Khlong Hong ritual, which employed Phra Suthon-Manorah, and in the Thang Khao ritual, which employed Krai Thong, both of which were newly composed into Nora lyrics suitable for ritual contexts. In addition, the Nora lyrics derived from these literary works were composed in the klon paet poetic form and performed in the Nora melodic style, accompanied by chorus responses and musical instruments alternating with dialogue. This reflects the creative adaptation of written literature into Southern folk performing arts