Sudsakorn
Hero of a Thai epic, son of a mermaid.
Sudsakorn is a fictional character in Sunthorn Phu's story Phra Aphai Mani, written in Thailand during the Rattanakosin period. He is the son of Phra Aphaimani and a mermaid, born on a magical island called Ko Kaeo Phitsadan, and his adventures follow the hero's journey narrative archetype.
- Origin
- Phra Aphai Mani by Sunthorn Phu
- Period
- Rattanakosin period
- Species
- Human (son of a mermaid)
- Known for
- Quest to find his father Phra Aphaimani
- Notable possession
- Maninmangkorn (flying horse-like creature)
Lore & Background
Sudsakorn was born on the magical island Ko Kaeo Phitsadan to a mermaid mother, never having seen his father Phra Aphaimani. He was raised by an old and wise hermit, who later taught him martial arts and gave him a flying horse-like creature called Maninmangkorn to aid his quest. After leaving the island, Sudsakorn and the creature were lured into a haunted island by evil spirits, fought for hours, and escaped various threats.
Reader's Guide
Later in his journey, Sudsakorn encountered a nudist who stole Maninmangkorn and pushed him off a cliff. Sudsakorn survived, retrieved the creature, and defeated the nudist in combat, drawing the attention of a king who adopted him. After growing stronger, Sudsakorn continued his quest with newly acquired brothers. During a second journey, giant butterflies captured his brothers; Sudsakorn followed, killed the insects, rescued his brothers, and discovered his long-lost father.
Did You Know?
- Sudsakorn's name means 'the edge of the sea'.
- His flying horse-like creature is called Maninmangkorn.
- He was adopted by a king after defeating a nudist in combat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sudsakorn?
Sudsakorn is the central hero of Sunthorn Phu's Thai epic poem Phra Aphai Mani, composed during the Rattanakosin era. He is a half-human, half-mermaid offspring whose life follows the classic hero's journey structure.
Where was Sudsakorn born and who are his parents?
He was born on the enchanted island of Ko Kaeo Phitsadan, the product of a union between the warrior-king Phra Aphaimani and a mermaid. This mixed lineage sets him apart from other characters in the poem.
What is Sudsakorn's main goal in the story?
His driving quest is to locate and reunite with his father, Phra Aphaimani, which propels him through a series of adventures across magical lands.
What is Maninmangkorn and how does it relate to Sudsakorn?
Maninmangkorn is a winged, horse-like creature that serves as Sudsakorn's mount, enabling him to travel swiftly between the various realms he must cross on his journey.
Why is Sudsakorn considered significant in Thai literary tradition?
As the protagonist of one of Thailand's most celebrated epic poems, he embodies the archetypal hero who overcomes supernatural trials to fulfill a personal destiny. His story has become a touchstone for discussions of Thai narrative poetry and the Rattanakosin literary canon.
More in Characters in epic poems 1-18
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced