Phra Aphai Mani

Lore & Background

Sunthorn Phu began composing Phra Aphai Mani in 1822 and finished it in 1844, a process that took 22 years. The epic follows Prince Aphai Mani and his brother Sri Suwan, who are expelled by their father after studying abroad—Aphai mastering a magical flute that puts people to sleep or kills them, and Sri Suwan learning sword fighting. Aphai is captured by the ogress Phisuea Samut, who disguises herself as a beautiful maiden; they have a son, Sin Samut. After eight years, Aphai escapes with the help of a mermaid, with whom he fathers another son, Sud Sakhon.

Reader's Guide

Phra Aphai Mani holds a significant place in Thai literature as one of the nation's national epics and the longest single Thai poem. Its major difference from other Thai epics is that its mythical creatures and protagonists were originally created by Sunthorn Phu, rather than being based on well-known folk stories like Khun Chang Khun Phaen. The poem has been heavily adapted into films and comics, contributing to its status as one of the most well-known Thai folklores. Its composition during the period of western colonization of Southeast Asia, and the inclusion of European characters, has led some critics to interpret it as an anti-colonialist allegory. The work's enduring popularity and adaptations underscore its cultural importance in Thailand.

Did You Know?

• Phra Aphai Mani is 48,686 couplets long, making it the longest Thai single poem.
• Sunthorn Phu started the poem in 1822 and finished it in 1844, taking 22 years.
• The epic includes characters of European ancestry, such as mercenaries and pirates, due to the period of western colonization.
• Some Thai literary critics believe the poem is an anti-colonialist tale disguised as fantasy.