Vorvong and Saurivong: A Cambodian Tale

Based on a 19th century Cambodian palm leaf manuscript, “Vorvong and Saurivong” dramatizes the personification of the last Buddha in several of his many incarnations. In 1898, a local scholar entrusted Auguste Pavie, one of France’s greatest explorers, to copy, translate and publish the antique Khmer folk tale. Subsequent Khmer and French editions consolidated the original color and black-and-white illustrations. The tales later formed the basis of a contemporary Khmer ballet.

The story revolves around the challenging lives of two princes, brothers, who were mistakenly expelled from the royal court by their father the king. Separated from each other, they wandered for a decade while facing incredible hardships and vicissitudes including defeating a giant in a cave, suffering the betrayal of the hermit Vorvongby, using magic rings and crystal balls, and repeated interventions by the gods. Finally, they are rejoined to do battle against their wicked stepbrother in a dramatic attempt to enlighten the king to the injustice they suffered, restore their titles, and bring peace and harmony to the kingdom.

This first English translation is an important contribution to the cultural history of Cambodia. The full color edition featuring 51 illustrations was translated from the French by Marie-Helene Arnauld, with Jim Mizerski and Joel Montague providing the introduction and commentary.