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{{Short description|Ghost of Thai folklore}}
{{Infobox mythical creature
{{Infobox mythical creature
|name = Mae Nak Phra Khanong
|name = Mae Nak Phra Khanong
Line 5: Line 6:
|image_size =
|image_size =
|caption = <small>Mae Nak shrine offerings in the inner sanctum: <br>Portraits of the spirit and folded dresses.</small>
|caption = <small>Mae Nak shrine offerings in the inner sanctum: <br>Portraits of the spirit and folded dresses.</small>
|Mythology = [[Ghosts in Thai culture|Thai folk mythology]]
|Folklore = [[Ghosts in Thai culture|Thai folk mythology]]
|Grouping = [[Legendary creature]]<br>[[Tutelary deity]]
|Grouping = [[Legendary creature]]<br>[[Tutelary deity]]
|Sub_Grouping = [[Undead]]
|Sub_Grouping = [[Undead]]
|Country = [[Thailand]]
|Country = [[Thailand]]
|Region = [[Southeast Asia]]
|Region = Phra Khanong area, [[Bangkok]]
|Habitat = Phra Khanong area, [[Bangkok]]
}}
}}
[[File:Shrinetomaenak.jpg|thumb|right|Shrine to Mae Nak Phra Khanong, Wat Mahabut]]
[[File:Shrinetomaenak.jpg|thumb|Shrine to Mae Nak Phra Khanong, Wat Mahabut]]
[[File:MNPKcanal side74.JPG|thumb|right|Inside the Mae Nak Phra Khanong shrine compound, the canal side]]
[[File:MNPKcanal side74.JPG|thumb|Inside the Mae Nak Phra Khanong shrine compound, the canal side]]
[[File:MNPKofferings85.JPG|thumb|right|Mae Nak Phra Khanong Shrine, offerings of lotus buds and releasing of live fishes, Phra Khanong canal]]
[[File:MNPKofferings85.JPG|thumb|Mae Nak Phra Khanong Shrine, offerings of lotus buds and releasing of live fishes, Phra Khanong canal]]


'''Mae Nak Phra Khanong''' ({{lang-th|แม่นากพระโขนง}},<ref>{{Cite web|title = ย้อนรอยปริศนาแม่นาคพระโขนง/ต่อพงษ์|url = http://manager.co.th/Entertainment/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9550000041477|website = Manager Online|accessdate = 2015-11-20|language=Thai}}</ref> meaning 'Lady Nak of [[Phra Khanong District|Phra Khanong]]'), or simply '''Mae Nak''' ({{lang-th|แม่นาก}}, "Lady Nak") or '''Nang Nak''' ({{lang-th|นางนาก}}, 'Miss Nak'), is a well-known [[Thai ghosts|Thai]] female [[ghost]]. According to [[Thai folklore|local folklore]] the story is based on events that took place during the reign of [[Mongkut|King Rama IV]].<ref name=BP-20160116>{{cite news|last1=Yongcharoenchai|first1=Chaiyot|title=As cultures come together, it's all in bad spirits|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/special-reports/828500/as-cultures-come-together-it-all-in-bad-spirits|accessdate=19 January 2016|work=Bangkok Post|date=2016-01-16}}</ref>
'''Mae Nak Phra Khanong''' ({{lang-th|แม่นากพระโขนง}},<ref>{{Cite web|script-title=th:ย้อนรอยปริศนาแม่นาคพระโขนง/ต่อพงษ์|url = http://manager.co.th/Entertainment/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9550000041477|website = Manager Online|accessdate = 2015-11-20|language=Thai}}</ref> meaning 'Lady Nak of [[Phra Khanong area|Phra Khanong]]'), or simply '''Mae Nak''' ({{lang-th|แม่นาก}}, 'Lady Nak') or '''Nang Nak''' ({{lang-th|นางนาก}}, 'Miss Nak'), is a well-known [[Ghosts in Thai culture|Thai ghost]]. According to [[Thai folklore|local folklore]] the story is based on events that took place during the reign of [[Mongkut|King Rama IV]].<ref name=BP-20160116>{{cite news|last1=Yongcharoenchai|first1=Chaiyot|title=As cultures come together, it's all in bad spirits|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/special-reports/828500/as-cultures-come-together-it-all-in-bad-spirits|accessdate=19 January 2016|work=Bangkok Post|date=2016-01-16}}</ref>


⚫
A shrine dedicated to Nak was constructed at Wat Mahabut. In 1997, the shrine was relocated to the nearby [[Suan Luang district]] of modern [[Bangkok]].
⚫
==The legend==
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The story is about a beautiful young woman named Nak, who lived on the banks of the Phra Khanong Canal, and her undying love for her husband, Mak.


⚫
==Common legend==
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With Nak pregnant, Mak is conscripted and sent to war (in some versions of the story the war is against the [[Shan people|Shan tribe]], while others are not specific), where he is seriously wounded. While he is being nursed back to health in central [[Bangkok]], Nak and their child both die during a difficult childbirth. When Mak returns home, however, he finds his loving wife and child waiting for him. Neighbors who try to warn him that he is living with a ghost are all killed.
⚫
A beautiful young woman named Nak, who lived on the banks of the Phra Khanong canal, had an undying love for her husband, Mak.


⚫
While Nak was pregnant, Mak was conscripted into the Thai Army and sent to war where he was seriously wounded (in some versions it is the [[Burmese–Siamese War (1849–1855)|Kengtung Wars]], while others are not specific). While he was being nursed back to health in central Bangkok, Nak and their child both died during childbirth. But when Mak returned home, he found his loving wife and child waiting for him. Neighbors warned him that he was living with a ghost but he rebuffed them.
One day, as Nak is preparing ''[[nam phrik]]'', she drops a [[Lime (fruit)|lime]] off the porch. In her haste to retrieve it, she stretches her arm to pick it up from the ground below. Mak sees it and at last realizes his wife is a ghost. Terrified, he tries to find a way to flee without alarming her.


⚫
One day, as Nak was preparing ''[[nam phrik]]'', she dropped a [[Lime (fruit)|lime]] off the porch. In her haste to retrieve it, she stretched her arm to an impossible length to pick it up from the ground below. Upon seeing this, Mak realized his wife was a ghost. That night, Mak sneaked out the house and fled with Nak in pursuit. According to Thai folklore, ghosts are afraid of sticky ''Blumea'' leaves so Mak hid behind a ''[[Blumea balsamifera]]'' ({{lang-th|หนาด}}; pronounced ''nat'') bush.<ref>[http://thrai.sci.ku.ac.th/node/1049 หนาด (Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC.)] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120714185446/http://thrai.sci.ku.ac.th/node/1049 |date=2012-07-14 }} {{in lang|th}}</ref> He then ran into Wat Mahabut temple, which as holy ground, a ghost cannot enter.
That night, Mak says he has to go downstairs to urinate. He then runs away into the night.


⚫
In her grief, Nak terrorized the people of Phra Khanong, furious at them for causing Mak to leave her. However, a powerful monk captured Nak's ghost; and after confining her in an earthen jar, threw it into the Phra Khanong canal.
⚫
Discovering her husband has fled, Nak pursues him. Mak sees her and conceals himself behind a ''[[Blumea balsamifera]]'' ({{lang-th|หนาด}}; pronounced ''Nat'') bush.<ref>[http://thrai.sci.ku.ac.th/node/1049 หนาด (Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC.)] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.is/20120714185446/http://thrai.sci.ku.ac.th/node/1049 |date=2012-07-14 }} {{th icon}}</ref> According to folklore, ghosts are afraid of the sticky ''Blumea'' leaves. Mak then runs to Wat Mahabut temple, which a ghost cannot enter, as it is holy ground.


⚫
There are regional variations to the rest of the story. In one, an old couple new to Phra Khanong find the jar while fishing; in another two fishermen dredge up the jar. In both cases, Nak is freed when the jar is opened.
⚫
In her grief, Nak terrorizes the people of Phra Khanong, furious at them for causing Mak to leave her. However, Nak's ghost is captured by a powerful exorcist. Confining her in an earthen jar, he throws it into the canal.


⚫
In alternative versions, a venerable monk named [[Somdej Toh|Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi)]] defeats Nak by confining her spirit in the bone of her forehead and binds it to his waistband. Legend says the waistband is currently in the possession of the [[Chakri dynasty|Thai royal family]]. Admiral [[Abhakara Kiartivongse|Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon]], also claimed to have had the relic.<ref>เจนจบ ยิ่งสุมล. (ตุลาคม 2553). ๑๓๐ ปี ไม่มีวันตาย พลเรือเอกพระบรมวงศ์เธอ กรมหลวงชุมพรเขตอุดมศักดิ์. สำนักพิมพ์ DK พับลิชิ่ง. {{ISBN|978-616-7327-07-5}}. หน้า 45 {{in lang|th}}</ref> In another, the monk assured Nak that in a future life she would be reunited with her beloved husband, so she voluntarily departed for the afterlife.
⚫
There are differing versions of the rest of the story. In one, an old couple new to Phra Khanong finds the jar while fishing; in another two fishermen dredge up the jar. Nak is freed when they opened it.


==Research==
⚫
Nak is conquered again by the venerable monk [[Somdej Toh|Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi)]]. The learned monk confines her spirit in the bone of her forehead and binds it in his waistband. Legend says the waistband is currently in the possession of the royal family. Admiral [[Abhakara Kiartivongse|Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon]], also claimed to have had the relic.<ref>เจนจบ ยิ่งสุมล. (ตุลาคม 2553). ๑๓๐ ปี ไม่มีวันตาย พลเรือเอกพระบรมวงศ์เธอ กรมหลวงชุมพรเขตอุดมศักดิ์. สำนักพิมพ์ DK พับลิชิ่ง. {{ISBN|978-616-7327-07-5}}. หน้า 45 {{th icon}}</ref> In an alternative version, the monk assured Nak that in a future life she would be reunited with her beloved husband, and thus she voluntarily departed for the afterlife.
⚫
Anek Nawikamul, a Thai historian, researched the story and found an article in the ''Siam Praphet'' newspaper written by [[K.S.R. Kulap]], dated March 10, 1899. Kulap claimed the story of Mae Nak was based on the life of Amdaeng Nak (อำแดงนาก, 'Mrs Nak'), daughter of a [[Tambon]] Phra Khanong leader named Khun Si. Amdaeng Nak died while she was pregnant. Her son, worried that his father might remarry and his inheritance shared with his step-mother, invented the ghost story. He dressed in women's clothing and threw rocks at passing boats to make people think it was Nak's ghost. Kulap also suggested that Nak's husband was named ''Chum'', not Mak.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Legend of Mae Nak Prakanong|url=http://www.sarakadee.com/feature/1999/09/nang-nak.htm|website=Sarakadee|accessdate=19 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=[[Thairath]]|first=กิเลน|last=ประลองเชิง|url=http://www.thairath.co.th/content/115908|script-title=th:ปลุกผีแม่นาค|date=2010-10-04|accessdate=2017-05-28|language=Thai}}</ref>


⚫
==Mae Nak Shrine==
⚫
A shrine dedicated to Mae Nak is at Wat Mahabut. In 1997, the shrine was relocated to the nearby [[Suan Luang District]] of modern Bangkok.
⚫
The shrine of Mae Nak stands next to Klong Phra Khanong, at Wat Mahabut, a large temple on Soi 77 off [[Sukhumvit Road]] (On Nut Road). The shrine is a low building under large trees with a roof that encompasses the tree trunks. The main shrine has several minor shrines around it.<ref name=chart>{{cite news|url=http://www.manager.co.th/travel/viewnews.aspx?NewsID=9580000121184|work=Manager Online|author=หนุ่มลูกทุ่ง|date=2015-10-30|script-title=th:เที่ยวฮาโลวีนแบบไทยๆ ไปไหว้ขอพร “ย่านาค” วัดมหาบุศย์|language=Thai|accessdate=2018-03-24}}</ref>


⚫
A statue of Mae Nak and her infant form the centerpiece of the shrine. Devotees often make offerings, accompanied by a request for help, generally by women seeking easy childbirth or for their husband to be exempted from military conscription.<ref name=Thai/> Offerings are usually lengths of colored cloth, wrapped around the trunk of the [[Bo tree]]. Other offerings include fruit, [[Nelumbo nucifera|lotuses]], and incense sticks.
==An alternative account==
⚫
Anek Nawikamul, a Thai historian, researched the story and found an article in the ''Siam Praphet'' newspaper written by K.S.R. Kularb, dated 10 March 10 1899. Kularb claimed the story of Mae Nak was based on the life of Amdaeng Nak (อำแดงนาก, 'Mrs Nak'), daughter of a [[Tambon]] Phra Khanong leader named Khun Si. Amdaeng Nak died while she was pregnant. Her son, worried that his father might remarry and his inheritance shared with his step-mother, invented the ghost story. He dressed in women's clothing and threw rocks at passing boats to make people think Nak's ghost had done it. Kularb also suggested that Nak's husband was named ''Chum'', not Mak. No one knows how true this is, or even if it was the same Nak, as it does not agree with the traditional tale.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Legend of Mae Nak Prakanong|url=http://www.sarakadee.com/feature/1999/09/nang-nak.htm|website=Sarakadee|accessdate=19 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=[[Thairath]]|language=Thai|first=กิเลน|last=ประลองเชิง|url=http://www.thairath.co.th/content/115908|title=ปลุกผีแม่นาค|date=2010-10-04|accessdate=2017-05-28}}</ref>


⚫
Toys for her child and portraits of the ghost are displayed in the shrine's inner sanctum. A collection of fine dresses offered to her are displayed behind her statue.
⚫
==The Mae Nak Shrine==
⚫
The shrine of Mae Nak stands next to Klong Phra Khanong, at Wat Mahabut, a large temple on Soi 77 off [[Sukhumvit Road]] (On Nut Road). The shrine is a low building under large trees with a roof that encompasses the tree trunks. The main shrine has several minor shrines around it.<ref name=chart>{{cite news|url=http://www.manager.co.th/travel/viewnews.aspx?NewsID=9580000121184|work=Manager Online|author=หนุ่มลูกทุ่ง|date=2015-10-30|title=เที่ยวฮาโลวีนแบบไทยๆ ไปไหว้ขอพร “ย่านาค” วัดมหาบุศย์|language=Thai|accessdate=2018-03-24}}</ref>


⚫
Offerings are also made at Phra Khanong Canal, where fish purchased live at markets are brought in buckets to the edge of the canal and freed. Stalls at the shrine sell toys, fish, lotus buds, incense sticks, and garlands for those who wish to make an offering.<ref name=chart/><ref name=Thai>{{cite web|work=Thairath|date=2016-02-14|accessdate=2018-03-24|title=ปาฏิหาริย์แห่งรัก. "แม่นาคพระโขนง" 14 กุมภาฯ "วันวาเลนไทน์" |url= https://www.thairath.co.th/content/576904|author=รัก-ยม}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dek-d.com/board/view/2602542/|work=dek-d.com|accessdate=2018-03-24|series=ตำนานแม่นาคพระโขนง |date=2012-10-13|author=No. 2602542|script-title=th:ผีแม่นาคพระโขนง กับการขอให้รอดจากการเกณฑ์ทหาร หลายคนบอกเลยว่าผีแม่นาคช่วยได้จนเป็นที่เล่าลือกันว่าถ้าไม่อยากเป็นทหารต้องไปขอกับผีแม่นาคพระโขนง|language=thai}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=[[Pantip.com]]|date=2010-05-13|accessdate=2018-03-24|script-title=th:ถามทางไปวัดแม่นาคหน่อยครับ|url=http://topicstock.pantip.com/siam/topicstock/2007/05/F5405575/F5405575.html|author=hookman13|language=Thai}}</ref>
===Offerings===
⚫
A statue of Mae Nak and her infant form the centerpiece of the shrine. Devotees often make offerings, accompanied by a request for help, generally by women seeking easy childbirth or for their husband to be exempted from military conscription.<ref name=Thai/>. Offerings are usually lengths of colored cloth, wrapped around the trunk of the [[Bo tree]]. Other offerings include fruit, [[Nelumbo nucifera|lotuses]], and incense sticks.

⚫
Toys for her child and portraits of the ghost are displayed in the shrine's inner sanctum. A collection of fine dresses offered to her are displayed behind her statue.

⚫
Offerings are also made at Phra Khanong Canal, where fish purchased live at markets are brought in buckets to the edge of the canal and freed. Stalls at the shrine sell toys, fish, lotus buds, incense sticks, and garlands for those who wish to make an offering.<ref name=chart/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dek-d.com/board/view/2602542/|language=thai|work=dek-d.com|accessdate=2018-03-24|series=ตำนานแม่นาคพระโขนง |date=2012-10-13|author=No. 2602542|title=ผีแม่นาคพระโขนง กับการขอให้รอดจากการเกณฑ์ทหาร หลายคนบอกเลยว่าผีแม่นาคช่วยได้จนเป็นที่เล่าลือกันว่าถ้าไม่อยากเป็นทหารต้องไปขอกับผีแม่นาคพระโขนง}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|language=Thai|work=[[Pantip.com]]|date=2010-05-13|accessdate=2018-03-24|title=ถามทางไปวัดแม่นาคหน่อยครับ|url=http://topicstock.pantip.com/siam/topicstock/2007/05/F5405575/F5405575.html|author=hookman13}}</ref><ref name=Thai>{{cite web|work=Thairath|date=2016-02-14|accessdate=2018-03-24|title=ปาฏิหาริย์แห่งรัก. "แม่นาคพระโขนง" 14 กุมภาฯ "วันวาเลนไทน์" |url= https://www.thairath.co.th/content/576904|author=รัก-ยม}}</ref>


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
Mae Nak's story has enjoyed sustained popularity because her undying devotion to her husband inspires people of all ages. [[Prince Damrong]], a son of King [[Mongkut]], revealed that when he was a child, he kept asking [[Wat Phra Kaeo]] visitors who was the most popular person in their opinion, and most people answered "Mae Nak".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.matichon.co.th/news/110826 | title = Pho Mak Thahan Ken? | script-title = พ่อมากทหารเกณฑ์ | trans-title = Mister Mak Was a Recruit? | language = th | date = 2016-04-20 | accessdate = 2016-04-20 | location = Bangkok | publisher = Matichon }}</ref>
Mae Nak's story has enjoyed sustained popularity because her undying devotion to her husband inspires people of all ages. [[Prince Damrong]], a son of King [[Mongkut]], revealed that when he was a child, he kept asking [[Wat Phra Kaeo]] visitors who was the most popular person in their opinion, and most people answered "Mae Nak".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.matichon.co.th/news/110826 | title = Pho Mak Thahan Ken? | script-title = th:พ่อมากทหารเกณฑ์ | trans-title = Mister Mak Was a Recruit? | language = th | date = 2016-04-20 | accessdate = 2016-04-20 | location = Bangkok | publisher = Matichon }}</ref>


The story of Mae Nak Phra Khanong is also the subject of many films, television series, and printed media.<ref>[http://topicstock.pantip.com/chalermthai/topicstock/2011/06/A10698155/A10698155.html Mae Nak movies and TV series]</ref> Among these are:
The story of Mae Nak Phra Khanong is also the subject of many films, television series, and printed media.<ref>[http://topicstock.pantip.com/chalermthai/topicstock/2011/06/A10698155/A10698155.html Mae Nak movies and TV series]</ref> Among these are:
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* ''Mae Nak Buk Tokiao'', 1976 Thai film<ref>[http://topicstock.pantip.com/chalermthai/topicstock/2011/06/A10698155/A10698155-10.jpg ''Mae Nak Buk To Kiao'' movie poster]</ref>
* ''Mae Nak Buk Tokiao'', 1976 Thai film<ref>[http://topicstock.pantip.com/chalermthai/topicstock/2011/06/A10698155/A10698155-10.jpg ''Mae Nak Buk To Kiao'' movie poster]</ref>
* ''Mae Nak Phra Khanong'', 1978 Thai film<ref>[http://topicstock.pantip.com/chalermthai/topicstock/2011/06/A10698155/A10698155-11.jpg ''Mae Nak Phra Khanong'' (1978) poster]</ref>
* ''Mae Nak Phra Khanong'', 1978 Thai film<ref>[http://topicstock.pantip.com/chalermthai/topicstock/2011/06/A10698155/A10698155-11.jpg ''Mae Nak Phra Khanong'' (1978) poster]</ref>
* ''Sannya Chai Mae Nak Phra Khanong'' ({{RTGS|''San-ya Chai Mae Nak Phra Khanong''}}), 1992 Thai film<ref>[http://www.thaifilm.com/imgUpload/reply774371_0.jpg ''Sannya Chai Mae Nak Phra Khanong'' (1992) poster]</ref>
* ''Sannya Chai Mae Nak Phra Khanong'' ({{RTGS|''San-ya Chai Mae Nak Phra Khanong''}}), 1992 Thai film<ref>[http://www.thaifilm.com/imgUpload/reply774371_0.jpg ''Sannya Chai Mae Nak Phra Khanong'' (1992) poster]</ref>[[File:The Siam Prabheth Mae Nak of Phra Khanong Original Document.jpg|thumb|"The Siam Prabheth", real document the time and after Mae Nak Phra Khanong was alive]]
* ''Mae Nak Choe Phi Pop'' (Mae Nak meets [[Phi Pop]]), 1992 Thai TV series<ref>[http://topicstock.pantip.com/chalermthai/topicstock/2011/06/A10698155/A10698155-16.jpg ''Mae Nak Cheu Phi Pop'' poster]</ref>
* ''Mae Nak Choe Phi Pop'' (Mae Nak meets [[Phi Pop]]), 1992 Thai TV series<ref>[http://topicstock.pantip.com/chalermthai/topicstock/2011/06/A10698155/A10698155-16.jpg ''Mae Nak Cheu Phi Pop'' poster]</ref>
* ''[[Nang Nak]]'', a 1999 film by Thai director [[Nonzee Nimibutr]]<ref>[http://www.thaiworldview.com/tv/act.php?myChoice=199&mySearch=8 1990s decade]</ref>
* ''[[Nang Nak]]'', a 1999 film by Thai director [[Nonzee Nimibutr]]<ref>[http://www.thaiworldview.com/tv/act.php?myChoice=199&mySearch=8 1990s decade]</ref><ref name="BP-20190726">{{cite news |last1=Rithdee |first1=Kong |title=''Nam Nak'' at 20 |url=https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/1719095/nang-nak-at-20 |accessdate=26 July 2019 |work=Bangkok Post |date=26 July 2019}}</ref>
* ''[[Ghost of Mae Nak]]'', a 2005 Thai film by British director [[Mark Duffield]]<ref>[http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OSZ5Jl-f0YM/RuYHbhDV79I/AAAAAAAAB5w/JitrcX0Q-1g/s320/MaeNakPosterESTE.jpg Ghost of Mae Nak - Movie poster]</ref>
* ''[[Ghost of Mae Nak]]'', a 2005 Thai film by British director [[Mark Duffield]]<ref>[http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OSZ5Jl-f0YM/RuYHbhDV79I/AAAAAAAAB5w/JitrcX0Q-1g/s320/MaeNakPosterESTE.jpg Ghost of Mae Nak - Movie poster]</ref>
* ''[[Mae Naak (opera)|Mae Naak]]'', (แม่นาก) an opera composed by [[S. P. Somtow|Somtow Sucharitkul]]. It premiered in 2003 and was revived in 2005 by the [[Bangkok Opera]], with soprano [[Nancy Yuen]] performing the title role and baritone [[Kyu Won Han]] as Mak in both productions. It was restaged again in 2011 in Bangkok and London.
* ''[[Mae Naak (opera)|Mae Naak]]'', (แม่นาก) an opera composed by [[S. P. Somtow|Somtow Sucharitkul]]. It premiered in 2003 and was revived in 2005 by the [[Bangkok Opera]], with soprano [[Nancy Yuen (singer)|Nancy Yuen]] performing the title role and baritone [[Kyu Won Han]] as Mak in both productions. It was restaged again in 2011 in Bangkok and London.
*''[[Nak (film)|Nak]]'' (นาค), a Thai 2008 [[Computer animation|computer animated]] film.<ref>[http://thailand-uk.com/forums/showthread.php?5329-Nak-%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%84 Nak movie]</ref><ref>[http://www.bangkokpost.com/070308_Realtime/07Mar2008_real001.php BangkokPost.com]</ref>
*''[[Nak (film)|Nak]]'' (นาค), a Thai 2008 animated film.<ref>[http://thailand-uk.com/forums/showthread.php?5329-Nak-%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%84 Nak movie]</ref><ref>[http://www.bangkokpost.com/070308_Realtime/07Mar2008_real001.php BangkokPost.com]</ref>
* ''[[Maenak Prakanong the Musical]]'', a 2009 [[musical theatre|musical]] directed by [[Takonkiet Viravan]] and starring [[Myria Benedetti]] and [[Anatpol Sirichumsang]].<ref>[http://www.rachadalai.com/maenak/ Rachadalai.com], ''Maenak Prakanong the Musical'' official website</ref>
* ''[[Maenak Prakanong the Musical]]'', a 2009 [[musical theatre|musical]] directed by [[Takonkiet Viravan]] and starring [[Myria Benedetti]] and [[Anatpol Sirichumsang]].<ref>[http://www.rachadalai.com/maenak/ Rachadalai.com], ''Maenak Prakanong the Musical'' official website</ref>
* ''Mae Nak Patha Pop Sam Tua'', a 2011 [[comedy]].<ref>[http://122.155.18.50/~pungdvdc/movie/cover/2678.jpg ''Maenak Patha Pop Sam Tua'']{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* ''Mae Nak Patha Pop Sam Tua'', a 2011 [[comedy]].<ref>[http://122.155.18.50/~pungdvdc/movie/cover/2678.jpg ''Maenak Patha Pop Sam Tua'']{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* ''Mae Nak 3D'', a 2012 Thai film
* ''Mae Nak 3D'', a 2012 Thai film
*''[[Pee Mak]]'', (พี่มาก..พระโขนง), a 2013 comedy horror Thai film by [[GMM Tai Hub]]<ref>[http://movie.sanook.com/33894/%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87-%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%87/ พี่มากพระโขนง]</ref>
*''[[Pee Mak]]'', (พี่มาก..พระโขนง), a 2013 comedy horror Thai film by [[GMM Tai Hub]]<ref>[http://movie.sanook.com/33894/%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87-%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%82%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%87/ พี่มากพระโขนง]</ref>
* Make Me Shudder 2 (Shudder Me Mae Nak), a 2014 Thai film
* ''Make Me Shudder 2'' (Shudder Me Mae Nak), a 2014 Thai film<ref>[https://letterboxd.com/film/make-me-shudder-2-shudder-me-mae-nak/ Make Me Shudder 2: Shudder Me Mae Nak]</ref>


Representations of Mae Nak, sometimes humorous,<ref>[http://kuk-kuk-koo.exteen.com/20091123/entry Mae Nak comic]</ref><ref>[http://www.itemstudio.org/forum/attachments/month_0909/09091019216b1c4abe31ae3bce.jpg Mae Nak comic image]</ref> are very common in [[Thai comics|Thai comic books]].<ref>[http://www.uppic.org/image-9280_4F2D066A.jpg Mae Nak comic]</ref> and [[animated cartoon]]s.<ref>[http://tonpalm.tarad.com/shop/t/tonpalm/img-lib/spd_20110118181810_b.jpg Nang Nak Kab 3 Puan]</ref>
Representations of Mae Nak, sometimes humorous,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://kuk-kuk-koo.exteen.com/20091123/entry |title=Mae Nak comic |access-date=2012-09-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105172254/http://kuk-kuk-koo.exteen.com/20091123/entry |archive-date=2012-11-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>[http://www.itemstudio.org/forum/attachments/month_0909/09091019216b1c4abe31ae3bce.jpg Mae Nak comic image]</ref> are very common in [[Thai comics|Thai comic books]].<ref>[http://www.uppic.org/image-9280_4F2D066A.jpg Mae Nak comic]</ref> and [[animated cartoon]]s.<ref>[http://tonpalm.tarad.com/shop/t/tonpalm/img-lib/spd_20110118181810_b.jpg Nang Nak Kab 3 Puan]</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Ghosts in Thai culture]]
*[[Ghosts in Thai culture]]
*[[Ghost Banana Tree]]
*[[Lang Suir]]
*[[Tai Thong Klom]]
*[[Churel]]


==References==
==References==
Line 90: Line 87:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.oknation.net/blog/print.php?id=94721 Love Legend of Mae Nak]
*[http://www.thaiworldview.com/bouddha/maenak.htm Mae nak phra khanong]
*[http://www.thaiworldview.com/bouddha/maenak.htm Mae nak phra khanong]
*[http://www.photoontour.com/CityTour_HTML/watmahabudth/poster.htm Mae Nak Movie posters]
{{Ghosts}}
{{Ghosts}}


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[[Category:Thai ghosts]]
[[Category:Thai ghosts]]
[[Category:Tutelary deities]]
[[Category:Tutelary deities]]
[[Category:Thai folklore]]

Latest revision as of 05:10, 17 February 2024

Mae Nak Phra Khanong
Mae Nak shrine offerings in the inner sanctum:
Portraits of the spirit and folded dresses.
GroupingLegendary creature
Tutelary deity
Sub groupingUndead
FolkloreThai folk mythology
Other name(s)Mae Nak, Nang Nak
CountryThailand
RegionPhra Khanong area, Bangkok
Shrine to Mae Nak Phra Khanong, Wat Mahabut
Inside the Mae Nak Phra Khanong shrine compound, the canal side
Mae Nak Phra Khanong Shrine, offerings of lotus buds and releasing of live fishes, Phra Khanong canal

Mae Nak Phra Khanong (Thai: แม่นากพระโขนง,[1] meaning 'Lady Nak of Phra Khanong'), or simply Mae Nak (Thai: แม่นาก, 'Lady Nak') or Nang Nak (Thai: นางนาก, 'Miss Nak'), is a well-known Thai ghost. According to local folklore the story is based on events that took place during the reign of King Rama IV.[2]

A shrine dedicated to Nak was constructed at Wat Mahabut. In 1997, the shrine was relocated to the nearby Suan Luang district of modern Bangkok.

Common legend

[edit]

A beautiful young woman named Nak, who lived on the banks of the Phra Khanong canal, had an undying love for her husband, Mak.

While Nak was pregnant, Mak was conscripted into the Thai Army and sent to war where he was seriously wounded (in some versions it is the Kengtung Wars, while others are not specific). While he was being nursed back to health in central Bangkok, Nak and their child both died during childbirth. But when Mak returned home, he found his loving wife and child waiting for him. Neighbors warned him that he was living with a ghost but he rebuffed them.

One day, as Nak was preparing nam phrik, she dropped a lime off the porch. In her haste to retrieve it, she stretched her arm to an impossible length to pick it up from the ground below. Upon seeing this, Mak realized his wife was a ghost. That night, Mak sneaked out the house and fled with Nak in pursuit. According to Thai folklore, ghosts are afraid of sticky Blumea leaves so Mak hid behind a Blumea balsamifera (Thai: หนาด; pronounced nat) bush.[3] He then ran into Wat Mahabut temple, which as holy ground, a ghost cannot enter.

In her grief, Nak terrorized the people of Phra Khanong, furious at them for causing Mak to leave her. However, a powerful monk captured Nak's ghost; and after confining her in an earthen jar, threw it into the Phra Khanong canal.

There are regional variations to the rest of the story. In one, an old couple new to Phra Khanong find the jar while fishing; in another two fishermen dredge up the jar. In both cases, Nak is freed when the jar is opened.

In alternative versions, a venerable monk named Somdet Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi) defeats Nak by confining her spirit in the bone of her forehead and binds it to his waistband. Legend says the waistband is currently in the possession of the Thai royal family. Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon, also claimed to have had the relic.[4] In another, the monk assured Nak that in a future life she would be reunited with her beloved husband, so she voluntarily departed for the afterlife.

Research

[edit]

Anek Nawikamul, a Thai historian, researched the story and found an article in the Siam Praphet newspaper written by K.S.R. Kulap, dated March 10, 1899. Kulap claimed the story of Mae Nak was based on the life of Amdaeng Nak (อำแดงนาก, 'Mrs Nak'), daughter of a Tambon Phra Khanong leader named Khun Si. Amdaeng Nak died while she was pregnant. Her son, worried that his father might remarry and his inheritance shared with his step-mother, invented the ghost story. He dressed in women's clothing and threw rocks at passing boats to make people think it was Nak's ghost. Kulap also suggested that Nak's husband was named Chum, not Mak.[5][6]

Mae Nak Shrine

[edit]

The shrine of Mae Nak stands next to Klong Phra Khanong, at Wat Mahabut, a large temple on Soi 77 off Sukhumvit Road (On Nut Road). The shrine is a low building under large trees with a roof that encompasses the tree trunks. The main shrine has several minor shrines around it.[7]

A statue of Mae Nak and her infant form the centerpiece of the shrine. Devotees often make offerings, accompanied by a request for help, generally by women seeking easy childbirth or for their husband to be exempted from military conscription.[8] Offerings are usually lengths of colored cloth, wrapped around the trunk of the Bo tree. Other offerings include fruit, lotuses, and incense sticks.

Toys for her child and portraits of the ghost are displayed in the shrine's inner sanctum. A collection of fine dresses offered to her are displayed behind her statue.

Offerings are also made at Phra Khanong Canal, where fish purchased live at markets are brought in buckets to the edge of the canal and freed. Stalls at the shrine sell toys, fish, lotus buds, incense sticks, and garlands for those who wish to make an offering.[7][8][9][10]

[edit]

Mae Nak's story has enjoyed sustained popularity because her undying devotion to her husband inspires people of all ages. Prince Damrong, a son of King Mongkut, revealed that when he was a child, he kept asking Wat Phra Kaeo visitors who was the most popular person in their opinion, and most people answered "Mae Nak".[11]

The story of Mae Nak Phra Khanong is also the subject of many films, television series, and printed media.[12] Among these are:

Representations of Mae Nak, sometimes humorous,[34][35] are very common in Thai comic books.[36] and animated cartoons.[37]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ ย้อนรอยปริศนาแม่นาคพระโขนง/ต่อพงษ์. Manager Online (in Thai). Retrieved 2015-11-20.
  2. ^ Yongcharoenchai, Chaiyot (2016-01-16). "As cultures come together, it's all in bad spirits". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  3. ^ หนาด (Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC.) Archived 2012-07-14 at archive.today (in Thai)
  4. ^ เจนจบ ยิ่งสุมล. (ตุลาคม 2553). ๑๓๐ ปี ไม่มีวันตาย พลเรือเอกพระบรมวงศ์เธอ กรมหลวงชุมพรเขตอุดมศักดิ์. สำนักพิมพ์ DK พับลิชิ่ง. ISBN 978-616-7327-07-5. หน้า 45 (in Thai)
  5. ^ "The Legend of Mae Nak Prakanong". Sarakadee. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  6. ^ ประลองเชิง, กิเลน (2010-10-04). ปลุกผีแม่นาค. Thairath (in Thai). Retrieved 2017-05-28.
  7. ^ a b หนุ่มลูกทุ่ง (2015-10-30). เที่ยวฮาโลวีนแบบไทยๆ ไปไหว้ขอพร “ย่านาค” วัดมหาบุศย์. Manager Online (in Thai). Retrieved 2018-03-24.
  8. ^ a b รัก-ยม (2016-02-14). "ปาฏิหาริย์แห่งรัก. "แม่นาคพระโขนง" 14 กุมภาฯ "วันวาเลนไทน์"". Thairath. Retrieved 2018-03-24.
  9. ^ No. 2602542 (2012-10-13). ผีแม่นาคพระโขนง กับการขอให้รอดจากการเกณฑ์ทหาร หลายคนบอกเลยว่าผีแม่นาคช่วยได้จนเป็นที่เล่าลือกันว่าถ้าไม่อยากเป็นทหารต้องไปขอกับผีแม่นาคพระโขนง. dek-d.com. ตำนานแม่นาคพระโขนง (in Thai). Retrieved 2018-03-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ hookman13 (2010-05-13). ถามทางไปวัดแม่นาคหน่อยครับ. Pantip.com (in Thai). Retrieved 2018-03-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  11. ^ "Pho Mak Thahan Ken?" พ่อมากทหารเกณฑ์ [Mister Mak Was a Recruit?] (in Thai). Bangkok: Matichon. 2016-04-20. Retrieved 2016-04-20.
  12. ^ Mae Nak movies and TV series
  13. ^ Mae Nak Phra Khanong (1959) poster
  14. ^ Mae Nak Kheun Chip movie poster
  15. ^ Vinyan Rak Mae Nak Phra Khanong movie poster
  16. ^ Mae Nak Khanong Rak movie poster
  17. ^ Mae Nak Phra Nakhon poster
  18. ^ Mae Nak Phra Khanong (1973) poster
  19. ^ Mae Nak Alawat poster
  20. ^ Mae Nak Amerika 1975 poster
  21. ^ Mae Nak Buk To Kiao movie poster
  22. ^ Mae Nak Phra Khanong (1978) poster
  23. ^ Sannya Chai Mae Nak Phra Khanong (1992) poster
  24. ^ Mae Nak Cheu Phi Pop poster
  25. ^ 1990s decade
  26. ^ Rithdee, Kong (26 July 2019). "Nam Nak at 20". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 26 July 2019.
  27. ^ Ghost of Mae Nak - Movie poster
  28. ^ Nak movie
  29. ^ BangkokPost.com
  30. ^ Rachadalai.com, Maenak Prakanong the Musical official website
  31. ^ Maenak Patha Pop Sam Tua[permanent dead link]
  32. ^ พี่มากพระโขนง
  33. ^ Make Me Shudder 2: Shudder Me Mae Nak
  34. ^ "Mae Nak comic". Archived from the original on 2012-11-05. Retrieved 2012-09-07.
  35. ^ Mae Nak comic image
  36. ^ Mae Nak comic
  37. ^ Nang Nak Kab 3 Puan

Further reading

[edit]
  • Chutima Pragatwutisarn (ชุติมา ประกาศวุฒิสาร), Evil Woman in a Beautiful Body: Femininity and the Crisis of Modernity in Thai Society, Chulalongkorn University, 2010
[edit]
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