The Cambodian Myth of Lightning, Thunder, and Rain

Watch and Learn

"Moni Mekhala Ream Eyso" is a sacred dance drama in Cambodia. It is performed every year during the bauong suong ceremony and tells the origins of lightning, thunder and rain.

Summary (click on the arrow on the right to see)

Ream Eyso (a demon) grew jealous of the goddess Moni Mekhala's crystal ball and decided to take it by force. This fighting creates a storm and Ream Eyso lost. Moni Mekhala decided to spare him out of kindess and when he recovered, he chased her across the Earth, leaving storms everywhere.

Questions to think about:

  • According to this myth, what does the combination of lightning and thunder create?

  • What does the crystal ball symbolise in the story?

  • Do you feel like this story is being fair to characters? Did they get what they deserved?

Featured literary device: simile

A simile is used to compare something with another. It is a figure of speech used to make a description more vivid (e.g. as smart as a fox) so that the readers can understand and connect the story more. At the end of this video, Vorachhun's skin is described as golden like a rice field ready for harvest, painting a clear image.

Similes can also be used in myths to create a dramatic effect and exaggerate parts of the tale.

Video

What the dance actually looks like. How does this interpretation differs from the first video that you watched? Do you have similar stories depicting natural phenomenon in your culture?

Write about a natural phenomenon that you experienced. It could be a storm, snow or anything similar.