History and Legend of Mae Nak Phra Khanong
Beliefs and Faith › History and Legend of Mae Nak Phra Khanong
Mae Nak Phra Khanong is one of Thailand’s most famous ghost legends. The story has been passed down through generations in various forms such as folktales, stage plays, films, and literature. Today, let's explore the history of Mae Nak.
It is said that during the reign of King Rama IV, or the early Rattanakosin period, a beautiful woman named "Nak" lived by the Phra Khanong Canal (now in Bangkok's Phra Khanong district). She was renowned for her beauty and had a lover named "Mak" (sometimes referred to as "Father Mak").
The two loved each other deeply and got married. Not long after, Nak became pregnant. However, at that time, Mak was drafted into military service.
While Mak was away, Nak tragically died during childbirth due to the lack of medical advancements at the time. Driven by her strong love and attachment, Nak became a "ghost" who refused to move on, waiting for Mak's return. When Mak came back, he was unaware that Nak and their child had already passed away.
They continued living together as if nothing had happened. However, the villagers grew fearful and tried to warn Mak that Nak was a ghost. Mak did not believe them until a crucial event: while Nak was cooking, she dropped something under the house and unnaturally stretched her arm to retrieve it. Witnessing this, Mak realized the horrifying truth and fled to seek refuge at Wat Mahabut (considered a sacred ground where spirits could not enter).
Heartbroken, Mae Nak unleashed her fury, terrifying the villagers. Eventually, a revered monk with powerful spiritual knowledge (some versions say it was Somdej Phra Phutthachan (To Phrommarangsi)) came to subdue and release Mae Nak’s spirit, allowing her to move on to the afterlife peacefully.
Beliefs and Wat Mahabut
Today, "Wat Mahabut" (Phra Khanong) is believed to be the dwelling place of Mae Nak. Within the temple grounds, there is a shrine dedicated to her where countless people come daily to pay their respects and pray for blessings, particularly in matters of love, fertility, and safe travel. Especially regarding love, it is believed that Mae Nak, with her compassionate spirit, helps fulfill wishes for true love.
Mae Nak's Characteristics in Legend
Mae Nak is depicted as a beautiful woman with long hair, wearing traditional Thai clothing (sometimes in light green), often seen carrying a baby. Her character embodies pure love but also a terrifying aura when separated from her beloved.
Mae Nak in Modern Culture
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The story of Mae Nak Phra Khanong has been adapted in many forms, such as:
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Famous films like Nang Nak (1999) and Pee Mak (2013), the latter being a romantic-comedy version.
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Numerous stage plays and novels.
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Many Thai songs about Mae Nak have also been created.
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How was it? The story and legend of Ya Nak (Mae Nak Phra Khanong) have been passed down through generations. She is remembered as a woman steadfast in her love, unwavering even beyond death. Her deep love and attachment to Pee Mak, her beloved, never faded for even a second. This tale is a touching and melancholic story of eternal love.
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