Phra Loh (พระลอ)

Thai. A story in verse about a handsome prince called Phra Lohdilokrat. The prince was lured into a love affair with two princess-sisters, Phra Pheuan (พระเพื่อน) and Phra Phaeng (พระแพง), by following a beautiful cock to their palace garden (fig.), after they had used a magic spell on him. Phra Loh was accompanied by his two servants, Nai Kaew (นายแก้ว) and Nai Kwan (นายขวัญ), who –under the influence of the same spell– fell in love with the two female servants of the princess-sisters. However, when the King of Song City, i.e. the father of the princesses, arranged for a royal wedding, their grandmother, who didn't approve of this marriage, was enraged and sent in her troops. When in the ensuing battle arrows were shot at the prince and his servants, the two princess-sisters intervened and placed themselves in between the attacking army and their beloved one as human shields, resulting in all being killed, sacrificing their lives to uphold true love. The story takes place in the province of Phrae and is noted for its atmosphere of terror. It was translated into English by Prince Prem Purachat. Though Phra Loh is short for Phra Lohdilokrat, this abbreviated name of the prince is possibly a pun that hints to his handsomeness, which in Thai is also loh (หล่อ), though it has a different Thai spelling and tone. The story is also referred to as Lilit Phra Loh (ลิลิตพระลอ), with lilit being the Thai term for a story or poem in rhymed verse. Also transcribed Phra Law. See also POSTAGE STAMP and TRAVEL PICTURE. 回