Phra Prakohntan (พระประโคนธรรพ์)

Thai. Name of a hermit in the epic Ramakien, who is also referred to as Phra Reusi Narata and Prakhonthan. He joins Phra Ram's (fig.) army to fight against the giant demon king Totsakan (fig.), initially helping to scout locations for their journey to Lanka. However, Prakhonthan makes an oversight regarding a deceptive forest created by the enemy, which leads to consequences and his expulsion from Rama's army. Hence, he returns to his home at Yukonthon Mountain. His name is derived from Phra Pra Khon Tanrop (พระประคนธรรพ) and he is also referred to as Phra Prakohn Tanrop (พระประโคนธรรพ), whilst the name is also transcribed Phra Parakontap. In addition, he is also known by the name Phra Narathamuni (พระนารทมุนี). He is said to be a teacher (kruh) of music and inventor of the harp. He is one of ten great brahmin reusi or hermits, together referred to as Thotsareusi (ทศฤาษี) or Maha Reusi Thang Sip Thaan (มหาฤาษีทั้ง 10 ท่าน), and wears a chadah with a peak in a tiger pattern, similar in shape and colour to the hats worn by reusi (fig.), yet taller and thinner. He has a green complexion (fig.) and is depicted on a 2013 Thai postage stamp, as part of a set of eight khon masks (fig.) issued to commemorate the annual Thai Heritage Conservation Day by publicizing the national art of khon. See also Phanuraat and Chaiyaphum. See also LIST OF RAMAKIEN CHARACTERS & NAMES. 回