A Comparative Study of Supernatural Animals in Tribhumikatha and Various Myths

Authors

  • Arthima Pongpaiboon Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53848/irdssru.v13i2.256248

Keywords:

supernatural animals, Tribhumikatha, myths

Abstract

            “Tribhumikatha” (the three realms) consists of the detail about supernatural animals. It is interesting to study the ideology, belief, perspective and role of those creatures in the literature. It also extended the idea about the creatures by comparing them with myths from other cultures, which also speak about supernatural animals.

          This research compares the uniqueness of supernatural animals in various myths. Group A reflects Thai culture; supernatural animals in “Tribhumikatha,” the oldest Buddhist text in Thailand. Group B represents other cultures; the study of supernatural animals in Greek myths, Nosh myths, American Indian myths, Egyptian Myth, Hindu myths, and Christian myths—a total of 25 versions from 9 specific cultures. The categories of supernatural animals were compared to understand each culture's uniqueness to the Thai culture.

            The results showed that the uniqueness and the ideology of supernatural animals in “Tribhumikatha” are more similar to Hindu myths. In the other cultures studied, they reflect the idea that the “roots” of life that relate to a supernatural animal is from the Gods and that they are auspicious things that exist for an extended period of time.

            The study of supernatural animals in “Tribhumikatha” and the 25 versions of myths from other cultures helps us understand the various concepts and the importance of supernatural animals in every culture. It also shows the relation between the God, hero, human, and animal. They differ in details for every myth, but supernatural animals play an essential role in each one.

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Published

22-12-2021

How to Cite

Pongpaiboon, A. . (2021). A Comparative Study of Supernatural Animals in Tribhumikatha and Various Myths. Research and Development Journal Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, 13(2), 217–248. https://doi.org/10.53848/irdssru.v13i2.256248

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Research Articles