Preah Ko Preah Keo
Long ago in the Lovek era, a poor woman gave birth to two miraculous brothers. The elder was not a human, but a beautiful calf named Preah Ko ("Sacred Ox"). The younger was a boy named Preah Keo ("Sacred Gem").
Preah Ko was no ordinary animal. His belly contained magical scriptures, ancient knowledge, and the secrets of prosperity. Wherever the brothers went, the crops grew tall, the rains fell on time, and the Khmer kingdom flourished. They became symbols of the nation's strength and wisdom.
News of the brothers' power spread far and wide. The King of Siam (modern-day Thailand) heard of their magic and began to covet them. He believed that whoever possessed Preah Ko and Preah Keo would rule the most powerful kingdom on earth.
The King of Siam sent his armies to challenge Cambodia. He proposed contests of fighting and wisdom. Although Preah Keo fought bravely and Preah Ko used his magic to protect the land, the enemy eventually used trickery to capture them.
The brothers were taken away to Siam, held in captivity far from their home. The legend says that when they left, they took Cambodia's luck, books, and ancient knowledge inside Preah Ko's belly with them.
To this day, many Cambodians believe that the country has faced hardship because their guardians are still absent. It is a story of loss, but also of hope. The people wait for the omen that signals the return of Preah Ko and Preah Keo, bringing their heritage and prosperity back to the Khmer soil.
(Knowledge/Books)
(Strength/Magic)
(Loss of Culture)
(Hope/Future)