Lesson 72: The Naga Princess (Soma)

Preah Thong & Neang Neak The Legend of Cambodia's Origin (B2) Story Glossary Realm ដែនដី /relm/ Vessel នាវា /ˈves.əl/ Thwart រារាំង /θwɔːrt/ Indigenous ជនជាតិដើម /ɪnˈdɪdʒ.ə.nəs/ Lineage វង្សត្រកូល /ˈlɪn.i.ɪdʒ/ Prosperity ភាពរុងរឿង /prɑːˈsper.ə.t̬i/ The Legend Chapter 1: The Arrival L ong ago, the land we now call Cambodia was a watery realm known as Kok Thlok. It was ruled by a powerful Naga King, who lived beneath the waves. His daughter was the beautiful Princess Soma (Neang Neak). One night, a Brahmin prince named Kaundinya (Preah Thong) was sailing his vessel across the ocean. Following a divine dream, he changed his course and spotted a shining light on the horizon. As he approached the shore, he saw Princess Soma leading her Naga troops. Fearing an invasion, she attempted to thwart his landing. Kaundinya raised his magic bow and fired an arrow. It did not harm the princess but pierced her boat, forcing her to surrender. Chapter 2: The Union Upon meeting face to f…