Legend of Neang Kongrey
In the annals of Khmer folklore, few tales evoke such profound sorrow as that of the Twelve Sisters. Abandoned in the deep forest due to their parents' extreme poverty, the sisters wandered until they were ensnared by a treacherous Giantess Queen, Santhemar.
Though initially treated with kindness, the truth of their captor’s nature was eventually revealed. In a fit of rage, the Giantess blinded all twelve sisters and imprisoned them in a dark, subterranean cave. It was here, in this hopeless plight, that the youngest sister gave birth to a son named Puthisen.
Puthisen grew up in the darkness, but his spirit was bright. Upon learning of his mother’s and aunts’ suffering, he vowed to retrieve their stolen eyes and a magical cure from the Giantess’s kingdom. Driven by filial piety, he embarked on an arduous journey to the land of the giants.
In the kingdom of the giants, Puthisen used his wit to gain the Queen’s trust. However, fate played a cruel trick. He met and fell deeply in love with Neang Kongrey, the beautiful adopted daughter of the Giantess. Their love was pure and intense, and for a time, Puthisen forgot the sorrow of the cave.
Yet, the memory of his blinded mother haunted him. Puthisen faced a wrenching choice: remain in bliss with his beloved Kongrey, or betray her trust to save his family. One night, while Kongrey slept, Puthisen stole the magic potion and the eyes, mounted his magic horse, and fled into the night.
When Kongrey awoke to find him gone, she pursued him with desperate speed. She reached the boundary of their lands, crying out for him to return. But Puthisen, though his heart was breaking, could not turn back. Overcome by sheer anguish, Kongrey collapsed. She wept until she succumbed to her grief, her body transforming into stone.
To this day, in Kampong Chhnang province, one can see the mountain Phnom Kongrey. Its shape resembles a woman lying on her side, resting in eternal slumber—a monument to a love that was sacrificed for duty.