The Myths of Origins of the Ethnic Groups in Sekong Province, Lao PDR

Abstract

The myth or tale of the origins of the ethnic groups are the narratives in which people recorded their memory and thought concerning the world and humans, especially their own group, by oral transmission. In collections of oral traditions collected from fieldwork in sekong Province, Lao PDR in 1997-1999, there are five versions of four myths of origin told by informants of four ethnic groups : Tariang, Katu, Tariew and Dakkang. These stories composed of three main traits and 3 motifs which are the Flood, quests for fire, and the ancestors of each tribe. The four stories of memories and thoughts depicting their origin and also way of living were reflected through these tales.