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Book Review: Burmese Folktales by Madhu Gurung

Every country has its own folklores and Burma is no exception to this notion. Burmese Folktales is a children’s book in which there are twenty stories from forgotten kingdoms retold by Madhu Gurung. The stories covered in this easy-to-read book are purely for children because every story starts with the same opening statement: Once upon a time….


The Author Madhu Gurung heard these tales from the locals of Myanmar during her three years stay in the country on account of an army posting, since her husband is in the Indian Army. In particular, the stories are from undefined eras when only kings and kingdoms existed, therefore most of the stories involve kings, sword battles, kingdom expansion and invasion, and the test of mettle of rulers who often take the challenges to prove their substance.

The first story is about a crocodile brought up by a childless couple but as the crocodile grows young and arrogant, he one day devours the old man who had saved and brought him. However, in the next birth the old man rebirths as a magician and kills the crocodile to avenge his last birth’s humiliation. The story is about deeds and revenge.

The last story Udena and the Elephants is a long story in which a prince was born in a dark forest under adverse circumstances and he grows up with a powerful hermit who teaches him how to control and entice elephants by playing harp. When he masters the art, he goes back to his father’s kingdom, takes up the challenge and then after proving his worth and the identity he reclaims his princely status by becoming the king of that kingdom. However, soon he is abducted by a neighboring king so that the king can learn his magical powers. Udena makes his daughter fall in love with him and then one day they run away, spoiling all the plans of his enemy.

The book is well suited for children aged under ten. Overall all the stories in the book are like the stories told in the Hindu mythology. Mothers and grandparents can definitely look up to read these stories for their kids and growing children during bed time. Interestingly, all stories convey important messages and moral values to its readers, they aren’t just plain ones. For light and racy read, the book is perfect for any boring afternoon.

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