The Construction of Intelligence in Local Folktales of Muang Loei: The Social Capital of Local People

Abstract

This academic article aims to explore the construction of Intelligence narratives in local folktales from Loei province, serving as a social foundation for the local community. The study utilizes the concepts of social capital, wisdom traditions, and storytelling as analytical frameworks. The author has examined and curated folktales from Loei province, originally compiled by Saran Saratnannan, presenting 9 stories that revolve around the theme of Intelligence. These stories include "The Whispering Ghost," "The Haunting Ghost with a Bitter Taste," "Brave Little Bear," "A Corpse Selling Excrement," "Kwankaomoon and the Friend," "Four Friends," "Hualan Loves to Say No," "The Daughter-in-law of the Rich Man," and "The Husband Speaks for the Silent Wife." The Intelligence traditions in these local folktales from Loei can be categorized into three aspects: Intelligence in oral literature, Intelligence in moral principles, and Intelligence in ideologies. Through the analysis of the construction of these Intelligence traditions, it is found that they are conveyed through distinct literary elements, employing three methods: storytelling through characters, storytelling through events, and storytelling through conflicts. These methods of constructing Intelligence traditions illustrate a creative process that contributes to the accumulation of social capital. This occurs at both individual and collective levels, within families, communities, and society, promoting intellectual growth and resilience in the lives of local inhabitants.