The Roles and Importance of Musical Culture in the Thao Hung Thao Chueang Epic
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Abstract
The Lao epic, Thao Hung Thao Chueang contains numerous references to musical culture. Music and the sound of musical instruments are mentioned in the context of games and rituals, in order to convey beliefs, emotions, and ideologies associated with the epic’s characters. It is evident that musical references are important aspects of cultural information and play a crucial role in this work of literature. The present article examines the role of music in literature, using the methods of literary criticism and applying theories on the relationship between literature and society to analyze the text. The research revealed that the musical culture in this epic is characterized by three essential roles: its role in games and rituals, in politics and warfare, and in conveying emotions and feelings. The roles and importance of musical culture demonstrate their integral part in the way of life of the ethnic groups on both sides of the Mekong River. Music appears to be guiding the rhythm of life, mediating emotions and desires, and motivating the people of all groups. This article aims to demonstrate that Thao Hung Thao Chueang is truly worthy of praise and is a genuine literary treasure of Southeast Asian people.
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