Cambodian Folk Stories from the Gatiloke

Cambodian Folk Stories from the Gatiloke, a collection of ancient Cambodian folk stories, have their origin in the gentle teachings of Buddhist monks. The settings are usually towns, villages, farms, or forests where people live and work-people with ordinary strengths and weaknesses, people who face life's usual problems as they go about their daily business. There are stories of peasants whose quick wit saves them from thieves and scoundrels, and tales of clever women who foil traps set for them by greedy nobles. Humorous stories ridicule unjust rulers and tell of the absurd predicaments of people. Animal fables teach lessons in justice, wisdom, and compassion. Some of the stories in this collection have been passed on by word of mouth from generation to generation for thousands of years; others are more modern Cambodian classics. All portray the heart and soul of the Cambodian people.