APIFantasy | Myth and Folklore Anthology

Cambodian Mythology - Robam Moni Mekhala

Once upon a time, in ancient Cambodia, there lived a wise hermit named Lok Ta Moni Eisei. He possessed a magical crystal ball and had three pupils studying under him. His first pupil was Vorachhun, a princely manifestation of the earth. Second was Moni Mekhala, a beautiful goddess of the seas. And the third was Ream Eyso, a strong but ugly storm demon.

When the time came to pass on the magical crystal ball, Lok Ta Moni Eisei faced a dilemma. He couldn't decide which of his three students was worthy of such a gift. After careful consideration, he gave them a task to complete, whoever completed it, would receive the crystal ball. Their task was to collect a glass full of morning dew.

The following day, the three attempted to collect the morning dew. Vorachhun and Ream Eyso ventured into the forest to collect the fluid. They left not one leaf or blade of glass untouched, impatiently shaking the precious fluid into their glasses. Moni Mekhala ingeniously spread her shawl on the grass overnight, capturing the dew. She squeezed it into the glass and won the hermit's favor. As a reward, she received the glittering crystal ball. Pleased with all his students, the hermit also bestowed Ream Esor with a magic diamond ax and Vorachhun a magic dagger.

Ream Eyso, fueled by jealousy, plotted to seize the crystal ball from Moni Mekhala because he thought he deserved it more. Vorachhun tried to stop him, but Ream Eyso killed the princely manifestation of the earth. After defeating one adversary, he proceeded to find the goddess ready to fight. But the goddess showed compassion instead of anger.

He attacked her with his ax, and she evaded it. Rather than counterattacks, the goddess kept her movements defensive. He continued attacking, and she kept dodging. And when Ream Eyso attempted to grab the crystal ball, Moni Mekhala sent it soaring into the sky, producing dazzling flashes of lightning that temporarily blinded him. The goddess took advantage of it and retreated to hide in the skies.

The demon threw his diamond ax at her, and it cut through the clouds creating thunder. The friction between lightning and thunder caused raindrops to fall. It didn't deter Mekhala and Ream Eyso followed her, chasing her around the world.

The drops of rain revived Vorachhun whose skin glowed like a golden rice field. He picked up his magic dagger and flew into the sky to search for the demon and the goddess.

To this day, the battle between the three former friends continues, thus creating the cycle of lightning, thunder, and rain on the earth.

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The Robam Moni Mekhala dance is a cultural expression of this mythical story, capturing the time-old struggle of beauty and darkness, rain and thunder, as the goddess Moni Mekhala fiercely guards her precious crystal ball against the storm demon Ream Eyso. Cambodians see this legend as the origin of thunder, lightning, and rain.

The dance is characterized by slow and graceful movements, symbolizing the calm before the storm, followed by rapid and energetic motions representing the powerful forces of lightning and rain. Dancers often wear elaborate costumes adorned with celestial motifs, reflecting the divine nature of the characters in the legend.

This traditional dance is an integral part of Cambodian culture and is often performed during important ceremonies, celebrations, and classical dance performances. It serves as a testament to Cambodia's rich mythology and artistic heritage.

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