Urban Legends

Mae Nak Phra Khanong

Origin: Thailand

One of the most famous urban legends from Thailand is the story of "Mae Nak Phra Khanong", a ghostly tale deeply rooted in Thai folklore and culture. It is one of the most widely told and believed urban legends in Thailand, with many versions of the story shared over generations.

Mae Nak was a beautiful young woman who lived with her husband, Mak, in the Phra Khanong district of Bangkok during the 19th century. The couple was very much in love, and when Nak became pregnant, they were excited to start a family. However, before their child was born, Mak was conscripted to serve in the military, leaving Nak behind.

During her husband's absence, Nak went into labor but tragically died in childbirth along with her baby. In Thai tradition, dying in childbirth is particularly tragic, as the spirits of such women are believed to become restless and vengeful ghosts. Despite their deaths, Nak's love for her husband was so strong that she refused to move on to the afterlife.

When Mak returned home, he found his wife and newborn baby waiting for him, unaware that they had died in his absence. Nak created an illusion of life, and the couple resumed their life together as if nothing had happened. However, strange occurrences in the village led neighbors to become suspicious, and they tried to warn Mak that his wife was a ghost.

One day, while preparing dinner, Nak accidentally dropped a lime from the porch. Instead of walking down the stairs to retrieve it, she extended her arm to an unnatural length to pick it up. Mak witnessed this eerie moment, realizing that the rumors were true—his beloved wife was indeed a ghost. Terrified, he fled to the local temple, where monks offered him protection from Nak's wrath.

Realizing that Mak had discovered the truth, Mae Nak became enraged, haunting the village and attacking anyone who tried to keep her from her husband. Eventually, a powerful monk was called to confront Mae Nak and perform rituals to pacify her spirit. He managed to trap her spirit in a pot and buried it deep in the canal to prevent her from ever returning.

The legend of Mae Nak is not just a ghost story but has become a symbol of eternal love and devotion. In Thai culture, many view Mae Nak as a tragic figure who only wanted to be with the man she loved, despite her death. 

A shrine dedicated to Mae Nak can still be found at the Wat Mahabut Temple in the Phra Khanong district of Bangkok, where people come to pray for her blessing, particularly for help in matters of love and fertility. Many believe that Mae Nak's spirit still watches over the area and continues to offer protection to those who revere her.

The tale of Mae Nak represents the blend of horror, love, and spirituality in Thai folklore, and it resonates deeply with those who believe in the power of ghosts and spirits. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength of love, even beyond death.