Long ago, along the wide, meandering waters of the Tonle Sap River, there existed a river spirit known to the villagers as Preah Neang. Her presence was unseen, yet her influence touched every fisherman, farmer, and traveler who relied upon the river for sustenance. The villagers often spoke of her kindness, telling stories of how she guided the humble and warned the reckless.
In a small riverside village, the people had long relied on the bountiful waters for their daily needs. The river’s fish, rich and plentiful, sustained them throughout the year. Villagers knew the importance of honoring the river, offering flowers, incense, and prayers during festivals, and never taking more than they needed. Preah Neang, the water spirit, silently watched over the community, rewarding those who treated her waters with care.
Among the villagers, there was a young fisherman named Somnang. He was diligent and kind-hearted, always careful to follow the village customs when fishing. Every morning, he would whisper a prayer to Preah Neang before casting his nets, thanking her for the life-giving river. In return, Somnang’s catches were abundant, yet never so large that he would hoard or waste. He shared his fish with the elders and children, earning the quiet blessing of the spirit.
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But not all villagers were so respectful. A greedy merchant named Rith, who had recently arrived in the village, sought only wealth. He cared nothing for offerings or rituals. Rith’s nets were vast and numerous, and he would pull more fish than necessary from the river, leaving empty spaces in the waters where smaller fish could not yet grow. Each night, he returned home, counting the day’s profit with a grin, unaware of the eyes watching him from the river’s depths.
Preah Neang, angered by Rith’s disregard, decided to intervene. One night, as the moonlight shimmered across the river, she appeared to him as a radiant woman cloaked in flowing water. Her hair glimmered like the ripples, and her eyes held the calm authority of the river itself. Rith laughed, thinking her beauty was a trick of the moon, but Preah Neang spoke with a voice like a gentle current.
“Rith,” she said, “your greed threatens the life of this river and all who depend upon it. You take without care, ignoring the balance of nature. If you do not change your ways, you will suffer the consequences.”
Rith scoffed, waving his hand dismissively. “I take what is mine by skill and effort. The river belongs to whoever can catch its bounty.”
With that, Preah Neang disappeared beneath the waters, leaving Rith bewildered. That morning, he found his nets empty, though others in the village, including Somnang, enjoyed their usual plentiful catches. Days passed, and Rith’s greed remained unchecked. Each time he returned to the river, he found fewer fish, and sometimes the river’s surface would stir ominously, as if warning him to change.
One evening, as Rith dragged his net, he found it tangled in heavy weeds that seemed impossible to remove. The river churned violently, and a voice echoed across the waters. “Greed brings ruin. Respect brings life.” Fear gripped him as he realized the spirit’s words were not empty threats. He fell to his knees, asking for forgiveness.
Somnang, seeing Rith’s distress, approached him. “You cannot take more than the river gives,” he said gently. “It is not the river alone that suffers, but the entire village. Learn from Preah Neang, and perhaps she will forgive you.”
Rith, humbled and ashamed, began to follow the village customs. He offered prayers, tended the riverbank, and never took more than necessary. In time, Preah Neang appeared once more, smiling softly. “Your heart has changed,” she whispered, “and the river will reward your respect.” From then on, Rith’s catches were fair, and he joined the village in celebrating the river festivals.
The story of the water spirit spread throughout the region, teaching each generation the importance of respect, balance, and gratitude. Even travelers passing by were careful to honor the river, knowing that Preah Neang’s presence could be felt by those who acted with care. And so, the Tonle Sap River remained a source of life, guided by the unseen hands of its vigilant spirit.
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Moral Lesson:
Respect for nature and moderation in taking resources ensure harmony and sustainability. Greed brings loss, while gratitude and ethical action foster protection, abundance, and communal well-being.
Knowledge Check:
- Who is Preah Neang in the story?
Answer: She is the benevolent water spirit of the Tonle Sap River. - How does Somnang show respect to the river spirit?
Answer: By praying before fishing, taking only what he needs, and sharing his catch with others. - What does Rith’s greed cause?
Answer: It depletes the fish, disrupts the river’s balance, and invokes Preah Neang’s warning. - How does Preah Neang teach Rith a lesson?
Answer: She empties his nets, tangles them in weeds, and uses the river’s current to show the consequences of greed. - What happens when Rith changes his behavior?
Answer: The river rewards him with fair catches, and he gains the spirit’s forgiveness. - What is the main theme of the story?
Answer: Environmental stewardship, gratitude, and moral reciprocity.
Source:
Adapted from Royal University of Phnom Penh Folklore Archive, 2016.
Cultural Origin:
Tonle Sap lake and river folklore.
