THE STORY OF KING NARESUAN THE GREAT AND HIS ROLE TO THE NONG BUA LAMPHU PEOPLE

เรื่องเล่าสมเด็จพระนเรศวรมหาราชกับบทบาทต่อชาวหนองบัวลำภู

Abstract

This academic article aims to present the role of the legend of King Naresuan in relation to the people of Nong Bua Lam Phu. Data was collected from documents, social media sources, and field observations during the ceremonial rituals in honor of King Naresuan, employing interviews with local experts, cultural scholars, and villagers, totaling 20 participants. Structured interviews and participatory observation methods were used as tools, and the data was analyzed and interpreted using the concepts of folk role functions, storytelling, and invented traditions.

The study revealed that the legend of King Naresuan connected to the people of Nong Bua Lam Phu is derived from a manuscript by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab, which he presented to Prince Narisara Nuwattiwong on December 12, 1935. The manuscript recounts that when King Maha Thammaracha led an army to assist King Hongsawadi in the siege of Sri Sattanakharat, he brought his son, Prince Naresuan, along. Upon reaching Nong Bua Lam Phu, King Naresuan fell ill from poisoning, and King Hongsawadi permitted the Thai army to return. In recognition of His Majesty's kindness, the people of Nong Bua Lam Phu built a shrine to King Naresuan as a memorial by Nong Bua Pond. The roles of the legend are as follows: 1) acting as a source of spiritual anchorage 2) contributing to the creation of the identity of Nong Bua Lam Phu Province 3) fostering a creative tradition: from the memorial ceremony to the Nong Bua Lam Phu Red Cross Fair 4) promoting historical awareness, patriotism, and unity, and 5) establishing a site for learning and tourism.