Teav's Mother

A different perspective on Tum Teav, a folktale about a romantic tragedy in nineteenth-century Cambodia.

Overview

The plot revolves around a young Buddhist monk named Tum who falls in love with a lovely girl named Teav. After returning to his native province, King Reamea invites Tum to sing at the royal palace. Teav's mother decides to marry her daughter to the son of Archun, the province's governor. However, Reamea urges that she marry the Cambodian monarch instead. Teav is brought to the palace, and Tom performs a song about his love for her. Reamea agrees to let the pair marry, but Archun murders Tum and Teav. Reamea instructs Archun's entire family to be buried.