Nkauj Mim See

Nothing beats the old storytellers.  They put so much enthusiasm and passion into storytelling that one needs not motion picture, but the imagination, to see the content of a Hmong folktale unfold into life before the very eyes.  I just wanted to share an old audio clip of yet, another Hmong folktale by Ntxhoo Xub Vaaj.  I must note that it is in the Hmong Ntsuab/Hmong Lees dialect so it may be a bit difficult to understand for those who are not familiar with the dialect (even I have a hard time too).  Also, the audio quality isn't the best (it's old) so bear with it.  Perhaps in the near future, I will provide the text so that it be easier for some of you to follow along and to understand the storyline.

(Interesting Fact: What is called "dab neeg" in Hmoob Dawb is known as "lug nruag" in Hmong Ntsuab/Hmoob Lees.)



 

Actually, I found a written version by Kou Yang, and so provided it below.  The details may be a bit different, but it is the same storyline.  All credits go to Lus Nruag at http://lugnruag.webs.com/.  I'm only reposting the writing for the purpose of providing another option for those who preferred to read rather than listen.

Thoob Yej & Ntxawm Qaum Ntuj

As a child, I loved hearing elders weave Hmong folklore into everyday life. My grandmothers often told me stories at bedtime—though I usually fell asleep before the ending. One of my favorites is the tale of a heavenly bird maiden who marries a gifted mortal, only to be forced to leave him. He then journeys beyond the sky to bring her home.

This traditional Hmong folktale was originally told in Hmong and has been translated into English for a wider audience. Every effort has been made to preserve the story’s original meaning, cultural details, and spirit while making it accessible to English readers. I hope you enjoy this English rendition and the timeless story it carries.

Some may notice similarities to the Tai/Dai tale The Peacock Princess, but this is not a copy. Hmong ancestors also lived in China, where they, like other peoples, observed and drew inspiration from the natural world. Places such as Lake Poyang—an important winter refuge for migratory birds—may even help explain elements of the story, such as the “heavenly road” and “earth road.”

Translated from the original 1986 Hmong RPA text into English by WYImagination.blogspot.com. Read the full historical copyright and storyteller attribution at the bottom of this post.

Long ago, a great flock of celestial birds descended from the heavens each day to bathe in a mysterious pond hidden deep within the wilderness.

One day, while hunting through the forest, a young man named Thoob Yej happened upon the pond. Hidden among the trees, he watched the birds splash and play upon the shimmering water. Yet there was something strange about them. They seemed unlike any birds he had ever seen.

When he returned home, the sight lingered in his thoughts.

"If I set a snare around that pond," he mused, "perhaps I can catch one."

The next morning he braided a strong rope trap and carefully laid it around the edge of the pond before returning home to wait.

At dawn he hurried back.

To his astonishment, something had indeed been caught.

Niam Tij & Tij Laug Tsis Hlub Ntsuag

This story was originally posted in Hmong in 2013; updated as an English rendition with new artwork in 2026.

Translated from the original 1986 Hmong RPA text into English by WYImagination.blogspot.com. Read the full historical copyright and storyteller attribution at the bottom of this post.

Long ago, there was an orphan boy whose mother and father had both passed away. The only family he had left were his older brother and his older brother’s wife. Sadly, neither of them loved him, and the orphan spent most of his days wandering alone through the mountains, carrying his father’s gun and bow wherever he went.

One day, as the orphan wandered along a stream, he came upon a small cave. Near the entrance, he saw a giant centipede carrying a large, precious jewel out of the cave.

Suddenly, lightning flashed across the sky.

The centipede quickly hid itself.

Another bolt of lightning struck, but it missed the centipede. Again and again, lightning flashed and struck toward the cave, but each time, the centipede managed to escape.

The orphan watched for a while before finally saying, “Ah! Lightning keeps trying to strike you, but it misses every time. Let me help Lightning out.”

The giant centipede emerged from the cave once more, but lightning missed it again.

The orphan quickly drew his bow and released an arrow. The arrow flew straight toward the centipede and struck it, piercing its body.