Nraug Ntsuag & Ntxawm

This story was originally published here in 2014. Now updated with new artwork in 2026.

Here is another Hmong folktale called Nraug Ntsuag and Ntxawm. There are many versions of stories about an orphan boy named Nraug Ntsuag and Ntxawm, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy village headman. This particular version tells the story of how Nraug Ntsuag loses his wife, only to use his cleverness and determination to win her back.

Nraug Ntsuag and Ntxawm have not been married for very long when the hemp harvest season arrives. Nraug Ntsuag sends Ntxawm to her parents' village to help them process hemp into thread and cloth.

Halfway through their journey, Ntxawm suddenly tells Nraug Ntsuag that she can see her parents' village in the distance. She says that she can even hear the familiar sounds of rice pounders clicking and clanking.

Xyooj Mim & Xyooj Kaub

This Hmong folktale is called Xyooj Mim & Xyooj Kaub. It is very similar to the story Ntsuag thiab Niam Nkauj Zuag Paj, though the two stories differ in the details of their openings.

Xyooj Mim and Xyooj Kaub are orphaned siblings who have no parents or family left to care for them. One day, Xyooj Mim happens upon a dragon prince. The prince offers to marry her, but in return, he promises to provide for her younger brother. He gives Xyooj Kaub a magical grain of rice and a piece of meat that can replenish themselves, allowing the boy to have food for the rest of his life.

Sharing Hmong Music

In this post, instead of just sharing music from one artist, I have decided to share music from a couple of different artists. When I get a chance, I will post up the English translation for each song.

This first song is called Hlub Tam Toj Roob Hau Pes by Paj Xia Yaj and Nuj Sua Lis, Hmong Shee Yee's new pra-ek.

“Hlub Tam Toj Roob Hauv Pes” (which translates to “Love Like the Mountain Ranges”) is a deeply emotional, traditional Hmong ballad. The song functions as a poignant anthem of nostalgia, landscape imagery, and unreachable love.