In the epic Lao story of Sang Sinxay ສັງສິນໄຊ, there's a lesser known character. He was a snail (also known as a conch). Let's shine a light on him today.
His name was Sangthong ແສງທອງ (the h is silent) and he was one of Sinxay's brothers. Like all things from this magical world, he had his own power and personality.
In this world, even a seemingly lowly snail could be fierce, fast, and somehow beautiful. And indeed, in the story, he goes on to join his brothers in battle.
You can find depictions of him in Lao (and Thai) art. In past depictions of him, he was often seen as half-man and half-snail. However, in our interpretation we envision him in his original animal form but with all the special accoutrements and golden details of those ethereal, mythical creatures from the Himmaphan Forest.
Hope you like it!
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