A Study of the Magician Character in the “The Three Kingdoms,” Version of Chao Phraya Phra-Khlang (Hon)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to study the character of the magician in The Three Kingdoms, the version of Chao Phraya Phra-Khlang (Hon). The character called “magician” is the character considered from other characters in the story as possessing supernatural power and knowledge of incantation. There are 14 figures of magician character, divided into three types: 1. human, 2. non-human, and 3. human who turned into supernatural being or daemon. By identifying the dominant characteristics of the figures and their significance, the study gives an elucidation on the character’s background, the necessity on the colorful traits and their inclination, as well as some explications on their thought as the magician. As the author assigns the dominant traits of the character as having good appearance, possessing the knowledge of incantations, and implies the mentality of the character as subtle, these dispositions play an important role in the narrative, create colorful aesthetic experiences and are aspiring to cultivate morality. The study argues that the magician figures in the story of The Three Kingdoms are the character assigned to make an impression on readers. The liveliness of the character also invites readers to reflect on a certain truth that one like the magicians after all does not have superpowers that exceed the natural laws since the characters could always experience the same joys, sorrows, tragic destiny, recklessness  and death as all other human beings do.