The “Naga” Serpent Motifs in Thai Yaoi Fantasy Novels

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the Naga serpent motifs in Thai Yaoi Fantasy novels including King of Nagas, Naga's Loop, and A Serpent's Love Duel, applying the motifs in folk literature in this study. The findings show that the motifs of Naga are interelated with the characterisation of homosexual characters in retelling folktales and beliefs about the mythical serpents, constributing to the novel creativity. The Naga motifs could be analysed in 4 categories as follows: 1. Characters of Naga. This can be examined in the leading masculine and feminine male characters, the villains, and the helpers. 2. Magical objects. These include motifs of magical weapons, objects, ornaments, and charms. 3. Events. The Naga motifs could be noted in the sexual intercourses between human beings and Nagas and in the conception of male infants. 4. Settings and places. It was discovered that the Naga motifs could be explored in the settings of the underworld, the Himavanta forest, and the human kingdom. Moreover, it can be observed that other settings include the existing places and the imagined ones from folk stories and the writer’s imagination.  These Naga motifs –characters, objects, events, settings and places reflect the integration of folklore and literary creativity. Hence, the study of novels about the Naga motifs will contribute to the valuable reinterpretation and revitalisation of folktales.