Mtao Mxây
Rade (Ede) · mortal · Rade (Ede) traditional religion; continuing · Recorded classification
Mtao Mxây is a rich and formidable war-chief who carries off Đăm Săn's wife Hơ Nhị to his fortified long-house. His combat with Đăm Săn is the most famous single episode of the epic, retold in Vietnamese schoolbooks as the 'Victory over Mtao Mxây': the two chiefs boast, dance and duel with spear and shield until the hero, aided by the powers he invokes, cuts down his opponent and takes his people, gongs and cattle. His defeat marks the decisive expansion of Đăm Săn's wealth and fame.
Domains
- kingship
Powers
- raids a rival's house and abducts his wife
Epithets
- Mtao Mxây — Chief MxâyNguyễn Hữu Thấu (ed.), Sử thi Ê-đê (2003). (primary)
Relations
- enemy: Đăm SănNguyễn Hữu Thấu (ed.), Sử thi Ê-đê: Đăm Săn (2003). (primary)
Sources
- Mtao Mxây is the wealthy rival chief who abducts Đăm Săn's wife and is defeated and killed by the hero in the epic's best-known battle.: Nguyễn Hữu Thấu (ed.), Sử thi Ê-đê: Đăm Săn (Hà Nội, 2003). (primary)