The Raglai epic needs continuity.

The Raglai people are long-standing inhabitants of the western mountainous region of Khanh Hoa province. Their lives are closely intertwined with the forests and mountains, and their society is organized according to a matriarchal system and polytheistic beliefs. From their living environment in the vast forests, the Raglai epic (Akhat Jucar) was formed as a need to preserve community memories, reflecting their understanding of the world, explaining the origin of the universe, the process of land reclamation, fighting wild animals, and protecting their villages. Not only does it nurture their spiritual life, Akhat Jucar also contributes to affirming the Raglai cultural identity within the broader cultural landscape of Khanh Hoa today.

A vibrant living cultural treasure.

The Raglai epic treasury is incredibly vast, with many works reaching tens of thousands of verses in length, reflecting the depth of history and spiritual life of the community. Typical examples include Udai-Ujac, which extols the heroic deeds of defending the village and portrays the ideal of a hero deeply connected to the community and the mountains; Sa Ea, with over 22,000 verses, not only recreates battles but also vividly intertwines wedding customs, kinship relations, and matriarchal laws; Awơi Nai Tilơr, over 36,000 verses, honors the image of a female hero deeply rooted in the Raglai matriarchal society, showcasing the central role of women in the family and community structure; and Amã Chisa, which recounts the journey of fighting invaders and defending the village, conveying aspirations for peace and unity. Each work is not only a story about a hero but also a mirror reflecting the worldview , philosophy of life, and rich folk knowledge of the Raglai people across generations.

Meet artisan Cao Thi Thanh in Apa 2 village, Tay Khanh Son commune.

The epic performance art of the Raglai people is a unique combination of singing, storytelling, and emotional performance within a communal setting. In Raglai villages, artists often recite epics by the fireplace in their stilt houses at night, when the community gathers to listen. The epics are sung in a long, rhythmic recitation style, sometimes solemn and powerful, sometimes heartfelt, and occasionally combined with traditional folk melodies. The storyteller not only recounts the story but also embodies the character, using their eyes, gestures, and vocal variations to recreate the atmosphere of battle, love, or ritual, creating a performance space that is both sacred and emotionally rich amidst the mountains and forests.

The value of Raglai epics in Khanh Hoa goes far beyond a form of folk literature or ordinary performing arts. It is a treasure trove of knowledge reflecting matriarchal customs, marriage traditions, life cycle rituals, and the community's experience in interacting with the mountains and forests. During performances, the storytelling blends with folk melodies, creating a sacred space where the community finds connection and pride in their origins. Therefore, epics not only nurture spiritual life but also contribute to affirming the Raglai cultural identity within the broader cultural landscape of Khanh Hoa today.

The heartfelt feelings of epic singers

Artisan Cao Thi Thanh (from Tay Khanh Son commune) is considered one of the best singers of epic poems about war in the former Khanh Son district. More than 10 years have passed since she was recognized as a folk artist, and despite her advanced age and declining health, in our conversation, she always expressed her heartfelt desire for someone to inherit and preserve this precious heritage: "I want to pass on the Udai-Ujac epic to my descendants so that future generations will know how to sing and tell this story. If my descendants want to learn, I will try my best to pass it on. In the past, I spent a lot of time memorizing the entire story of Udai and Ujac fighting foreign invaders. It's sad that most young people now don't like and don't pay attention to learning to sing epic poems."

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, the singing of epic poems is gradually becoming scarce. The number of artisans still capable of singing and reciting complete versions of these epics in Khanh Hoa is very small. Facing the risk of extinction, dedicated artisans in Khanh Hoa such as Katơr Thị Sính, Cao Thị Thanh, Cao Thị Quang... are still quietly passing on their knowledge to their descendants. However, preserving Akhat Jucar is not just about recording the lyrics, but also about preserving the cultural space where these songs are sung. In the vast forests of Khanh Hoa, the Raglai epic still needs to be heard – like a heartfelt call from the roots, a reminder of an indelible identity. Mr. Cao Minh Vỹ – Chairman of the People's Committee of Tay Khanh Son commune – said: "We continue to petition the authorities at all levels to provide appropriate incentives for the artisans so that they can wholeheartedly teach and spread the unique cultural features of the Raglai people in the commune."

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Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/van-hoa/202603/su-thi-raglai-can-su-tiep-noi-91e6df4/