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Prince Vessantara’s Gifts

In short: Compare manuscript records from Myanmar and Thailand for the story of Prince Vessantara’s generosity.

Prince Vessantara’s Gifts · The limits of generosity FAIRY TALE ATLAS · № 134 Prince Vessantara’s Gifts Compare manuscript records from Myanmar and Thailand for the story of Prince Vessantara’s generosity. Origin Buddhist Jātaka tradition, documented here through manuscripts from Myanmar and Thailand. Atlas record 18th–19th century First appearance Exact date unknown SIGNATURE MOTIF The limits of generosity Reach¹ 2/10 Suggested age² 8+ Member rating No votes yet 2 records · 2 countries or regions blackhorsestories.com

¹ Based on the number of Atlas countries, capped at 10. ² Editorial suggestion for reading this page. Discover Black Horse’s question

Origin and tradition

Buddhist Jātaka tradition, documented here through manuscripts from Myanmar and Thailand.

In the account of one of the Buddha’s previous lives, Vessantara gives away his possessions. The story invites readers to ask how a gift affects the giver and those around him. The date ranges come from catalogue records for the separate manuscripts.

Dated records and sources

  1. 18th–19th century · Myanmar · Burmese manuscript tradition
    British Library · Vessantarā jāt · EAP1150/1/222 · Manuscript
  2. 19th century · Thailand
    Wat Metārāng · Vessantara Jātaka · EAP1123/4/7 · Manuscript

Country pages

Fairy Tale Glossary

Origin
Black Horse. Prince Vessantara’s Gifts. https://blackhorsestories.com/en/atlas-tale-vessantara/