A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.
Overview
A hungry fly asks Soo Tome for permission to feed on the body of the ape who aided his journey. In exchange it promises to come whenever he thinks of it. At the court of his winged wife’s father, Soo Tome must first identify the table she prepared, then her finger among seven daughters hidden behind curtains. Remembering the promise brings the fly immediately; it rests on the correct table and then the right curtain. The insect’s aid identifies his wife rather than transforming or creating her, and it has no stated personal name or larger species category.
Origins & earliest records
Historical Laos country within Siam, as identified by the collection
Records & interpretation
Complete relevant narrative and Willis G. Craig’s introduction directly read.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Laos Folk-Lore of Farther India
IV.2, The Faithful Husband, pp. 51–57 and notes9–12
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
Katherine Neville Fleeson, Laos Folk-Lore of Farther India (Fleming H. Revell, 1899)
IV.2, The Faithful Husband. IV.2, The Faithful Husband, pp. 51–57 and notes9–12
Whole story and all notes read. Distinct helpers kept separate; mental summons and correct identification stated for fly, no resurrection or metamorphosis for ape.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Historical folktale collectionFleeson1899, IV.2, The Faithful Husband, pp. 51–57 and notes9–12Research access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.