Hanuman and the demon generals
(Wat Pho in Bangkok)
Pipeck casts Kumpagan's horoscope on the morning of the battle and, predicting that it will be his last day on earth, advises Phra Ram himself to take the field against the demon. Happy to lead his fine monkey army into battle at last, Phra Ram arms himself, prays to the gods for an auspicious outcome to the day and rides out at the head of his troops.
Kumpagan, on the other hand, takes the field after a wretched night and with a heavy heart. The kites swarm above his soldiers, their pennants droop spiritlessly, and the very weapons of the demon army seem to have lost their keenness.
From the first shock of contact, when the monkeys throw themselves valorously at the demon line, it is clear there can be only one outcome. Demons drop lifeless in such numbers that the chariots of either side are brought to a standstill, but even so the monkeys swarm eagerly forward, needing no urging from their commanders. Desperately hard pressed, Kumpagan shoots an arrow into the air, bringing down tongues of fire upon the monkeys. Phra Ram is quick to counter this by shooting his arrow Paladjan aloft, calling down torrents of rain sufficient not only to put out the fires but also to sweep away whole companies of demons, not to speak of horses, elephants and wagons. The Longka army, disheartened at these losses, gives ground, and Kumpagan has difficulty rallying his troops.
