Thai Cow Mythology

Torapee and Torapa

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Tradition: Thai mythology
Alternative names: Torapee, Torapa
Category: Cow

The Myth

Torapa was originally a giant who was tasked with guarding the gates of Lord Shiva’s palace. After disobeying his master, he angered Shiva and was cursed to be reborn as a giant buffalo named Torapa.

Torapa was destined to be killed by his own son, Torapee. From the time he was young, Torapee would compare the size of his hoofprints with those of his father. He knew that when his own hoofprints became equal in size to his father’s, he would be strong enough to challenge and kill him.

Eventually, the day came when Torapee’s hoofprints were approximately the same size as Torapa’s. Torapee then challenged his father and killed him, fulfilling the curse.

The name Torapee subsequently became associated with an ungrateful child in Thai proverbial speech, referring to someone who repays their parents with hostility rather than gratitude.

Sources

“The Mythical Creatures in Thailand.” Explore Bangkok. Accessed August 30, 2026. https://www.explore-bangkok.com/mythical-creatures-in-thailand/

Mungkorn Vihok

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Tradition: Thai Mythology
Alternative names: —
Category: Cow, Dragon

The Myth

The Mungkorn Vihok is a four-legged creature combining the physical characteristics of a dragon, a bird, and a cow.

Its head resembles that of a dragon, while its bovine-like body is covered in dark purple coloring. From its body grow two wings, and it possesses a bird-like tail, combining features of three different creatures into a single unusual beast.

No further myths, powers, or stories about the Mungkorn Vihok are given in the source.

Sources

“The Mythical Creatures in Thailand.” Explore Bangkok. Accessed August 29, 2026. https://www.explore-bangkok.com/mythical-creatures-in-thailand/

Kraisorn Karwee

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Tradition / Region: Thai Mythology
Alternative names: Singha Karwee
Category: Cow, Lion

The Myth

Kraisorn Karwee is a fantastic creature combining the features of a cow and a lion. It generally has the head of a cow and the body of a lion.

Some depictions give Kraisorn Karwee a single horn, the body of a lion, and the tail of a horse. It resembles the related Singha Karwee, another creature combining an ox and a lion, but Singha Karwee is distinguished by its lack of the horse-like tail.

Sources

“The Mythical Creatures in Thailand.” Explore Bangkok. Accessed August 21, 2026. https://www.explore-bangkok.com/mythical-creatures-in-thailand/