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Paper short abstract

This presentation examines the story of Myanglung, the stone cat, a Limbu myth, through ecocritical frameworks, showing how it interweaves nature, environment, and the supernatural. Passed down orally, it highlights human–nonhuman relations and ecological–cultural interdependence.

Paper long abstract

Nepal’s oral traditions preserve rich narratives of myth, magic, and fantasy that shape cultural, spiritual, and environmental consciousness. Passed down through generations, these narratives serve as living repositories of indigenous knowledge, moral values, ecological and cultural understanding. Among them, the story of the stone cat, called Myanglung in the Limbu language, holds special significance. Limbu is one of Nepal’s indigenous communities. This myth not only entertains but also educates, reflecting deep connections between the human and supernatural worlds and illustrating how communities understand and negotiate their environment through narrative. Set in a time before roads were built, when transportation in the hill regions was scarce, the tale recounts the journey of three porters who encountered Myanglung, along their path. Over time, the nearby village came to be called Myanglung in eastern Nepal, where a statue of the cat still stands today as a living reminder of the myth. Through its blend of cultural norms and spiritual forces, the story exemplifies the inseparability of natural and supernatural realms and demonstrates how oral traditions weave together environment, culture, and belief. This presentation examines Myanglung through ecocritical frameworks, exploring how it interweaves nature, environment, and the supernatural while highlighting human–nonhuman relations and ecological ethics in indigenous storytelling. As a living myth, Myanglung continues to resonate with contemporary concerns such as environmental stewardship, cultural values, and communal vitality, demonstrating the enduring power of oral traditions in shaping human–environment–spirit relations and offering insights into the ecological and cultural relevance of myth today.