Shwe U Daung

Shwe U Daung (Burmese: ရွှေဥဒေါင်း ("Shway Oo Daung", "golden peacock" in translation); 24 October 1889—10 August 1973) was a Burmese writer, translator, teacher, forestry clerk, magazine editor and newspaper editor-in-chief. Over his lifetime, he wrote a significant number of books including original works, adaptations, and essays. He was well applauded for his translations and adaptations of Sherlock Holmes as well as Detective U San Shar, his Burmese counterpart; it is considered his most iconic work regarding translation literature in Myanmar. This literary innovation and his influence on modern Burmese literature earned him multiple awards, including the esteemed Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award.

Shwe U Daung's works reflect the whole era of Burma at that time, addressing themes such as colonial resistance, moral responsibility, and the importance of cultural identity. He was one of the most influential writers of Myanmar literature; his works bridged traditional narratives and style of writing and the emerging modern literary styles of the 20th century.

Early life

His birth Shwe U Daung (U Pe Thein) was born on 24 October 1889 (Burmese calendar: 2nd of the waxing moon, Tazaungmon, 1251) in Shwebo District, British Burma (now Myanmar). His birth name was Maung Pe Thein, but he later adopted the pen name "Shwe U Daung" ("Golden Peacock"), symbolising Burma's regal identity under the Konbaung dynasty before British colonisation. His father was U Ayar, and his mother was Daw Shwe. He was the third of five siblings.

His father, U Ayar, served as a parliamentary clerk during King Thibaw's reign and later worked as a shoemaker during the colonial period. His mother, Daw Shwe, served as a reader during King Thibaw's reign and was honored with the title of Taninkathi village chief. After King Thibaw, his wife Supayalat, and their two infant daughters were coerced by the British authorities to move to Ratnagiri, British India, a port city on the Arabian Sea. Following the fall of monarchy in 1885 and King Thibaw's exile, Shwe U Daung's family faced the hardships of colonial life. These struggles deeply influenced the young Maung Pe Thein's worldview.

Childhood Shwe U Daung was born after the British occupation of Burma, a period of great instability as the country transitioned from a sovereign kingdom to a British colony. Growing up, he experienced the complexities of a country in transition, as its people adapted to the new political realities of colonial governance. His early life was characterised by poverty and hardship which had a significant impact on his subsequent works.

Legacy The Ludu Library in Mandalay houses a complete collection of Shwe U Daung's works.

Death Shwe U Daung died on Friday, 10 August 1973 (Burmese calendar: 12th waxing moon, Wagaung, 1335), at the age of 83. His wife, Daw Soe, wrote a will about Shwe U Daung's manuscript royalties to support aspiring writers before her death.

According to the will, she delegated the responsibility of giving the money received for Shwe U Daung's manuscripts to suitable young writers in consultation with prominent figures:

Thukha

Ludu U Hla

Thaw Tar Swe

Win Tin