[1] Tonu Laijinglembi and Kadeng Thangjahanba are real historical figures who lived in the 12th century during the reign of Moilang king Iwang Puriklai Laijing Punsiba (1138–1210).

[2][3][4] In Meitei mythology, God Thangching (or 'Thangjing') blessed Henjunaha and Lairoulembi to be reborn as Kadeng Thangjahanba and Tonu Laijinglembi.

Writers and ballad singers of olden times interwove the two stories, creating a "cycle of regeneration and rebirth".

As per the ancient traditional customs of Moirang, Kadeng is given the duty of going on a hunting expedition to gather wild animals for an annual festival; he leaves for many months.

[2][6][7] Without hesitation, King Laijing Ningthou Punsiba sends Tonu Laijinglembi to the house of Kadeng Thangjahanba.

During his hunting expedition, Kadeng Thangjahanba captured a Sangai deer from a place called "Torbung Lamjao" to present as a token of love to his lover, Lady Tonu Laijinglembi.

[9][10] Tonu Laijinglembi (2014) – a drama written by Sarangthem Bormani and directed by B Jugolchandra, shown on 22 March 2014; organised by the Manipur Dramatic Union.