Lao mythology maintains that the Nāga are the protectors of Vientiane, and by extension, the Lao state. The Nāga association was most clearly articulated during and immediately after the reign of Anouvong. An important poem from this period San Lup Bo Sun (or San Leupphasun Lao: ສານລຶພສູນ) discusses relations between Laos and Siam in a veiled manner, using the Nāga and the Garuda, to represent Laos and Siam, respectively. The Nāga is incorporated extensively into Lao iconography, and features prominently in Lao culture throughout the length of the country, not only in Vientiane.