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King Gesar - A Tibetan heroic epic
By using verse, prose, lyrics and narration, the epic combines real stories,
myths, poems, fables, proverbs and mottoes, making it an eclectic collection of
Tibetan folk culture.
(Source: Tibetinfor.com)
Sangzhub master balladeer known to all
** Learning to sing
Sangzhub was born in Ru village, Qoinbo, Dengqen County of northern Tibet in
1922. Located between Nagqu and Qamdo, the village was frequented by merchants
and Buddhist worshippers. Unlike people in other northern Tibet villages, the Ru
people were very knowledgeable.
Sangzhub's grandfather, Lobsang Geleg, made a name for himself by exploiting
the geographical advantages in business. He led a comparatively better life than
other villagers who lived on farming and livestock breeding.
Lobsang Geleg was straightforward and loved drinking with visiting friends.
After many cups of wine, he would perform segments of King Gesar .
Gradually, many of Lobsang's friends and family members, including Sangzhub,
learned to sing.
When the song reached its peak, Sangzhub knew that King Gesar was about to
fight; when the tune became melodious, Sangzhub understood that King Gesar had
won a battle. Before long, King Gesar became his hero.
Sangzhub was very sad when his grandfather died. In fact, he missed him so
much that he stopped talking altogether. He especially missed his grandfather' s
robust songs about King Gesar .
When Sangzhub was 11 years old he once went herding in the mountains. All of
a sudden, the blue sky became overcast and it began to drizzle. Sangzhub then
led his sheep to a comfortable and spacious cave to seek shelter and soon fell
asleep.
But some evildoers crossed his path and started beating Sangzhub. Luckily,
King Gesar came to his rescue and defeated the rogues with his bare fists.
Although Sangzhub was very grateful to the king, he could not utter any words of
thanks.
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