Ling Gesar - horse race

The Gesar of Ling is the longest and probably one of the most amazing, captivating and frequently recited epics that originated in the Central Asian highlands during the medieval period. More specifically, scholars are of the opinion today that it appeared in Tibet in the 11th century and then later it spread in the areas of Tibetan cultural influence. Ever since that period it has mesmerised and enthralled the entire population of the Tibetan plateau and many areas that surround it geographically.

Spread:
Why was it so popular? It is an epic in which the heroes have the natural character of common folk. There are wars and battles; drama and tragedy; love story and intrigues; rulers being out manoeuvred by paupers; jokes and patriotism; and finally as in all things Tibetan there are lessons and spirituality. In a word theres variety which is the spice of life.
The language is poetic yet simple. The lessons taught are so everyday and common. The scenes in it are often hilarious and sometimes heart-breaking. A most popular saying that sums up the essence of the Gesar of Ling epic is that it is the hammer to beat rulers and a protection for the poor.
Versions:
The epic is centred round the Amnye Machen range in Amdo and Kham regions of Tibet. It is in these regions that it is the most popular. From this region it spread outwards across a vast region that encompassed the areas of Tibetan cultural influence. As result a number of versions of the epic exist. Apart from the various traditional Tibetan versions, there are Mongolian versions in places as far as Siberia where the Buryat republic is present; a Manchurian version; a Ladakhi version; a Lepcha version in Sikkim; a Gilgit version; a Turkic version too has been rediscovered.
Length:
Regarding the length of the epic, traditionally it is said to comprise of the 18 volumes which make up events associated with the Eighteen great fortresses but in recent years a large number of volumes have been published as many as seventy or more by some counts; but scholars claim that about forty of them can be considered as separate events, while the rest are duplications and different versions of the same event. All in all, the epic is said to be over a hundred thousand lines in length.
A living and dynamic epic:
One of the reasons for this debate on its length is the fact that apart from being very popular and a living, breathing epic in Tibet, it is an epic that was begun some time in the eleventh century and continued to be written since then for a number of centuries. Events and incidents were being continually added during this period. Even today the epic has not come to an end. New volumes have been added by authors or been sung by Ling bards in recent years. Thus the epic is a live, non-static and ever lengthening story of amazing events.

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• Ling
• Gesar
• King
• Amnye
• Machen
• Epic
• Akhu
• Trothung
• Danza
• Kharak
• Sertso
• Kingdom
• Tibet
• Tamding
• Rigsum
• Gonpo

[ciren85]

Ling Gesar My Hero

[larry874]

I think it isvery good ...OHIO U.S.A.