Current location:World Wave news portal > opinions
An epic tale worth telling
World Wave news portal2024-05-21 06:55:29【opinions】5People have gathered around
IntroductionA depiction by Elzati Eshantol of Manas leading the Kirgiz tribes against marauders. CHINA DAILYKirg
A depiction by Elzati Eshantol of Manas leading the Kirgiz tribes against marauders. CHINA DAILY
Kirgiz folk hero comes back to life with courageous deeds portrayed in gripping detail, Xu Haoyu reports.
It takes a warrior to not just win a war, but to organize peace in times of conflict, Greek polymath Aristotle once said. A shining example of this is the Epic of Manas, which extols the virtues of one Kirgiz man who, according to legend, united 40 indigenous tribes against bloodthirsty invaders.
Said to be 20 times longer than Homer's Odyssey, the Epic of Manas spans eight chapters in 18 volumes and boasts more than 234,000 lines. It is among the greatest folklores of the Kirgiz people, one of China's ethnic groups, and has become the subject of modern-day music and art.
The epic is named after the warrior Manas and covers the life of his descendants for eight generations. Manas not only led Kirgiz tribes against marauders, but also brought traitors to justice and empowered the weak.
"While large tracts of wasteland have turned into lakes, the lakes and seas have turned into mulberry fields; when the hills have turned into gullies and the snow peaks have changed their appearance, the story of the hero Manas has been passed on from generation to generation. The story of the lion Manas has linked people in flesh and blood"-reads a roughly translated excerpt from the epic.
The original tale was passed orally from performer to performer, who were known as manaschi. However, the epic's spirit of solidarity and perseverance has been presented in various literary forms, including narrative poetry, lyrics, proverbs and aphorisms.
The Epic of Manas records nomadic life in the Middle Ages, the historical developments, the customs of the Kirgiz people, nature's beauty in the form of icebergs and grasslands, and also exchanges between the East and the West in ancient times. Together, it is a well-rounded encyclopedia covering history, geography, religion, economy, marriage, customs, music, painting and language.
For thousands of years, performers have sung the Epic of Manas, processing and embellishing ancient wisdom. The talent of past generations has been consolidated, and its content and form have become richer.
Address of this article:http://ukraine.downmusic.org/html-81d599824.html
Very good!(93)
Related articles
- Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
- Suspect arrested in break
- Insider Q&A: Trust and safety exec talks about AI and content moderation
- Trump's $175 million bond in New York civil fraud judgment case is settled with cash promise
- Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
- Commanders release Shaka Toney after he was reinstated following a gambling suspension
- Serie A title, second star and derby: Inter takes it all with win over Milan
- I left my McDonald's Big Mac out for a year
- Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
- The remains of a WWII pilot from Michigan are identified 8 decades after a fatal bombing mission
Popular articles
Recommended
Georgia Republicans choose Amy Kremer, organizer of pro
NASCAR revels in an M.J. moment. His Airness gives a big boost to his posthoops passion
Defund Columbia: Robert Kraft pulls his money as other donors blast 'f*****g crazy' anti
Satellite photos suggest Iran air defense radar struck in Isfahan during apparent Israeli attack
Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
I left my McDonald's Big Mac out for a year
Twins send struggling Varland to Triple
Danny Mendick recalled, John Brebbia activated by struggling White Sox
Links
- Envoy: China
- Japan's discharge plan
- Eurozone inflation slows to 8.5 pct in January: Eurostat
- Xinhua Special: Fresh Look into President Xi's 2024 New Year Message
- UN urges trillions in investments to salvage global goals
- Xi Meets Chinese Diplomatic Envoys
- Commentary: Chinese consumer market full of opportunities for global brands
- China supports IAEA's efforts to ensure Zaporizhzhia's safety
- UN chief calls for restraint after Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israel
- Quake death toll surpasses 15,000 in Türkiye, Syria