Legends of the Lepchas

Download or read book Legends of the Lepchas written by Yishey Doma and published by Penguin Random House India Private Limited. This book was released on 2023-05-22 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 'In the beginning there was nothing but vast emptiness on earth and in the sky. Itbu-moo, the Mother Creator, shaped the mountains, rivers and lakes. But something was missing. Why did her creation feel empty? So, taking a fresh ball of snow, she created the first man . . . and then the first woman. These became the chief deities of the Lepchas.' Thus begins one of the stories in this delightful book, a compilation of folk tales of the Lepchas, passed down through the ages. Custodians of a language and script of the same name, the Lepchas inhabit regions that currently fall under the state of Sikkim, in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, Ilam district of eastern Nepal and the south-western parts of Bhutan. Ancient lore suggests that they have inhabited in the region from time immemorial. The tales included in this collection-describing gods, goddesses, people, animals and nature in a cohesive world where one cannot do without the other-skilfully bring to life the beliefs and rich culture of this unique community. Accompanying each short story are stunning illustrations, etching the lyrical sweep and mood of the tale.