King Gesar
of Tibet
The Legend from ling
King Gesar (about 1038-1119 AD) was a legendary Tibetan hero who was born in Dege County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Later generations called him King Gesar of Ling. According to legend, King Gesar is also the incarnation of the Guru Rinpoche and his wisdom, compassion and power.
King gesar's legend begins here
Chapter 13:
A Palace is Built to Repay the Merchant's Kindness,
and the People of Ling Relocate to Mayu to Escape Natural Disasters
Guomu and her son settled in the Lalong Songdu area, near the lower reaches of the Yellow River. The heavenly gods and local deities secretly protected them.
Not far from them lay the Kanlong Six Mountains, which had been overrun by destructive mice. These mice dug up the black soil at the mountain peaks, gnawed through shrubs on the slopes, and devoured grass on the plains. When humans went there, they were engulfed by dust; when cattle ventured there, they starved to death.
Joru realized it was time to eliminate these demonic mice. He loaded three fist-sized stones into a slingshot, recited a mantra, and launched the stones. With a thunderous roar, the stones struck the mouse king Zhawakaqie, his queen Zhawamimang, and their minister Zhawanawan. The remaining mice were stunned and injured by the shockwave, and they all died soon after.
With the mice eradicated, the people were still plagued by human threats. One day, three major merchants—Baideng Jinmei, Langjia Losang, and Ladachuiga—were traveling from Ladakh to Jiana with over 70 workers and 2,000 mules carrying gold, silver, silk, and other goods. When passing through a place called Achinawachale, they were robbed by seven Hor bandits. Using his supernatural powers, Joru killed the bandits and recovered the stolen goods.
The grateful merchants tried to give half of their belongings to Joru as thanks, but Joru declined, saying: “I don’t need anything right now. From now on, whenever you pass through here on your way to Jiana, bring me a khata (ceremonial scarf) and offer Jia tea as a gift. For now, go to Mazhuo Luguka Long in the Yellow River valley and help me build a palace. I will cover all expenses. From now on, no matter where you travel, I will protect you.”
The merchants were delighted to have a chance to repay Joru’s kindness, so they eagerly agreed. Later, more merchants arrived, and Joru used the same approach to keep them there to help build the palace.
When the merchants arrived at Mazhuo Luguka Long in the Yellow River valley, they saw a four-story palace surrounded by four small castles. Joru instructed them to build a grand hall with a prominent roof.
Joru provided food for every 100 workers: one sack of tsampa (barley flour), one packet of butter, one packet of tea leaves, and one packet each of meat and flour. He told them: “Once you’ve finished this food, you may leave, even if the palace isn’t completed.”
However, the workers’ food supply lasted until the palace was finished. When the construction was complete, the merchants resumed their trade. With Joru’s protection and care, their businesses flourished and prospered.
When Joru turned eight, he knew it was time for the people of Ling to migrate to the Yellow River valley. He prayed to the Dragon King Zounarinqing for rain and asked the eight categories of spirits to help by causing snow to fall in Ling.
From the first day of October, heavy snow fell day and night, blanketing Ling in white. The snow covered the mountain peaks so deeply that only the treetops could be seen.
The people of Ling became anxious, and Chief Rongchachagen was especially worried. If the snow didn’t stop, neither people nor livestock would survive in Ling—they would need to relocate immediately. But where should they go? The chief sent four brave men to search in all directions for a suitable place to move.
The four brave men set off in different directions. Those heading north, south, and to Rongdi searched for days but saw no end to the snow. This was actually a trick created by the eight spirits, who altered the landscape to make it appear as though the snow extended everywhere, identical to Ling.
The man heading toward the Yellow River valley, however, carefully examined the terrain. He found the confluence of three rivers—Mekong, Yangtze, and Zha River—with the Yellow River valley. He explored the source of the Yellow River at Sangqinkoba, its central region at Luguzere, its lower reaches at Lalong Songdu, and other areas such as Yulonggada Chamou. These places were covered with lush green forests and fertile black plains.
The grass in the area was so abundant that it could sustain the cattle and sheep of Ling’s six clans for three years. The scout was impressed by the land, but he didn’t know who owned it. Moving there without permission would likely provoke conflict.
While the brave man was wondering how to proceed, he encountered a group of mule caravans. These traders, carrying tribute and taxes, were heading to present gifts to Joru. The brave man asked them:
“Good people, who is the owner of this land? If we want to borrow it, whom should we ask?”
The traders replied:
“This area was once an unclaimed wilderness where travel was difficult, and Hor bandits often robbed travelers. But ever since a man named Joru arrived in Lalong Songdu, this land has been protected. Joru is no ordinary man—he is the king of gods and spirits, with unmatched divine power. By offering him khatas and tea leaves, we’ve earned his protection and can travel freely. If you want to borrow this land, you must ask Joru.”
After hearing this, the scout stood stunned. How could they face Joru, whom the Ling people had once exiled? How could they ask him for help?
The brave men returned to Ling, and the six clans of Ling immediately gathered to hear their report. The scouts described what they had seen, and everyone understood that the prophecy about migrating to the Yellow River valley was being fulfilled. However, they pretended not to know this.
Jiacha said: “The only place without snow is the Yellow River valley, but it belongs to Joru. Among the six clans, only my Jia clan should go. However, Joru’s way of life doesn’t align with our customs, and his thinking is different from ours. Even the timing of his agricultural work doesn’t match the seasons. If I go alone, it won’t accomplish much. Representatives from all six clans should accompany me to plead with Joru.”
Hearing Jiacha’s words, five other leaders—Chaxiang Danma Jiangcha, Darong Officer Chao Tong, Jiaben Segiagan, Jialuo Jiaoba Jianzan, and Dequ Jongbeina—agreed to join him. Thus, six representatives from Ling’s six clans set off toward the Yellow River valley to meet Joru.
Joru already knew they were coming. To humble these proud men, he decided to meet them in a bold and intimidating manner. When the six representatives, dressed in fine silk and brocade, appeared in Yulonggada Chamou, Joru stood tall and proud, holding a slingshot in his hand, blocking their path.
He sang:
"Six bandits, hear my song,
I, Joru, am your king all along.
How dare you invade my land?
Your end is near, do you understand?
In my hand, this slingshot I hold,
A gift of gods, more precious than gold.
Watch as I aim at the cliff ahead,
With a crash like thunder, it will shred.
Then one stone I’ll throw next through the air,
You six will vanish, I swear, beware!
Your six horses will be mine to claim,
Let demons beware of Joru’s name!"
When Joru finished his song, he hurled a stone from his slingshot. The stone, blazing with fiery sparks, struck a cliff and shattered it into pieces. The deafening roar echoed far and wide, shaking the earth.
Jiacha Xiega immediately dismounted from his horse, pulled a pure white khata from his chest, and respectfully offered it to Joru. He said:
“Noble Aji Jorji,
Long-lived Joru, we honor thee!
In this unfamiliar Yellow River land,
A stranger approaches, I’m Jiacha Xiega, understand.
Along with five wise men from Ling we’ve come,
To speak with you, our brother, noble one.”
He continued singing:
“The yellow-horned wild yak,
Can gore anyone’s back,
But never its own calf.
The sharp teeth of the red tigress,
Can tear anyone to pieces,
But never its own cub.
Wise men of Ling, courageous and strong,
Have come to plead with their brother all along.
Is it right to face us with stones in your hand?
Please listen, dear brother, and understand:
Ling is covered by heavy snow,
Livestock starves wherever they go.
We, your family from Ling, descend to thee,
To borrow the Yellow River’s treasured land, you see.
Three years would be best, if you can,
But at least six months, for man and clan.”
Before Jiacha could finish his song, Joru ran forward, embracing him tightly. Joru said:
“So, it’s brother Xiega and our relatives from Ling! I didn’t recognize you—please don’t take offense. My mother and I live in this place, plagued by bandits and demons, so we must always stay alert and careful!”
After speaking, Joru invited all six men into his home.
From the outside, Joru’s tent appeared small, but inside it was incredibly spacious and luxuriously furnished. The tea, wine, and food served to the visitors were exquisite, as if they were the delicacies of heavenly gods, offering a complete variety of flavors. After listening to Jiacha and the others explain their situation in detail, Joru gave each of the six representatives a "Perfect Prosperity" khata and a gold coin. He happily agreed to their request.
The six representatives quickly returned to Ling and gathered the six clans to discuss the migration to the Yellow River valley. They described the fertile land where flowers bloomed atop the grass, dew clung to the grass stems, and butter-like nutrients gathered at the roots. The land had roads where heroes could gallop, markets where men and women could trade, and meadows for horse races—a place of joy even for the poor.
Joru's intentions were clear: the Ling people could settle there without any time limits or rent. Furthermore, Joru generously gifted the palaces and castles constructed by traders from Jiacha to the Ling people as a welcoming gift.
The leaders of Ling unanimously agreed to move to the Yellow River valley as soon as possible. Chief Rongchachagen declared that all of Ling’s people and livestock should gather at the Deyada Tang Chamou area in the Yellow River valley on the 10th day of the 12th month, where Joru would allocate the land.
Everyone was excited about the move, but they were uncertain how Joru would divide the land. Chao Tong, in particular, was anxious. He feared that Joru would assign him an undesirable area. Rushing ahead of the others, Chao Tong arrived at the Yellow River valley first.
Upon arrival, his first act was to invite Joru to his tent, where he served delicacies made from milk produced by cows that had nursed calves for over three years, along with sweet butter, milk residue, and tender mutton. Then, without hesitation, he directly expressed his request to Joru: “Dear nephew, who always achieves what he wants, please take care of me and assign me a good piece of land.”
Joru found this amusing but nodded in agreement.
On the 10th day of the 12th month, the people of Ling gathered at the Deyada Tang Chamou area in the Yellow River valley. Joru, dressed in formal attire with a ceremonial hat and shining boots, stood before the six clans. His commanding presence was both awe-inspiring and intimidating.
Joru began by describing the geography of the Yellow River valley and then sang:
“Above lies the Jiaja region,
Below lies the Jiana region,
Ahead lies the Hor region of Achin,
Behind lies the Rong region of Adi.
The Yellow River has three bends,
The first bend belongs to Ling,
The second and third are Hor’s domain, called Angtang.”
He then proceeded to allocate the land, singing as he did so:
“The Zela Sekadu area of the Yellow River valley,
With a sky like an eight-spoked wheel,
And land like an eight-petaled lotus,
With small hills bearing eight auspicious symbols,
Is the best place for officials to reside.
I assign it to Nibendaya,
Where the eight brothers of the Se clan shall live.”
“The fertile Pemarongshya valley,
Where wild deer leap and play,
Where yellow-horned yaks sharpen their horns,
With endless grass for grazing,
And forests for shelter,
Is a place for great men to live.
I assign it to my brother Basen,
For the six Wembu clans to settle.”
“The Mazhuo Luguka Zha area,
Where wildflowers bloom across fragrant meadows,
Where cool breezes pay grass taxes,
And rivers offer tree taxes,
With mountains like hanging curtains,
And the Yellow River like clean water,
Is a place for powerful leaders.
I assign it to my uncle, the chief steward of Ling.”
“The Zhadoqi valley on the shadowed side of the Yellow River,
With 108 grand stupas,
And 1,022 temples,
Is where the dragon mother worships,
Where dragon cattle and sheep graze together.
It is for leaders with vast territories.
I assign it to my father, Senlen Wang.”
“The lower reaches of the Yellow River,
Like an arrow in its quiver,
The Sibake Maorongzong area,
Where snow falls year-round,
Winds blow in every season,
And magic echoes when you call.
It is a place for fierce men to live.
I assign it to my uncle, Chao Tong Wang.”
Thus, Joru allocated the land one by one, ensuring that each leader received their territory. Joru and his mother, Guomu, continued living in their small tent in the lower reaches of the Yellow River.
Thus, Joru allocated the land one by one, ensuring that each leader received their territory. Joru and his mother, Guomu, continued living in their small tent in the lower reaches of the Yellow River.
The people of Ling were all satisfied and overjoyed. Only Chao Tong was secretly displeased, but he didn’t dare to show it on his face—after all, this was no longer Ling, and Joru’s power had become even greater here.
On the 15th day of the 12th month, Joru opened his storeroom and brought out sacred treasures: a golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, a white conch-shell Avalokiteshvara, a naturally-formed stone Tara, the Dharma conch Gamujangza, the Dharma drum Saiweiweidan, the cymbals Nimazhuza, the ceremonial flag Zhalachandong, and seven sets of treasure relics from hidden caches. He placed them on the incense altar and instructed the people of Ling to diligently offer their prayers and devotions.
From that point onward, the six clans of Ling began their new lives in the Yellow River valley.
Notes:
1. Aji Jorji: A nickname for Joru.
2.Milk from cows: The milk of a cow that has been nursing its calf for over three years without weaning is considered the best quality.