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Gesar's Worry for Zumu and the Goddess's Guidance

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Watching Zumu leave, Gesar was filled with regret. He thought about the long and desolate road back to Ling Gabu and how dangerous it was for her to travel alone. “If something were to happen to Zumu before I even rescue Meza, how could I bear it?” he thought. Remembering Zumu’s love and kindness over the years made him even more sorrowful, and he couldn’t help but sing a song expressing his worry:

“I stayed behind to fight the demons,
Leaving my queen Zumu to return alone.
The cold northern winds cut like knives,
And the sun is already setting.
Zumu’s clothes are as thin as silk,
The fierce winds and snow will freeze her.
The vast, desolate grasslands are empty,
The cries of the mother deer will frighten her.
On the high, rocky mountains,
The roars of wild oxen will scare her.”

As his heart grew heavy with worry, Gesar thought about turning back. “People often say that kind-hearted guides are rare, faithful friends are few, and loyal couples are hard to find. Zumu has been my loving wife for three years. Can I really abandon her just to save Meza?”

Just as Gesar was about to act on his thoughts, a voice rang out from the heavens, gentle yet commanding. It was the goddess Langmangam, who had always appeared to guide Gesar in moments of difficulty.

“Gesar,” she said, “did you forget your vow in the heavenly realm? You are not going north just for Meza. More importantly, you are going to subdue the demons and save countless lives. This is your divine mission, your sacred promise, and the hope of all beings. You cannot turn back now. Do not hesitate—move forward. Zumu will be under my protection, and your seven spiritual allies will help guide her back to Ling Gabu safely.”

The goddess’s words struck Gesar like a thunderbolt, clearing his mind. He knelt to the ground and prayed, expressing his gratitude to the goddess. Then he vowed:

“I, the Lion King of Ling Gabu, Gesar,
Will defeat the evil black demons!
I will release arrows like lightning,
Piercing the demon’s head and drinking its blood.
I will cut the spirit of the demon,
And free all beings from its evil lair.”

With renewed determination, Gesar rode north faster than ever before, turning his longing for Zumu into strength. A journey that would have taken a year, he covered in a month; a month’s journey, he traveled in a day; and in one day, he covered the distance of a single meal.

 

Gesar Meets the Demoness Adanamu

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One evening, as darkness began to fall, Gesar arrived at a heart-shaped mountain. At its peak stood a square fortress with banners of human corpses hanging on all four sides, creating a horrifying sight. Gesar suspected this might be the demon land. Regardless, he decided to rest there for the night. He dismounted and knocked on the heavy gate.

With a creaking sound, the gate opened slightly. Out stepped a woman as beautiful as a goddess. She sang before speaking:

“Only those seeking death come to the gates of the Rakshasa.
Only foolish insects seek the ant nest.
Stranger, where have you come from?
Perhaps the heavens have sent me my dinner.”

The woman then smirked and said, “Hey, you at the gate! Why have you come to our demon land? You look extraordinary, so I’ll spare your life for now. But if my brother Luzan sees you, escaping will be impossible. Why are you still standing there? Run while you can!”

Gesar did not move. Instead, he replied with a song:

“I’ve come to subdue demons at the gates of the Rakshasa.
Just as insects invade the ant’s lair,
I, the Lion King Gesar,
Will first subdue you, demon woman!”

With that, Gesar stepped forward, grabbed the demoness by her collar, and pushed her to the ground. Her gold and silver jewelry scattered across the floor. Kneeling on her chest, Gesar drew his crystal dagger and sang:

“I, the demon-subduing king, am blazing with fury!
Your death has arrived, demoness!
The red garuda flying high in the sky
Feasts on the lowly black dragon.
The lion atop the snowy mountains
Subdues the jade dragon of the south.
The striped tiger, king of the mountains,
Keeps all wild beasts in check.
The great whale of the ocean depths
Feeds on other sea creatures.
And this crystal dagger in my hand
Will cut your heart and open your belly!”

With his dagger pressed to her throat, Gesar demanded, “Speak! Who are you? Where is this place? And where can I find the black demon Luzan?”

The demoness, realizing she was no match for Gesar, confessed, “I am Adanamu, a demoness of the north, and Luzan is my brother. This is the border between Ling Gabu and the demon land. My brother ordered me to guard this place. Oh, Gesar, the Lion King! I have long admired your fame, as your name resonates like a dragon’s roar. My heart is yours, and your arrival fills me with joy.”

Hearing her words, Gesar sheathed his dagger and asked, “Will you help me defeat Luzan?”

Adanamu replied, “Yes, my lord, I am willing to help. Though Luzan is my brother, I have grown tired of life in the demon land. If you don’t mind, I am willing to stay with you as your wife and assist you in defeating him.”

Moved by her beauty and sincerity, Gesar accepted her offer, and they were married.

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Adanamu’s Assistance and Gesar’s Departure

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Faced with Gesar’s crystal dagger, the demoness knew she was no match for him and decided to tell the truth. “I am a demoness of the north, and my name is Adanamu. The black demon Luzan is my brother. This is the border between Ling Gabu and the demon land, and my brother ordered me to guard it. Oh, Lion King Gesar, I have long admired your reputation, which echoes like the roar of a dragon across Jambudvipa. Just as a beautiful peacock loves the jade dragon, hearing your name fills my heart with joy. Gesar, you have stolen this maiden’s heart.”

Hearing Adanamu’s confession, Gesar sheathed his dagger and asked, “Will you help me defeat the black demon Luzan?”

“I will do whatever you ask, my king!” she replied.

“But he is your brother!”

“Yes, but I am tired of living in this demon land. If you don’t mind, I will gladly become your devoted companion. You will never lack food or drink, for I can provide good tea and wine. You will never feel discomfort, for I have fine silk tents. And you will never worry, for I, Adanamu, will ease your troubles.”

The sincerity of Adanamu’s words and her beauty deeply moved Gesar. Her flawless, radiant skin, graceful figure, and stunning features captivated him.

Thus, Gesar and Adanamu became husband and wife. The two were inseparable—when Gesar went out, Adanamu accompanied him on horseback hunts; when they stayed home, she sang and danced for him. Time passed blissfully, but one day, Gesar was struck by a sudden realization: the demons were still undefeated, and he could not allow himself to stay here any longer. However, he worried that Adanamu might not let him leave. Without her help, defeating Luzan would be far more difficult.

Seeing Gesar’s growing restlessness, the clever Adanamu understood everything. She knew she could not keep him from fulfilling his mission, so she decided to help him.

One day, she prepared a lavish feast, surprising Gesar. “My queen, what’s the occasion for such a grand banquet?”

“It’s a farewell feast for you, my king,” Adanamu replied with a smile.

“A farewell feast?”

“Yes. How can you stay here in peace while Luzan remains undefeated? Tonight, I will tell you the secrets of defeating him and help you secure victory.”

“My queen…” Gesar was moved beyond words. He never expected Adanamu to be so understanding of his mission, prioritizing the greater good above all else. In his heart, he couldn’t help but think of Zumu, who had tried to stop him from coming north to fight the demons.

Adanamu then said, “As you journey further north, you will face many more demons and countless challenges. Take this ring, and do exactly as I tell you. With this, you will surely succeed.”

Adanamu removed the ring from her finger and solemnly handed it to Gesar, whispering instructions into his ear for a long time. Gesar nodded repeatedly, finally understanding the key to defeating Luzan.

With great reluctance, Gesar and Adanamu bid each other farewell. Following the path she had pointed out, Gesar set off on his journey to the demon land.

 

Notes

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Seven Brahma Friends: Refers to the Seven Brahma Brothers, who are a type of protective deity for King Gesar.

 

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