中国文化故事——阿诗玛

中国文化故事——阿诗玛

ASHMA
(Ashma)

In the Stone Forest in Lunan county, Yunnan province there is a rock named \"Ashma Rock\". When you call to it, \"Ashma, I am here'', it will echo back, \"… I am here\". Who is Ashma? Why a rock? Here is the story.

Ashm is the young heroine of a long narrative poem, which has been handed down orally for generations by the Sani people (a branch of the Yi ethnic minority) in Yunnan. The poem sings of the indomitable character with which she fought for freedom and happiness against oppression and forced marriage.
Born into a poor family living in High Ajdee, she grew up as fair as she was deft at work and clever in mind. In fact, she was so beautiful that young men all over the land wished to woo her.

One of her suitors was Ajii, wayward son of the wicked big landlord Rabubalor, who lived in Low Ajdee. The father asked Hajow, a local official, to exert his power to act as the go - between in asking for Ashma's hand for his son.

Ashma's parents did not want to see their dear daughter marry and leave them. Hajow wagged his tongue and convinced them that girls must marry at right age. At the mention of Rabubalor's name, however, Ashma, who had just come in from shepherding, grew angry. She would have nothing to do with the landlord or his son, declaring that clear water would not mix with foul, lambs would not lie with jackals.
But will - nilly, Ashma was snatched away by Rabubalor's kinsmen who had come on horseback with Hajow, feasted in Ashma's house and pronounced the marriage sealed. Before being taken away, Ashma asked her desolate parents to call Ahay back to come to her rescue.

Now Ahay was Ashma's elder brother who, a good hunter and shepherd, was well - built and had a heart of gold. At this time he was far away from home roaming with his herd in search of water and fresh grass. He had a bad dream and rushed home to see how things were. Upon learning of his sister's plight, he set out immediately on a fleet mare with bow and arrows to find the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, in Rabubalor's house, Ashma's will remained firm in spite of promises of wealth, threats and cruel whippings. She was locked up in a dark dungeon, but her hopes were aroused when she heard Ahay calling her.

Ajii barred the iron gate to keep Ahay out and challenged him to various difficult contests. So Ahay, after a ride of three days and nights, had to spend another three days and nights in difficult contests, all of which he won.

Still barred from entering, he shot three arrows at the house, one of which struck the shrine, another the wall and the third the door. These events augured ill for the family, for the arrows were magic and could only be plucked out by good people, but not wicked. Rabubalor tried all means but not even the help of strong men and five buffaloes was of any avail. So he had to promise to let brother and sister go if they would pluck out the arrows.

Out they came at a slight pull by Ashma's dainty hand.

The landlord did not give up so easily. He asked Ahay to stay for the night before setting out with his sister the next morning. During the night, three tigers were released by him and his kinsmen into the tower where Ahay was staying. The next morning, to their dismay, they found all three tigers killed and duly skinned. They had to let them go.

Their path led along a ravine and a high mountain lake. Rabubalor and his men breached the dam of the lake, releasing torrents of water into the ravine just when Ashma and Ahay were passing through. Ahay tried hard to help his sister, but after a long and desperate struggle, Ashma was swept away by a powerful whirlpool.
When the waters receded, Ashma appeared, transformed into a rock that looked as graceful and dauntless as when she was alive. There the brave and beautiful girl still stands, ready to echo your call.

On the basis of this epic, the beautiful film Ashma was made in the mid - 60's and is still screened occasionally. An important change was made in the screenplay: Ahay, instead of being a brother, is presented as Ashma's sweetheart, with a view to making the story more poignant and appealing.