An Old Tibetan Myth on Retribution for Killing the Nyen (Gnyan stong): Manuscripts Scattered between Naxi, Tanguts, Eastern and Western Tibet
2023
Abstract
The chapter introduces eleven versions of a myth that appear in both Tibetan and Naxi sources. The myth concerns the payment of retribution (stong) for killing a type of non-human being known as Nyen (gnyan) by members of a (human) Tibetan protoclan named Dong (Ldong).
The fact that there are numerous surviving versions suggests that this myth was once well-known in eastern Tibet. It also provides a link between Naxi myths, East Tibetan non-Buddhist traditions, and West Tibet, where two versions were found.