“Zhe Pama and Zhe Mima” – Ethnic Progenitor Myths of the Achang Ethnic Minority in Lianghe County, Dehong
Brief Introduction
The Achang epic “Zhe Pama and Zhe Mima “(遮帕麻和遮咪麻)is mainly spread among the Achang people in Lianghe County, Dehong Dai Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, and has been spread to now in two main forms: singing poetry and oral vernacular. Tiangongpama（天公帕麻） and Dimu Mima（地母咪麻） are the mythological characters in the eyes of the Achang nationality. They are not only the ancestors of human beings, the great gods of the earth, the giant craftsmen who replenish heaven and control the water, the heroes who kill demons and protect all sentient beings, but also the most worshiped gods and gods who protect all ordinary families, as well as the god in charge of the sacrifice activities of the Achang people. The Lahong （腊訇） in the epic is the greatest evil god.
The Story about The Two Gods
“Zhe Pama and Zhe Mima ” tells the story of the ancestors of the Achang people, such as making heaven and earth, creating human beings, replenishing heaven and water, fighting evil Lahong and reforming heaven and earth. The epic plot is vivid and touching, the character is distinct, the language is simple and fresh. Among them, the mother of heaven and earth roll to burn firewood, otter cat send letters, Saguni()left hometown and Mima brough Lahong’s daughter clmb the mountain to pick up chicken, are described very wonderful, even otter cats, sparrows, flies, mice and other small animals are lifelike. As a savior and god of war, the image of Pama contrasts sharply with the vicious nature of Lahong ferocious, reflecting the correspondence between good and evil. It is not only a creative epic, but also vividly reflects the transition of human beings from motherhood to patriarchy. The myth of Yanpo() in the story is a rare record in the myth of salt in the ancient southwest nationality.
Chinese Version: http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11110-1231.html Translated by Lynette Fu/付云锐
