The Legend of Yangchen
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| The Legend of Yangchen | |
|---|---|
| Qanupaq: Ya Tzhanen u Yangchyen | |
| Yangin: Tyozh Dzhanen yu Yangchen | |
| Bishnut: Thayu HaAranen yi Yahn-chin | |
| Lilyput-Ramesh:Thozhi TzaNevsh nyu Yayhcjin | |
 Painting of Empress Yangchen slaughtering the invading tribe of Azunga | |
 Ancient Tibetan Scroll containing the Legend of Yangchen(Chapter 1) , written around 1500BC | |
| Written: | 3000BC |
| Namesake: | Empress Yangchen Guul-La |
| Prevalent in: | Gesaria, Bishnute, Yangchenia and Lilytopia. |
The Legend of Yangchen (Qanupaq:Ya Tzhanen u Yangchyen ; Yangin: Tyozh Dzhanen yu Yangchen) is a famous non-fictional Legend from the Gesaria Region and Tibet. The legend follows the life of Yangchen Guul-La, empress of Ancient Yangchenia in 3000BC and a fearsome warrior, known for her battle prowess and merciless nature.
The first half of the story discusses the early childhood of the Empress, how she was a sheltered and worshipped child of the famed Emperor Kaisheng and Empress Lhotse. After the death of the couple when Yangchen was 16, she took the throne and quickly cemented herself as the undisputed leader of the Empire. She had her enemies thrown into dungeons and tortured until they either gave up on challenging the Empress's rule or died. After the breakdown of relations and the rise of a hostile and aggressive leader, the enemy tribe of Azunga, who suddenly invaded her Kingdom and burned many villages to the ground, killing many people. Yangchen immediately called up her army and faced the Azungas in battle, where Princess Yangchen single-handedly killed 7,000 men by herself. She went on to inflict many more defeats on the Azunga with her army of 7,000 , inflicting nearly 56,000-89,000 casualties on the Azunga, which represented nearly 75% of their male population. In March of 2975BC, her army reached the Azungan capital of Garjin, where she proceeded to defeat the city defenders and burn Garjin to the ground.
The second half of the story discusses the aftermath of the burning of Garjin. After burning the city to the ground, the Empress had ordered all of the city's residents to be gathered up. Those who were weak and useless to her were executed, while those who were capable of labor were taken into slavery. Amidst the rubble of the city, it is said that the Empress found a young girl who was an orphan, no more than 8 years old. The Empress, being touched by the child's supposed kindness to her, adopted her and made the child her heir.
The legend was passed on from generation to generation for over four thousand years, but over time, more and more of the story was lost. By 1800, only the climax of the story was still known until in 1980, a Yangchenian Scholar named Dorjee Gyalzen uncovered an ancient scroll containing the full version of the legend, and managed to publish the full version of the legend in 1990. Today, the legend of Yangchen is required reading for students in Grade 10.
Story
*This article summarizes the main events and conversations that occurred in the Legend of Yangchen
Chapter 1 - The Qiaxing Dynasty
The story begins with the Ancient Dynasty of Qiaxing, ruled by the royal couple of Kaisheng and Lhotse. The couple were described as being heavily respected by everyone in the kingdom, mostly for their sometimes benevolent rule but also their immense power. The empire had just gone through a terrible famine, and Emperor Kaisheng managed to revive the declining agriculture industry and save his people from the famine. Everyone in the empire loved the royal couple. It was also at this part of the story where it was announced to the Empire that Empress Lhotse was pregnant.
"Attention all subjects of the great Qiaxing, it is with my pride and honor to announce that the great Empress Lhotse is pregnant."
The crowd cheered as they celebrate the good news -- "The Empress is welcoming an heir! they shout.
Long live the Empress, Long live Qiaxing!
- Chapter 1, Page 3
Chapter 2 - The Birth of a Legend
On the night of the blood moon, Empress Lhotse gave birth to her first child, whom she named High Princess Yangchen , which in Tibetan meant "elegance and precious". It was said that Yangchen was born with a birthmark on her hand, the symbol of a legendary dragon named Chan-yu, a fire dragon which is said to live in the mountains north of Qiaxing. The next day, Empress Lhotse unveiled her newly-born child to the people of Qiaxing. Crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of the Empress's new child, and a day of celebration commenced.
Chapter 3 - The Royal Upbringing
From birth, Princess Yangchen was raised with a silver spoon in her mouth, raised in luxury within the walls of the grand palace. She had a platoon of servants catering to her every whim. She was educated by some of the best scholars in the Empire, and at the young age of 6, she was mastering the art of combat with Qian military generals. She also had no enemies, as most of the Empire highly revered and respected her as well for being royalty. In ancient times, royalty were viewed as gods who were created to be served and worshipped by the inferior normals. Those who were against her were routinely rounded up and thrown into dungeons by the secret police.
Chapter 4 - The Young Princess's Dream comes true
In Qiaxing times, most royals would normally be scholars who study science and history. Despite her royal status, from a young age Yangchen had always wanted to become a warrior. At a young age she had always told her parents that her dream was to become a warrior and serve in the Imperial Army. When she reached the age of 16, she approached the head of the Imperial Army at the time, legendary battle general Dang Xiaoping asking to join his army. At the time, women joining the army was highly unheard of, let alone a royal woman of high status. Battle General Dang initially tried to convince the young princess against joining the army, saying it will be tough time for her and nothing like the comfort that comes along with royal life. Despite him trying to convince her otherwise, Princess Yangchen was adamant, saying she knows what she's getting into. Dang reluctantly agreed to enlist her and she began military training. If she passes, she will be accepted into the army as a general.
"You belong in a castle, not in our camp". - Dang said.
But this did not disuade the young princess, who was still serious about her request.
"I want to serve my ancestor's land, to give pride to those who have come and fallen before me", the Princess replied.
Dang tried to disuade her again, saying "In the army, we cannot guarantee your safety or that you will even survive the next day, are you sure you want to join us ?"
The princess replied, " It is much better to die than be a coward".
Dang reluctantly agreed and let her join the army. "Fine you can join the army, but you will need some training. I am sending you somewhere to train.
-- Chapter 4, Page 20
Chapter 5 - Military Training with Sun - Yen
After being enlisted into the army, Battle General Dang sent the young princess to the camp of Sun-Yen, another one of the empire's top generals. Yen was known for his ruthless training exercises and pushing new recruits to their absolute limits. Princess Yangchen arrived at the camp just as Sun-Yen was announcing who passed the training exercises and was being promoted to an officer. Among the 500 recruits. None of them passed. As the 500 recruits were leaving the camp, their faces were filled with disappointment and exhaustion. General Sun-Yen turns to Princess Yangchen as she enters the camp.
"You are the Princess, yes?" he says, his voice carrying an air of authority. "I have heard of your desire to become a warrior. You have one chance to prove yourself. Fail, and you will return to your royal life with no further opportunities to join the Imperial Army."
"I am ready", said Princess Yangchen.
"Good, Zakasho Akumkro ("May the spirits bless you") -- Sun-Yen
- Chapter 5, Page 27
Chapter 6 - The First Test - A test of Willpower
General Sun-Yen had soldiers bring a large wooden post and a rope. He then said to the Princess, "Your first test will be a test of willpower. You will be tied to this pole for three days without food or water." The soldiers tie the Princess to the wooden post and left her there for three days. Before Sun-Yen left however, he took out a small knife and sliced a small cut on Yangchen's forearm, adding to the test of willpower.
"If you manage to last three days, you will have passed this test.", Sun-Yen said.
"I will not disappoint you", Yangchen replied
- Chapter 6, Page 34
The three days were hell for Yangchen. During the day, the sun beats down on her body causing her to sweat and her skin itch. She also felt extreme pain as the cut dries. During the night, the temperature in the mountains drop considerably, causing her to shiver despite her exhaustion. Sleeping was impossible, as every single second was filled with pain. She ended up passing the test and was untied on the third day, her body throbbing with constant pain. As she recuperates from the brutal test she just endured, General Sun-Yen said to her, "You have passed the first test, Princess Yangchen. But this is only the beginning."
Chapter 7 - The Second Test - A test of Endurance
The next week, Sun-Yen brought Yangchen to the foot of Kanchenjunga, the world's third tallest mountain. Yangchen takes a deep breath, gazing at the towering peak that pokes through the clouds. This is your next test, Princess Yangchen. You must climb to the top of Kanchenjunga and back down within a week. This will test your endurance, strength, and determination.", Sun-Yen said. He hands Yangchen a small pack of basic supplies, a map - some food and water - a blanker - and flint and steel.
"You leave at first light", Sun-Yen said.
As the first light of dawn breaks over the horizon, she takes a deep breath and begins her ascent up Kanchenjunga.
The Climb Up
The wind howls around her as she makes her ascent up Kanchenjunga. She was first met with overcoming the steep edges of the mountain, but eventually, she managed to get passed it and begin her climb. She was then met with several obstacles, including avalanches and falling boulders as she reaches the 1 kilometer mark. As she reaches this milestone, the sun begins to set, and she sets up camp on a ledge. The second and third days were just more climbing, met with the usual obstacles she faced on day one. However on the third day, she had a near death experience when she almost slipped of a cliff around 6.8 km up. Nevertheless, she continued on, and by midnight of the fourth day, she had reached the top of Kanchenjunga.
The young Princess took in the breathtaking view from the summit of Kanchenjunga, seeing the world in a way she had never been before. She gazed upon the fields and valleys from atop Kanchenjunga, seeing the many different towns and villages that were scattered across the land. She overlooked a temple built by the Dariin tribe to worship Kanchenjunga, and she even saw pilgrims praying there. It was like she was being worshipped by thousands below without them ever realizing.
She sets up camp on the mountain's summit, overlooking the lands belonging to the rival nation of Azunga, She can see the lights of the Azungi capital, Garjin twinkling in the distance. Little did she know, that in the future, she would be the one to burn it to the ground.
The Descent
Eventually it was time for her to begin her descent. The way down proves to be just as challenging as the climb up, with the icy terrain and biting wind threatening to send her tumbling down the mountain at any moment. She carefully makes her way down the mountain, one painstaking step at a time. Your muscles are screaming in protest, and her mind is growing foggy from exhaustion, but she pushes on, determined to complete this test. After three more days, she finally reach the base of Kanchenjunga, her body battered and bruised from the treacherous descent. General Sun-Yen was waiting for her, his expression inscrutable. He takes in her disheveled appearance, but says nothing. Instead, he nods solemnly, a sign that she had passed this test as well.
"Well done, Princess Yangchen," he says. His words filled the young princess with a sense of accomplishment. She had just climbed the third tallest mountain in the world and survived. She takes time to catch her breath, looking upon the peak of Kanchenjunga. She can't believe that she has been up there, towering over everything that existed, closest that any person has ever gotten to the gods.
As she catches her breath, Sun-Yen said to her "You have one more test", his eyes boring into Yangchen. You must go into the woods surrounding Kanchenjunga, and retrieve the severed head of Gokarmo.
"Yangchen nods".
Chapter 8: The Third Test - A Test of Strength
Gokarmo is a traitor of the kingdom known for his brutality and sheer strength. The woods surrounding Kanchenjunga are dense and treacherous, filled with wild animals and other dangers. Sun-Yen told her she must fight and behead Gokarmo, and present his severed head to him in three days.After a few days of rest, she sets off into the woods. armed with a sturdy sword and a small dagger. The air is thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the only sound she can hear is the crunching of leaves beneath your boots.
She encounters a pack of wolves, their fur matted and their eyes gleaming with hunger. They snarl and snap at her, circling around her, cutting off any escape route. They lunge at her, and she fights them off, her sword slicing some of them to pieces. Eventually, they leave her alone, allowing her to continue her journey.
After a few days, she reaches the place where Gokarmo was hiding, the outskirts of a small village near the border. The village is almost deserted, with many of the buildings falling into disrepair. She finds Gokarmo in one of the remaining inhabited buildings, a small hut on the outskirts of the village. He is sitting at a makeshift table, asleep. She approaches him and slices of his head, the head of the traitor falling on the floor with a loud thud.
She picked up Gokarmo's severed head, and set off back to Sun-Yen. The trek back was easy, following the path that she took to get to Gokarmo's hiding place. After another night of travelling, she arrived back to Sun-Yen.
"You are back?, I assume you have what I am looking for", Sun-Yen said.
"Yes, General", Yangchen said, presenting Gokarmo's severed head to the general. "Good", he says. "You have passed all of my tests, and you have shown that you are a capable woman, and are worthy of becoming a general. Congratulations. "From this day forth, you will also be addressed as General Yangchen".
Exhausted and satisfied, Yangchen returns to the palace.
Chapter 9: Inauguration - The Princess Warrior
On the day of the blood moon, soldiers of the Imperial Army gathered in the palace square to witness Yangchen's inauguration as a general in the Army. As Yangchen walked through the crowds of soldiers cheering her on, she felt a sense of accomplishment. She had proven herself as a strong and capable woman, and not just a weak princess. As she approached the central square, she was met with a familiar sight, Battle General Dang and General Sun-Yen.
"Congratulations, Yangchen", Battle General Dang said. "We are proud of you", Sun-Yen added.
They gave Yangchen her official uniform and seal, marking her as a general in the Army. As they inaugurate Yangchen, her parents Kaisheng and Lhotse watched on, proud of their daughter. Even though they disuaded her from joining the army, they were still proud of he no matte which path she took. As the ceremony ended, the legendary dragon Chan-yu flew over them, covering the blood red moon to the shock and awe of onlookers. Dang said to her, "Your'e really something special. Enough the Chan-yu would make an appearance. I see a great future for you as a general."
"Thanks Dang", Yangchen said.