The Tibetan Bardic Tradition of King Gesar of Ling

Ellison Center

Friday October 19, 2012
12:30-1:30/1:40 pm
Denny Hall 123- UW

Amalia Rubin, Graduate Student, Jackson School of International Studies, UW

icirt@u.washington.edu

The 12th century epic, King Gesar of Ling, serves mythological nationalistic and religious purposes across the Inner Asian steppe. However, it also holds a place of importance in world literature and culture as the world's longest epic poem and one of the few remaining bardic traditions. As the tradition of bardic singing and Gesar memorization are dying out in Tibet, modern musical artists and members of the media have started working to preserve and encourage the Gesar tradition. Award Winning American Tibetan singer, Amalia Rubin, will present an inside perspective on the history, story and culture of the Gesar epic and bardic tradition in Eastern Tibet. She will also present samples of bardic recitation.