Legends of the Lepchas

“Legends of the Lepchas,” penned by Yishey Doma, unfolds with the evocative tale of creation: ‘‘In the beginning there was nothing but vast emptiness on earth and in the sky. Itbu-moo, the Mother Creator, shaped the mountains, rivers and lakes. But something was missing. Why did her creation feel empty? So, taking a fresh ball of snow, she created the first man . . . and then the first woman. These became the chief deities of the Lepchas.”

This enchanting volume weaves together a compilation of age-old folk narratives from the Lepcha culture, preserved across generations. As guardians of a language and script bearing the same name, the Lepchas reside in regions encompassing Sikkim, the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, the Ilam district of eastern Nepal, and southwestern parts of Bhutan. These stories, grounded in ancient traditions, illuminate the enduring presence of the Lepchas in these lands.

Within this anthology, these tales interlace gods, goddesses, people, animals, and the natural world into an inseparable tapestry, where each element relies on the others. The narratives gracefully bring to life the beliefs and vibrant heritage of this distinctive community. Enriching these stories are captivating illustrations that capture the essence and ambiance of each tale.