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The story's structure touches on two important periods in Tibetan social development and includes depictions of almost 100 tribes, kingdoms and regions. The epic is generally divided into three parts: the birth of Gesar; his expeditions against the enemy; and his return to heaven. Of the three parts, the depictions of his battles and exploits are most detailed and contain the most enlightening contents in relation to Tibetan history and culture. The second part includes four chapters - "Defeating Demons in the North," "Battles Between Hor and Ling," "Defending the Salt Sea," and "Battles Between Mon and Ling," as well as 54 zong battles.

 Story of King Gesar

The epic,King Gesar, first emerged between the first and sixth centuries -- namely between the fall of the clan society to the establishment of a slave society. During the period, battles between clans, tribes and ethnic groups broke out frequently, serving as a premise for King Gesar.

During the heyday of the Tubo Kingdom, ie, from the seventh to the ninth centuries, Tibetan society experienced enormous changes characterized by the development of productive forces and cultural undertakings, and reinforced national confidence.

The epic gained popularity in Tibetan-inhabited areas, as well as in Mongolia and Tu and Yugu regions. More than 90 percent ofKing Gesar's singers are Tibetans scattered throughout Tibet, and the Tibetan-inhabited areas of Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu and Yunnan. Despite the geographical difficulties (the areas are landlocked), these epic singers tell the same stories. The same sagas are often recounted in areas inhabited by Mongolian and Tibetan ethnic groups outside China.

Becoming king

Traditional editions of the epic include "The Chapter on Heaven," "The Birth of the Hero," and "Becoming King by Winning a Horse Race" as the initial chapters. They tell how Gesar was born and how he grew to become king of the State of Ling.

Long, long ago, Tibetan ancestors led a happy life. Then, all of a sudden, wars broke out in the region.

They prayed to the Goddess of Mercy, who sought help from Amitabha in paradise. Amitabha then sent Tuiba Gawa (Gesar), the son of Deqoi Ongya, and the heavenly concubine to rescue the people from their lives of misery.