ON THE SHORES OF A MUDDY RIVER

Library of Strange Folktales, No. 005

marsiouxpial:

“According to Mosuo legend, in ancient times mankind and animals living in the area never died. As time passed, the number of men and animals became so great that there wasn’t enough space for them. As a result, a god decided that there should be an age limit for everyone and everything. He then told all of mankind and the animals to listen to his judgment, which would determine how long each of them had to live. One night, the god shouted, “1,000 years,” which was only heard by wild geese; then he cried out, “100 years”, which only the ducks heard; and when he said “60 years”, only dogs responded by barking. But only when he uttered “13 years” did mankind awake from their dreams. But they were unhappy with the brevity of their lives and pleaded with the god to give them more time. Having agreed to this, he discussed it with the dogs to see if they would swap their lifespan with mankind. The dogs reluctantly agreed on the condition that mankind would provide them with food. To mark this turning point in man’s life, the Mosuo people regard 13 years of age as the beginning of a new life.”

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Mosuo: A Mysterious Matriarchal Group in China