A Crow Humbles King Ra Trakhan

One day, it is said, Trakhan, the mightiest and most arrogant Ra of Gilgit, was sitting by a water channel surrounded by his followers. He proclaimed that none in the world matched him in bravery and strength. 

While he bragged, a crow flew overhead and soiled him. Furious at the crow's audacity, he commanded his followers to capture it by any means necessary. As the bird was pursued by so many, it flew to the village of Manawar and then crossed the Gilgit River towards Danyore. However, seeing that the crowd was relentless, it escaped toward Danyore Nullah.

There, a woman was washing a piece of markhor meat. The pursuers took some meat from her, which helped them finally capture the hapless crow. The bird was brought before their Ra, who demanded an explanation for its insolence towards the king of Gilgit.

Allegedly, the crow replied, "I was displeased by your boasting at a place I know to be the grave of a man far more powerful than you. A ring of that very warrior lies buried here, and it will demonstrate your lesser strength.

 Trakhan ordered the ground to be dug up, and his command was promptly executed, revealing a finger ring so large that Trakhan could slip it over his body. Subsequently, a lavish feast was prepared for the crow, after which the bird was released.

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Folkloristan x Khoswakt | The Folklore of Gilgit Baltistan