Four new ZIPANG storytellers told their stories.

Badia Obaid told the opening episode of The Epic of Gilgamesh. She described the hero’s appearance, semi-divine status and significance as the most famous mythical king of Uruk.

Laura Collins told the story of Etana, the good man chosen by the gods to be the first king of Kish. Etana has no son. In his search for the herb of birth he flies to heaven on the back of an eagle.

Muhamad Tawfiq Ali told The Poor Citizen of Nippur. When Gimil Ninurta gives a goat to the Mayor of Nippur he is served only a bone with a bit of gristle at the Mayor’s feast. Gimil Ninurta gets even with the Mayor by tricking him not once but three times.

Magali Krakenberger talked about The Hulupu Tree. The young goddess Inana rescues a tree from the River Euphrates and plants it in her garden. The young Gilgamesh undertakes to make her a throne and bed from the tree.

June Peters, one of the original ZIPANG storytellers, told What happened when the Anzud Bird stole the Tablets of Destiny. Civilisation unravels as man-made items become again the natural resources they are made from. The hero god Ninurta defeats and kills the Anzud Bird by turning his misuse of power against him.

Oud-player Ehsan Emam played delightful music. It inspired workshop participants to join in with the lyrics of traditional songs and distinctive Iraqi finger-clicking.

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 Photos Sara Bander • Videos Haider Safa

Last updated 08/07/2009