Page 63 - English Class 05

(This folktale, from the Idu Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh tells about the

moral behind the Idu tradition of naming their new born babies within five days after
delivery. If not followed, it is believed that a Khinu (spirit) will name the baby and take

it away.)

Once upon a time, a beautiful
daughter was born to a married
couple who lived in the hills of

Dibang Valley. Even after five days
of her birth, the parents had not

decided upon her name and that’s
when they heard a bird sing “anchi-
anchi.” They liked the twitter of the

bird a lot and accordingly named
their daughter Anchi.

Years passed by. Anchi reached

her adolescent years and got
engaged to a young man who
was from the village of Angolin.

Life went well for Anchi, until
one day, when she was on her

way to her husband’s home, a ensued : happened or occurred
Khinu (spirit) caught her. A struggle a erwards/as a result
insight : deep understanding of something
ensued between the spirit and Anchi’s
concerned : worried
companions, with both sides trying their best
to not let go. Anchi was in terrible pain as she was being pulled in opposite directions.

Not able to withstand, she requested her companions to let go of her. Immediately, a
thundering voice was heard and Anchi floated in air and then disappeared. Her

companions, now in fear, hurried back to the village and told their Igu (Priest) what
had happened. The Igu, with his God-gifted wisdom and insight , found out that Anchi
was the name suggested by the spirit and, therefore, she belonged to him. Nothing

could be done.

Many years later, Anchi somehow managed to return to her parents. She was
accompanied by a tiger and her body was covered with hair. The villagers were
concerned as Anchi, they knew, was beautiful and had no hair on the body. Anchi

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