Ledu be, a Talysh Epic Folktale- Part 1/2

Part 1/2

Introduction

Typical to every nation, Talyshan throughout centuries developed their own particular way of life and world view that manifested itself in Talysh culture, architecture, customs, cuisine, music and folktales. "Ledu" is one of the oldest figures and folktales of Talysh culture that survived to this date. This epic folktale has always been part of Talysh's oral heritage that for centuries pass through generations.

The rationale behind naming of this folktale stems from way the historical event took place and the characters that are pivotal to it, namely Ledu, Mamud and Zeybar. They are siblings who lived in Talysh highlands with their animal stock. One day, Bandits raided their residence while Zeybar was alone in the farm. She used "Lalah" to inform his brothers of the bandits, and that they must come for her rescue. Lalah, or Talysha Lalah ,an end-blown flute with seven holes, is Talysh's only ancient musical instrument that is also main narrator of Talysh folktales including Ledu. This folktale - sometimes known as Ledule- is always accompanied with sorrowful melodies of Talysha Lalah (Talysh Flute). 

 

Armin Fardi HaftaKhani while playing Talysha Lalah Note: 

 

There are claims that are assuming Ledu's epic story took place in Mongol era and, the music instrument used to narrate this epic story was a turkic instrument (Komuz). These claims are false and unfounded. The epic folktale of Ledu is considered to be a national song among Talyshan, particularly among Southern Talyshan, and holds an important position in Talysh culture.

Historians and Talysh researchers already reached to a consensus on origin and history of Talyshan as they are the native inhabitants of present day Talysh region which dates back thousand years before Christ. And, Ledu folktale is one of pinnacles of Talysh culture because its value stands beyond a mere story. It is a common heritage among all Talyshan that bonds them regardless their Talyshi dialect and their country or province of residence.  

  

The Epic folktale of Leduleh or, Ledu be or, Mamud be

 

 

It is impossible to determine the exact time and location where Ledeou's epic folktale took place. Moreover, there are several versions of this folktale that sometimes do not agree with each other in details such as name, time, location and etc. However, the essence and focal point of the folktale remains untouched throughout Talysh region. 

For instance, in some narrations Ledu is Mamud's sister whereas in some other narrations Ledu and and Mamud are brothers. Or, in some other version of this story, Ledu is the name of the dog that was part of this folktale. According to Talyshan of Fuman, this folktale dates back before arrival of Islam to Talysh and Gilan. And, they believe Ledu and Mamud are in fact same person; Ledu is Mamud's name before embracing Islam. Hence, the hero of the folktale is Mamud and there is no mention of Ledu in this version in Fumanat.

Another area disagreement among different version of Ledou folktale is the name of Ledu and Mamod's sister. According to late Lalah maestro Ahmad Roshan, Zeybar (زِیبَر) was the name of the Ledu and Mamud's sister. the sister's name in some narrations reported as "Zibar (زیبر)" or "Zivar (زیور)".  However, some Talyshan, particularly in Fuman, believe Ledu and Mamud's sister as "Asheer (آشیر )".

Final area of contention is the origin and identity of the bandits, however, they all agree that bandits were not Talysh and they were invaders from somewhere behind Talysh Mountain range. Talyshan that  share border with Shahsevan tribes believe bandits in Ledu folktale were 'Shahsevan".  Even Taleshan of Rostam-Abad and Roodbar believe the Bandits were Shahsevan. Sometimes locals in Talysh called them 'shay-semand". But, in fuman, shaft and areas like Maklavan, Masuleh, Gashteroodkhan bandits are reported to be Derami [درامی]. Deram is a geo-name located in today's Tarom in Zanjan province and is right behind Talysh mountain at Masuleh. According to Talysh researcher Mr Janbera Gashteroodkhani, Ali Derami's men killed famous Talysh outlaw known as Agha Jan Beyg Talysh.

Note: 

Raids by bandits always faced resistance by Talyshan and often there was casualties from both sides. In the past when Talyshan came under attack, they would gather their animals and swiftly send them to lowlands i.e. "Duman"[دومن ] in Talysh language. Then Talyshan faced bandits in order to repel them. These raids by bandits persisted till end of Qajar rule up to mid of Pahlavi era. During this period, bandits and looters frequently raided countryside and highlands in Talysh and rob Talysh of their belongings including their animals.

End of Part 1

Part 2: here