Epic tale remains a story worth telling

Sithar Dorje is the first storyteller to hold a master's degree. He was discovered to have the talent to recite thousands of verses of the epic when he was just 9 years old in his hometown of Palbar county in Chamdo city, Xizang.

Now 36, he's able to recite more than 140 episodes of King Gesar's story, equal to several million words. He once recited the legend for an entire day and night, without sleep.

"When I close my eyes to start singing and narrating the epic, I feel like I'm entering into another world where the king lives. I can see their faces and clothes. I even become one of the fabled characters," he says.

He was in constant demand to perform at weddings and parties when he was a teenager. Because of his talent in reciting the epic, Sithar Dorje has been funded by the region's government since middle school. He went to Xizang University in 2010 to study Tibetan history and literature and obtained a master's degree.

He frequently records his performances and dedicates most of his time to compiling recital episodes and conducting research, driven by a strong mission to preserve and promote the epic.