Youngest storyteller chants heroic tales received during dreams

Sithar Dorje suited with King Gesar dresses ready for his performance in Lhasa. [Photo by Kalzang Gyatso/China Daily]

"With clear articulation, Sithar Dorje is distinguished from other storytellers because he makes his stories understandable to most of his audience with different dialects," Namgyal said.

Sithar can recite 105 episodes of King Gesar's story in total, equal to more than 20 printed books. Two teachers at the university, which is tasked with preserving the King Gesar epic, are designated to assist in preserving his store of literary treasures.

Jamyang Drakpa, a classmate, is a good friend and a fan of the storyteller, though he admits that he doesn't have a full appreciation of Sithar's storytelling mastery.

"I hardly understand a word he sings, however, I enjoy the melody and the facial expressions he makes during his performance," Jamyang said.

Now in his second year of graduate studies, Sithar wishes for more time to spend with family or play soccer, which he loves. But his workload is heavy.

"I always miss my time on the soccer field, but one happy thing for me at the moment is that I can spend some time with my parents in Lhasa," he said.

As for the future, the King Gesar dreams keep coming.

"With one new dream every year, new stories are continually born in my brain," he said.