Ashima
Ashima（A Shi Ma in Chinese）is a folk narrative poem spread among the Sani people — a branch of the Yi ethnic minority in Yunnan Province,by whom it is called“The song of our nation”.It is translated into Chinese by Huang Tie,Yang Zhiyong,Liu Qi and Gong Liu.
Ashima tells the story of a young girl named Ashima who fought against powerful domination.Born in a poor family,Ashima was beautiful and kind,whose father was a hardworking farmer.When she grew up,Rebubala,a rich and powerful man,snatched her and forced her to marry his son.However,Ashima was unmoved by his wealth and refused to submit.At this time,a brave and witty man called Ahei rescued her.But when they were on their way home,unfortunately,Ashima was swallowed by the flood and her soul turned into echo after her death.
Ashima reveals the will of Sani people fighting against oppression and pursuing happiness,showing us that the good will eventually overcome the bad and the freedom will replace the oppression.
Here is to introduce how outstanding Ahei is.
A flower appearing in the sky,
Ahei was born in the house of Geluriming.
Like a pine standing on the high mountain,
He can be broken,but never be bent.(https://www.daowen.com)
The pine is the tallest tree in Gui Mountain,
Ahei the best man among Sani people.
The towering pine defies severe cold.
Brave Ahei is as courageous as a tiger.
On the days of heavy rain and strong wind,
He cuts firewood in high mountains.
Opening up wasteland on rocky place,
Corns he plants are bigger than others.