Bhutan´s Forgotten Legend

It is said that Dupthob Jangkha Lap was a swordsmith, who traveled from places and would forge one of the most beautiful and powerful swords. The reason why he kept traveling is still unknown, in fact many of the thing of his life is unknown to this day. The legend has it, that when Dupthob Jangkha Lap came to Thimphu, he resided near Chimmi Thangkha Village which was located in the outskirts of Thimphu. He hears some rumor that the local governor was looking for a swordsmith. Someone who could forge him one of the best known Patang ( Bhutanese sword). Not sure if it is true or not, Dupthob Jangkha Lap begins his work to forge the best blades anyone had ever seen. He worked triedlessly for days and nights, when finally he had forged 12 blades and called them Lungdri Chenm.

Satisfied with his work, he went to present it to the governor and he told him that it can kill and cut through anything. The governor examined the blades and it was said that the blades were much lighter than anything he had every held for battle, the governor was unsure if it could cut without breaking. It reflected the governors image on it as he held it, Dupthob Jangkha Lap praised his creation. So to test its might, the governor swung the sword towards Dupthob Jangkha Lap. It is said that the blade was so sharp it cut Dupthob Jangkha Lap in half with a clean cut.

The blades in time had different wielders and got lost in time of civil war but to this day three still remain.The first specimen is stored in the Dechen Phodrang monastery, located in Thimphu. The second is located in the Punakha Dzong. The third piece is held by the Talo Gyalp statue, inside theTalo monastery. It is not known whether these swords were forged by Jangkha Lap or one of his disciples.

Only this much is known from the myths that is passed down orally from people, there is still so much more we can discover and explore. Dupthob Jangkha Lap was a mysterious man people are forgetting as time passes, if we dont give him written accounts and credits for his talent there will come a day where he is forgotten for good. That day will be sad because there is a saying People dont die because of getting killed, they truly die when they are forgotten.