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Overview
U Biskurom is a heavenly being sent by the Great God in a young man’s likeness to teach people useful crafts in Rafy’s collection. He shows them how to smelt metal and make tools. Their slow learning keeps him on earth so long that he forgets the way back to heaven. As his skill surpasses theirs, people begin exploiting his labor and demanding impossible tasks.
The crisis comes when they ask him to make a clay image alive. He says that he has not learned to impart life, but they threaten imprisonment. He obtains permission to return to heaven for the knowledge and has them construct a strong kite and long string. Riding the kite upward, he promises that even if he cannot return he can send instructions down upon it.
The Great God refuses to send him back because of the people’s mistreatment and ambition. U Biskurom sends writing on the kite, but no one below can read it. They shout upward, hoping the force will kill him. Still alive and laughing at their attempt, he makes drops of blood fall so that they mistakenly believe they have succeeded. No animated clay creature or actual death results; the contrast between skilled craftsmanship and creating life is central to this witness.
Origins & earliest records
Khasi tale selected and presented in English by Mrs. Rafy
Records & interpretation
Complete named chapters, title page and foreword read.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Folk-Tales of the Khasis
XI, U Biskurom, pp.55–57; Macmillan, London
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
Mrs. Rafy, Folk-Tales of the Khasis (1920)
English collection. XI, U Biskurom, pp.55–57
Complete tale and foreword read; XXXII allsixparts withtruncatedmiddle separatelyreread. The Great God refuses to send him back because of the people’s mistreatment and ambition. U Biskurom sends writing on the kite, but no one below can read it. They shout upward, hoping the force will kill him. Still alive and laughing at their attempt, he makes drops of blood fall so that they mistakenly believe they have succeeded. No animated clay creature or actual death results; the contrast between skilled craftsmanship and creating life is central to this witness.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Historical English folklore collectionRafy, Folk-Tales of the Khasis, XI, U Biskurom, pp.55–57Research access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.