Narin listens intently as her grandmother recounts stories of the lamassus, the mythical creatures from their ancient past that once stood guard over their homeland. Grandma’s tale explains that these magnificent statues, which now reside in foreign museums, were once revered symbols of their culture and its strength. Although Narin initially struggles to fully believe in these fantastical stories, her grandmother reassures her of the deep significance these creatures held for their ancestors. The grandmother also teaches her the power of storytelling, explaining that it serves as a vessel for preserving truth, even when wrapped in myth. This resonates deeply with Narin, making her see storytelling not just as entertainment but as a powerful link to the past that shapes their identity and culture.

As their conversation shifts, Grandma speaks with reverence about the land that sustains them. She stresses that their people have always treated the earth as sacred and share a profound respect for nature’s power. This connection to the earth is evident in their traditions, such as the avoidance of marriages in April, a month dedicated to fertility and the natural cycles of renewal. Grandma’s stories of a Yazidi woman’s bewilderment at the bathing customs in Germany illustrate the contrast in cultural practices and further emphasize the respect for water within their society. Water, in this context, is not just a necessity; it is an element that holds the essence of life and must be respected accordingly. Narin is struck by the realization that these practices and beliefs are not only about survival but about living in harmony with nature and the world around them.

Grandma continues her storytelling, revealing the personal rituals she follows to connect with the celestial world. Every morning and evening, she offers prayers to the rising and setting sun, a way to honor the forces that govern the universe. For her, the Tigris River holds a special place in her heart, symbolizing the flow of life and the mysteries of nature. She shares with Narin the sacredness of ash in their healing practices, and how numbers—especially seven—hold deep spiritual significance, guiding decisions and actions in their lives. Grandma’s wisdom extends to the realm of emotions, teaching Narin the importance of waiting for a week before acting on intense feelings, believing that this time allows clarity and wisdom to guide decisions. This lesson not only highlights the patience required in life but also the importance of emotional balance and understanding.

As the conversation deepens, Grandma uses the metaphor of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to convey deeper truths about life. She explains that the Tigris is powerful, fierce, and untamable, while the Euphrates, though gentler, still requires inner strength and resilience to navigate. For Grandma, these rivers embody different aspects of life itself, where tranquility is not the absence of turmoil, but the strength to endure it gracefully. Narin, absorbing her grandmother’s teachings, begins to understand that true peace comes not from avoiding hardship but from confronting it with respect and wisdom. These lessons will stay with Narin, shaping her perspective on life, relationships, and her place in the world as she grows older.

Grandma’s stories also illustrate how deeply rooted their culture is in the reverence for both the seen and unseen forces of nature. Narin realizes that the wisdom passed down through generations is not just about the events of the past, but how these teachings shape their daily lives and interactions with the world. Grandma’s words leave Narin with a profound sense of connection to her ancestors and to the earth they inhabit, inspiring her to honor the past while also embracing the challenges of the present. As the chapter draws to a close, Narin is not just learning about her culture’s history, but also gaining a deeper understanding of herself and her place within the ever-flowing stream of life.