Narin sits by the riverbank, deep in thought, as she listens intently to her grandmother, who begins recounting the significant and transformative tale of the great Flood. The event holds a special place in their shared heritage, and as Narin inquires about the origins of the disaster, her grandmother begins her tale. The story begins with a solitary drop of water, a seemingly harmless beginning that spiraled into relentless rainfall. The rain poured down without end, submerging entire regions and claiming countless lives in its wake. Despite the overwhelming destruction, Narin’s people, the Yazidis, were spared by the bravery of Pira-Fat, a courageous woman who floated above the floodwaters. She managed to keep the seeds of their community safe, ensuring that once the waters receded, their people would repopulate the earth. This act of survival, aided by divine providence, became a defining moment in their legacy.

As Narin’s curiosity grows, her grandmother expands on the story, revealing that the Flood was not an isolated event in their history. She explains that there was another catastrophic flood before it, one that struck the children of Adam and Eve, creating a sense of foreboding for future generations. This earlier deluge set the stage for the Yazidis’ own experience, which, while similar, was also distinct in its own right. Narin is left pondering the divine reasons for such disasters. Her grandmother suggests that perhaps these floods served as a form of cleansing, a means of purging humanity’s sins. However, she emphasizes that God’s nature is one of kindness and mercy, not one of punishment. To explain the turmoil in the world, her grandmother uses the analogy of yogurt—always churning beneath the surface, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life, nature, and history. This continuous cycle, which they refer to as dewr, encompasses both the beauty and the struggle of their existence.

The conversation soon shifts to family heirlooms stored in an ornate chest, each item holding deep sentimental value for the family. Narin’s grandmother opens the chest, revealing intricate doilies and a qanun, a stringed instrument tied to Narin’s father. But it is an ancient slab of clay inscribed with symbols that stands out among the treasures. This slab, passed down from Narin’s great-great-grandmother Leila, has a special place in their family history. Leila, renowned for her beauty and wisdom, was not only a healer but also a gifted diviner, capable of seeing into the future. Narin listens attentively as her grandmother recounts Leila’s extraordinary abilities, which had made her a revered figure in their community.

However, such gifts came at a steep price. Narin’s grandmother recounts the tragedy that befell Leila when she received a grim prophecy in Nineveh, an experience that left Leila emotionally scarred. The weight of that knowledge became unbearable for her, and she chose to forsake her divining abilities, believing that some truths were too painful to know. Instead, Leila encouraged future generations to embrace more practical skills that could help them survive and thrive, such as the ability to locate underground water sources—a skill that would prove invaluable in their harsh environment. By shifting the focus to practical knowledge, Narin’s family maintained a connection to their cultural heritage while adapting to the world around them. This focus on practicality, paired with a deep respect for their past, enabled the Yazidis to survive the numerous challenges they faced.

As Narin reflects on her family’s legacy, she realizes the immense resilience and wisdom passed down through generations. The stories shared by her grandmother are not only lessons of survival but also lessons in strength, endurance, and the importance of preserving traditions. Narin’s bond with her family and heritage grows stronger with each tale, reminding her of the importance of remembering where they came from and carrying that legacy forward. She feels a deep sense of responsibility to continue honoring their history while navigating the complexities of her own life. As she listens, the river flows quietly beside her, a symbol of both the continuity and fragility of life, carrying the lessons of the past into the present.