9. The Bridge of Dalale

A builder tried to build a bridge in Zakho, but the structure kept collapsing. One day, he heard a voice saying that in order for the bridge to stand, he must sacrifice a member of his own family. He considered his three daughters-in-law (and apparently no other family member), eventually picking the one who was called Dalale. He reasoned that since she was a foreigner, his reputation in the community would suffer the least damage. When Dalale approached the bridge, unsuspecting, he killed her and put her inside the construction. The bridge was completed successfully. The story ends with a sung ballad which laments poor Dalale and curses the murderous builder.