Urkinshi

 (Source: Zhanibek Kyzyr, journalist, writer, poet, member of the Writers’ Union and the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan, native of the Katon-Karagay district of East Kazakhstan region)

In the village of Arshaty in the Katon-Karagay district there is a place called Urkinshi. They say that this place got its name in memory of one of the wealthy villagers.

Long ago, a rich man named Kazangap lived in these places, and Urkinshi, being his descendant, inherited his fortune. Urkinshi was known as a reckless and godless man. But despite all this, he had the gift of foresight.

When he reached adulthood, his relatives began to persuade him to change his mind:

«It’s time to calm down», they said. «We should remember God and begin to honor the Almighty».

On the holiday of Oraza Ait, his family suggested that he fast.

«I can’t last thirty days», Urkinshi replied. «Can I fast for at least three days?»

That’s what they decided. In the steppe, on a summer pasture, they set up a yurt for him, and he fasted for three days.

On the third day, when Urkinshi went outside, he saw a small cloud in the sky. He immediately ordered a horse to be brought to him. When the servants brought the horse, Urkinshi, getting into the saddle, said:

– May no harm come to you.

With these words he rushed away.

As he was approaching the edge of the village, lightning struck his horse. The animal fell dead, but Urkinshi himself remained unharmed. Rising to his feet, he looked up at the sky and grinned:

– He wanted to hit me, but he missed!

Then, realizing that he had been impudent towards the Almighty, he predicted his own imminent death.

Returning home, he slaughtered a sheep, cut up the meat and tied it to his saddle. After that, he set out to visit the surrounding villages. In each aul, they met him, asked for a blessing-bata and also slaughtered cattle. But Urkinshi asked not to use the sacrificial meat for cooking, but asked to cook the meat that he himself brought.

So he visited several villages.

Returning home, he said goodbye to his family and went to bed, preparing for death.

At that moment, his only son came to him and said that he wanted to check the hunting traps he had set.

Urkinshi warned:

– If you don’t come back before sunset, you won’t find me alive. And if you don’t see me before I die, you’ll become a pauper.

The son promised to return before evening and left. But when he got there, the beast was not in the trap. Not wanting to return empty-handed, he continued searching and was late.

At this time, the father got out of bed, entered the circle of gathered relatives and said:

– Lord, I’m ready. Take me!

And with these words Urkinshi breathed his last.

As Urkinshi had predicted, his son, who was late and did not have time to say goodbye to his father, indeed soon became ruined and impoverished.