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Screen reader
Screen reader
(Source: Shygys Kazakhstan anyzdar, ertegileri = Legends, tales of Eastern Kazakhstan. – Semey: Artex, 2018. – 122 p.)
In ancient times, the mighty and courageous batyr Kushikbay lived in these parts. He was the favorite of the Wak family. There was no other person equal to him in courage. The hero was not afraid of anyone. But his enemies were very afraid of him. They bypassed the villages that were under the protection of Kushikbai, without even approaching them. Although they had long been hatching plans for revenge and coming up with various ways to get even with the proud batyr.
But one day Kushikbai fell ill with smallpox (it was a fatal disease) and took to his bed. He had a strong fever. For a long time he tossed about in delirium and unconsciousness. Close people understood that Kushikbai was dying.
Having learned about this, his enemies rejoiced and decided to attack Kushikbai’s native village, and at the same time destroy the hated hero. And so the enemy detachment attacked the defenseless inhabitants of the village. In helpless rage that he could not rise to his feet due to illness, Kushikbai lay and expected the worst…
…Robbers were stealing cattle. Kushikbai’s favorite horse was also stolen. Hearing the noise and cries of people begging for help, the batyr suddenly stood up and, staggering on weak legs, left the yurt. Seeing the disaster that befell his people, Kushikbay became angry with himself, with his illness, with everyone together, and above all with his ruthless enemies, and, as he was, in only his undershirt with a sheepskin coat barely thrown over his shoulders, he jumped on his horse and set off in pursuit.
The enemies trembled when they saw that Kushikbai had come against them – they immediately got scared and ran, but that was not the case… The angry Kushikbai began to defeat the enemy army. Batyr recaptured his horse and cattle stolen from his village from his enemies. He put the attackers to flight and drove them over several passes.
And after the battle the batyr felt very bad. He decided to lie down right on one of the passes in order to touch his native land and say goodbye to it. Since then, he has been lying in that place, never getting up again. The disease took him to another world.
And the pass where his dashing battle with horse thieves took place now bears the glorious name of Kushikbay. Remembering the tough character of the batyr, on stormy days people say: “It is our Kushikbay who is angry with evil people and threatens to punish them for their treachery!” After death, the hero knows no peace, striving to protect the disadvantaged and innocent.
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