Enlik and Kebek

– Come back if you love. They made me unhappy by selling me for redemption. If you are brave, save me from this torment. I’m yours forever. Do not forget about it.

…Failing to find support and sympathy from their relatives, persecuted by them, Enlik and Kebek eventually found refuge in this Ungirtas. But there are still good people in this world. Luckily for them, they met a kind shepherd named Zhapal, who brought them food from time to time. Everything would fall into place, but, alas…

…The two tribes Matai and Tobykty went into open hostility. Rumor spread that the young dzhigit Kebek from the Tobykty tribe stole the betrothed bride Enlik from the Matai tribe. The numerous Matai clan threatened: “We will destroy, we will exterminate from the world! Give us Kebek. We will punish him ourselves! The matchmakers demand the return of the bride for whom they paid the bride price. If you don’t return it, Tobykty tribe, we will challenge you to a duel!” The thirst for blood was palpable in their speech. Finally, Kengirbai biy (judge), a Tobyktin resident known to the Middle Zhuz, intervened in the dispute. He understood that if the parties were not curbed, there would be a bloody war. First he ordered the bound Enlik and Kebek to be delivered. Gathered people. He passed the verdict.

…Large tears flowed from Kengirbai’s eyes. The sage did not stop crying bitterly, sobbing, gasping for breath. However, the verdict must be announced. The verdict is for the sake of preserving peace and harmony among the tribes. This cannot be achieved without sacrifice.

– Oh, people! We are a people who have not disintegrated in difficult times for us, who have never lost their unity and integrity. My punishment for these two apostates who have found solace in their desire for each other is the death penalty! And with this, Matai and Tobykty should put an end to their mutual enmity! If the stumbling block is two hearts in love, then for the sake of peace I sacrifice them! “I said everything,” the old man said and turned away…

…The fire burned slowly in the fire. He jabbed, maintaining the fire, and every now and then turned over the burning coals. Zhapal’s eyes were wet with tears, his soul was in sadness. He quietly sang a funeral song.

…The temporary will pass,

the main thing will remain

The fledgling ducklings will fly away,

the lake will remain.

Dear relatives,

Lose agreement among ourselves –

lose everything…