Legend about the origin of the name of the river Irtysh.

By Word Of Mouth » Legend about the origin of the name of the river Irtysh.

About the origin of the name Irtysh is such a legend.

The ruler of one of the Nogai peoples died and was succeeded by two sons. The eldest son was stronger, conquered the country, and appointed the youngest prince-shad.

Shad was very jealous of his older brother, and once made an attempt on his life. The attempt failed, and the younger brother fled with one of the female slaves.

For a long time they wandered on the steppe, until they reached the multi- water river in which there were many fish, and in the forests around a lot of game. Here they settled, hunting for food.

After a while, rumors of a successful hunter reached their distant Nogai relatives, and Shadu was joined by seven people named Imi, Imek, Tatar, Bayander, Kipchak, Lanikaz and Ajlad. Shad was a free man, and these seven served their Hun masters, herding their cattle. There were so many cattle that the animals ate all the grass, and the herdsmen moved to the side of the river where Shad and his family lived. When the men arrived at Shada’s house, the woman came out to meet them and said, «Er, a party!» «Stop, people, if you come in peace!» So the river got its name, «Ertis», written in Russian «Irtysh».

Shaizoldanova Aylana – Illustration to the legend “Irtysh River”.

Legend about the origin of the name of the river Irtysh.

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