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By Word Of Mouth » The Legend of Kozy Korpesh and Bayan Sulu
Source: Shygys Kazakhstan anyzdar, ertegileri = Legends, tales of Eastern Kazakhstan. – Semey: Artex, 2018. – 122 p.)
… One day, by chance, two rich men Karabay and Sarybay met while hunting in deserted mountains. They did not have children then, but their wives were expecting a child. The men swore eternal friendship to each other and promised that they would become matchmakers if one had a son and the other a daughter. During that hunt, Sarybai died, and Karabai, forgetting about his oath, left his friend in the steppe. Soon Karabai had a beautiful daughter, and Sarybai’s wife gave birth to a son. The girl was named Bayan, the boy – Kozy. Karabay did not want to tie his daughter in marriage with an orphan. Therefore, the treacherous bay immediately set off on a journey, leaving his native place. For a long time he could not find shelter for his ninety thousand horses and, finally, his nomadic camp settled near Ayakoz. But the herds of Karabay drained the springs of Ayakoz and jute began.
At this time, the sons of the rich people of the local region, enchanted by the beauty of Bayan, began to express their intention to marry her. The bickering between them grew every day. And then Karabai set a condition: “Whoever saves my horses in the waterless desert, I will give Bayan Sulu as a wife!”
Local strongman Kodar also decided to compete for the beautiful Bayan. No one could compare with him in strength. He was what Karabay needed. Kodar dug wells, watered the horses and became his right hand. However, Bayan Sulu disliked the groom.
…Kozy, who remained in Altai, meanwhile grew up and became a horseman. Rumors reached him that before he was born, he was engaged to Karabai’s daughter. Thoughts about the beautiful bride haunted the young horseman and deprived him of sleep. And one day, having overcome great difficulties, he reached Ayakoz. Dressed as a shepherd, he tended Karabay’s lambs. So he met Bayan, and they fell in love. Having learned about these meetings, Kodar challenged Kozy to a duel: “Let’s fight! Whoever wins will get Bayan.” In this fight, the young and strong Kozy defeated Kodar. But he did not keep his word. Blinded by jealousy, he secretly began to pursue and kill Kozy by plunging a knife into his back. Kodar’s vile plan, contrary to his expectations, took a different turn: Bayan, saddened by grief, buried her lover with all honors and killed herself at his grave. The lovers were buried in the same grave. And Kodar died a painful death at the hands of the people…
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