The Legend of the Brave Kantogai and His Feat

(This story, passed down through generations, was recorded by Ayan Saduakas from the words of elder Zhumetkenov Toleubek, a resident of Akhmetbulak village)

The Legend of the Brave Kantogai and His Feat

In the Kazakh steppe, between the Tarbagatai, Manyrak, and Saur-Saikan mountain ranges, stretches a vast valley—sixty kilometers long and thirty wide. This fertile land was known among the Kazakhs as Kazanshunkyr. The soil here was so rich that people believed a mere touch could make it ooze with oil. It was this land that became home to the Satuly Burymbet clan, whose leader was the cousin of the great Kabambai Batyr.

When enemy raids subsided for a time, people finally breathed freely and began preparing for their seasonal migration to summer pastures. Amidst this flurry of activity, a child was born into the family of Burymbet’s eldest son, Kutymbet. The news of his birth spread rapidly, but what astonished people was that the boy was born with clenched fists holding clots of blood. “Oh, Almighty, protect him!” elders exclaimed, taking this as a sign of the child’s special destiny. People believed he was meant to avenge the blood of his ancestors spilled by their enemies. He was given the name Togai, and in his honor, a grand toi (feast) was held, drawing clans from far and wide.

Togai grew into a mighty young man, possessing extraordinary strength and courage. He had three brothers – Bokai, Kitat, and Kushik – all fearless warriors, yet among them, Togai stood out the most. Over time, people began calling him Kantogai – «Bloody Togai». Through countless battles, he proved his bravery and earned fame as a great warrior.

At that time, at the foot of Mount Manyrak, where the Kandyсу and Terisayryk rivers met, dense thickets of reeds covered the land. This place was considered a lair of predators, especially tigers. People avoided it, but not Kantogai. He alone could pass through the reed-covered lands without fear. Even wild beasts avoided him, sensing a force greater than their own.

From a young age, Kantogai absorbed the legends of his people, learning the art of war and mastering all types of weapons. Despite his massive stature, he was agile and swift in battle, known among his peers as invincible.

The Burymbet clan had firmly established itself in the Kazanshunkyr valley. The lands between the sources of the Akhmetbulak and Kandyсу rivers were given to the sons of Kutymbet. Their ancestral settlement was called Kosterik, named after two towering poplar trees visible from afar. Not far from them, in the Kederge gorge, lived the noble Kambar Tore, leader of the Zhumyk clan.

Kambar possessed a precious white nar—a magnificent camel that gleamed like snow. One day, Kantogai approached him with a request: «I need this camel for migration. Please give it to me». But Kambar refused. Offended, Kantogai did not argue. Instead, he silently gathered his belongings and left his homeland, settling along the banks of the Kyzylsu River, a tributary of the Shar.

Not long after his departure, enemies attacked the valley, wreaking havoc. They not only plundered but also imposed a heavy tribute: from each household, they demanded a horse, a bull, a sheep, a sack of kurt (dried cheese), and a wineskin of butter. The people groaned under the oppression. The elders blamed Kambar for his greed, which had cost them a protector like Kantogai. Realizing his mistake, Kambar finally declared, «I will give him not only the white nar but anything he desires-if only he returns to save us!»

The elders knew convincing Kantogai would be difficult, but they also knew his weakness – his deep love for his younger nephew, the son of his sister. So, they placed the boy on the back of the white nar and sent him to persuade the great warrior.

As Kantogai awaited visitors, he told his wife, «Get up, mistress! A guest is coming. Prepare a feast». When the caravan appeared on the horizon, he immediately recognized his nephew. Overcome with joy, he galloped forward to meet him, embracing the boy tightly.

That evening, during dinner, Kantogai listened to the elders’ pleas. He understood they were not simply inviting him back as a guest—the people were on the brink of destruction. «Very well», he said, «Let the people gather the tribute at a place called Talpyn. Once everything is ready, I will come».

When the tribute was collected, twenty young warriors from the enemy side arrived to claim it. As they approached the grand white yurt, they were met by a towering warrior they had never seen before. But their leader, sensing no immediate threat, said, «Let’s eat first since we are at the khan’s tent».

«You speak wisely», Kantogai chuckled. «Dismount!»

As the last of the enemies stepped inside, Kantogai moved swiftly—grabbing one of them, he sliced a hole in the yurt’s wall and thrust the captive’s head through it. The others froze, but before they could react, a dagger flashed. Kantogai clenched a fistful of his enemy’s blood and, bringing it to his lips, declared, «Ah, now I have had my fill!» Then, in terror, the remaining foes fled, abandoning their horses in panic.

He ordered his wife to guard the captured warriors, but being a merciful woman, she whispered to them, «Run while you still can!» Disbelieving their luck, they bolted into the night.

Thus, in the darkest hour, Kantogai returned and saved his people. Some say that in later years, he carried the banner of the great Dauletbai Batyr, continuing to defend his homeland.