What Does the Homeland Begin With?

Moyt-ake and Sart-ake

Once upon a time, two renowned orators, two rivals - Moyt-ake and Sart-ake - lived at Issyk-Kul.

One day, Moyt-ake asked Sart-ake:

- Who is the richest person in the world?
- The richest is the one who is the most generous.
- And who is the most devoted friend for life?
- Resilience, which saves from misfortune and unthoughtful actions.
- And what is suffering?
- Thirst. Without water, there is no life. Where water ends, life ends in agony.
- And who are a person's main enemies?
- Impulsiveness and vindictiveness, - replied Sart-ake and added. - If you want to be respected and elevated, you have no right to betray your wife and the traditions of your ancestors.

Where does the Motherland begin?

Messengers galloped to Batyr and said: The enemy demands your son!
- Well, if my son is destined to die for his people, let it be so, - replied Batyr and gave his consent.
The messengers galloped to him again and said: The enemy demands your wealth as tribute!
For the third time, the messengers galloped: Khan, they demand land!
- No, - Batyr replied fiercely, - they shall not receive an inch of land! We will fight!
For the nomads, pastures were more important than anything else. Their Motherland began with the land and ended with it.