The Tale of Naabat
Naabat
Once upon a time, they say, there lived a khan named Azil. He ruled his people wisely and justly. The people, they say, lived in peace and contentment. Life flowed joyfully, happily, and carefreely.
But one day, a gigantic dragon appeared in those lands. It lay at the edge of the kingdom and blocked all the rivers, depriving the population of water, and the people did not know what to do or how to fight the monster, for it was so terrifying and strong that when it inhaled, huge stones rolled into its throat and disappeared into its immense belly.
And so the dragon settled down more comfortably and roared, so loudly that it could be heard in all corners of the earth.
— I want, — roared the dragon, — that every day a girl be brought to me for eating! Otherwise, I will not give you water, and you will all die a painful death from thirst!
And happiness left this land, joy flew away, sorrow and anxiety settled in every yurt. Every day, cries were heard as they sent a girl to be eaten by the dragon.
And then the day came when it was time to lead the khan's eldest daughter to the dragon. Khan Azil gathered the people and spoke these bitter words:
— O people! Is there truly no one among you who could free us from this evil monster?! Is there no man who would stand up for his people?! O people, if such a person is found, I will fulfill any wish of his.
If he wants, let him take the entire khanate; if he wants, let him take one of my three daughters as his wife. And this is my firm word. So will there be such a hero among you?!
— There will be, — a ringing voice responded.
From the crowd, raising his sword, a young man named Naabat stepped forward.
— I will go to the dragon! — he said and stood before the khan.
The entire people blessed Naabat for the fierce battle.
But before going to the monster, Naabat went to his yurt.
— Mother, — he said, — give me women's clothing — I am going to fight the dragon.
The old woman cried and lamented, but Naabat stood firm. The clever young man changed his clothes and became like a beautiful girl. He took his sharp sword and went to the dragon.
Seeing the girl, the dragon roared in anger:
— You made me wait a long time, you wretch! I have been hungry for a long time.
The dragon opened its mouth and began to inhale. A strong wind rose, and a terrible force dragged Naabat toward the dragon. Naabat barely kept his feet. At the last moment, the young man swung his sword and sliced the dragon's chest in half. The monster roared terribly and immediately died. Poisonous blood flowed into the rivers. After two days and two nights, the water finally cleared of the filth.
Naabat came to the khan and bowed respectfully.
— What do you wish? Speak! — said the khan.
— My lord, — replied Naabat — do not take offense. You have three daughters, and we are three brothers as well; give your daughters to us.
— Very well, — agreed the khan — let it be so! They celebrated the wedding for forty days. And once again, everyone lived in joy and contentment.
Kyrgyz Tales
