Totan Batyr — The Kazakh Knight’s Magical Quest for Love and Honor

Long ago, in the vast Kazakh steppes, lived the mighty Khan Kubakhan, whose lands stretched so far that messengers needed seven months to cross them. Though blessed with immense wealth, he was gifted only one son—Totan. On the day of Totan’s birth, a gray mare from the Khan’s herds foaled, and this precious stallion was destined to accompany the prince on his life’s greatest journey.

Years passed until one night, Khan Kubakhan dreamt a vision:

“Your son must now seek his bride. His path lies westward to Khan Shintemir, whose daughter Kunkei is destined for him. Arm him well, and send him forth—alone, if no warriors will accompany him.”

The Khan gathered his people, held a great feast, and prepared Totan for the quest. No one dared accompany him on the perilous route, so Totan rode alone on his faithful gray stallion, blessed by his parents and the spirits.

The First Encounter: The Witch of the Steppe

After days of riding, Totan came upon a lonely yurt in the barren steppe. An old witch, Zhalmauz-Kempir, emerged.

“No mortal dares this road. I shall eat you,” she hissed.

Totan pleaded:

“Let me first marry and taste life. On my return, I shall offer you my bride.”

The witch relented, showing him the path westward.

Companions of Power

Totan’s journey brought him through dense forests where he met a strange wizard who passed time plucking tails from magpies unnoticed. Eager for adventure, the wizard joined him.

Next, they met Zhelayak—Windfoot, a runner so swift he tied stones to his feet to stay still. He too joined Totan.

Onward they rode, meeting a sharpshooting hunter by a lake, and then Sensitive Ear, a man who could hear all events on earth and below it. Lastly, in the mighty Ulytau mountains, Totan met the youngest son of a giant, known for his unmatched strength. The strongman, eager to explore the world, joined the group.

With his band of unique companions, Totan finally reached the kingdom of Khan Shintemir.

The Khan’s Challenge

Khan Shintemir welcomed Totan but placed a condition for Kunkei’s hand:

“Conquer the Kalmyk Khan Sakhyn, who dwells by the Yedil River. Only then shall you have my daughter.”

Totan, confident in his destiny, refused soldiers but accepted a powerful black tulpar for the mission. In seven days, he defeated the Kalmyk army, slew their khan, and returned victorious.

Yet Barak Batyr, a jealous warrior who coveted Kunkei, persuaded Khan Shintemir to test Totan further through contests of strength, marksmanship, horsemanship, and speed.

The Trials of Totan

• Wrestling: The giant’s son bested Barak Batyr after a grueling half-day match.

• Archery: Totan’s hunter shot a gold coin off a pole, surpassing 300 of the khan’s best archers.

• Horse Race: Totan’s gray tulpar outran the finest horses of the khan’s herds, blessed by the ancestors themselves.

• The Final Race: Windfoot raced against a treacherous witch, the Mystan-Kempir, but was tricked and slept for two days. Upon waking, he sprinted after the witch, caught up, and cunningly threw sand in her eyes, winning by a thread.

Totan triumphed in all challenges and was promised Kunkei’s hand. But Barak Batyr, still scheming, kidnapped Kunkei in the dead of night, hiding her in a wagon disguised with girls and silk.

Sensitive Ear heard of the plot and warned Totan. The Wizard companion, swearing to spare innocent lives, caught the kidnappers with his magic and rescued Kunkei.

The Return and the Witch’s Debt

On their joyful return, Totan remembered the promise to Zhalmauz-Kempir. His friends devised a ruse: they dressed Windfoot as Kunkei, complete with braided hair and silken clothes, and presented him to the witch. She was deceived, but Windfoot soon bolted, with the furious witch chasing him.

Despite her demonic speed, the witch tripped over her long hem each time she neared Windfoot. Eventually, with Sensitive Ear’s warning and the hunter’s precise shot, the witch was slain, freeing them forever from her threat.

The Triumph of Totan

Totan returned home with Kunkei. Khan Kubakhan, overjoyed, held a grand feast for all the people and bestowed his kingdom to his worthy son, Totan Batyr—the knight of honor, courage, and friendship.

Moral of the Story

With bravery, wisdom, and the loyalty of friends, even the most dangerous roads can lead to love and victory. True strength lies not in power alone but in the unity of diverse talents and steadfast hearts.