“Mardlik afsonasi”. The ballad

“Mardlik afsonasi” is a ballad about To‘maris, queen of the ancient Massagetae. The Persian ruler Kayxusrav crosses the Amudaryo by trickery and begins an invasion, and the land falls into a sorrowful state. To‘maris calls the people to fight, the nation in turn asks her to lead, and she agrees, saying the people’s word is law for her. She leads the army and defeats the Persians; when Kayxusrav flees from their single combat, she chases him down and punishes him with her own hand. Rain cleanses the land, and the farmer takes up the plough again. The poet openly shows his love for To‘maris and does not hide his hatred of the invader. The event is a historical legend, and sources give the details differently.