The end of “Kuntug‘mish” and love-and-heroism dastans
Lessons 5–6 · 2 lessons · S. Olim, S. Ahmedov, R. Qo‘chqorov. Literature, Grade 8: textbook-collection, Parts 1 and 2. G‘afur G‘ulom publishing-printing creative house, Tashkent, 2014 (revised third edition)
5
“Kuntug‘mish”: the meeting under the gallows
Textbook: Part 1, pp. 32–38
GoalRetell the final part of “Kuntug‘mish” correctly: the sons’ road toward No‘g‘ay, the recognition at the gallows and the ending.
Not knowing that Kuntug‘mish had become king of Zangar, Xolbeka gave her sons horses and weapons and sent them to their grandfather’s land of No‘g‘ay. On the way they clashed with a gatekeeper; after eight days they reached Olatog‘, where Mohiboy drove off a herd of horses, a fight with the herders followed and the brothers took the herd. While they rested, an army caught up, bound them and brought them to Zangar; the king did not recognise them and had a gallows made. Gurkiboy told the executioners to take him first, while Mohiboy pleaded that the fault was his and his brother should go free. Mohiboy was already pulled up on the gallows, but Kuntug‘mish ran up, had the rope let go and recognised his sons; Mohiboy had fainted, and he soon came round, and Xolbeka recognised her husband too.
Worked examples
The ending in brief: a forty-day feast was held. Azbarxo‘ja, whom Buvraxon had put in prison, was brought out and received a punishment to match his deeds. Xolmo‘min was made king of Zangar. Kuntug‘mish returned to No‘g‘ay with his family, and his father Qoraxon held a forty-day feast and handed the throne to him.
Example: under the gallows Gurkiboy offers himself first so that his brother will not die, and Mohiboy says the fault is his. Each is ready to give his life for the other, which shows their courage and love.
Class activity
Write the ending of “Kuntug‘mish” in two or three sentences and use it to explain why dastans usually end happily.
Practice
1
Why did Xolbeka send her sons to No‘g‘ay?
She thought Zangar had been unfaithful to them and wanted them to go to their grandfather’s land; she did not know Kuntug‘mish was king.
2
What did the brothers do at Olatog‘ and what followed?
Mohiboy drove off a herd; they won the fight with the herders, but then an army seized them and took them to Zangar.
3
What did Gurkiboy and Mohiboy say under the gallows?
Gurkiboy asked to be killed first; Mohiboy said the fault was his and asked that his brother be freed.
4
Why do you think everyone holds a feast at the end of the dastan?
Because folk dastans end with the victory of good: the family is reunited, the villain is punished and justice is restored.