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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)
6

Love-and-heroism dastans

Textbook: Part 1, pp. 39–41
GoalName the features of love-and-heroism dastans and explain “Kuntug‘mish” as an example of this kind.
New words
love-and-heroism dastan · ishqiy-qahramonlik dostonilove-and-adventure dastan · ishqiy-sarguzasht dostoniselflessness · fidoyiliknarrative ending · badiiy yakun
Explanation

Folk dastans differ from written works like “Farhod and Shirin” in the range of imagination, wondrous events and matchless heroism. They hold the people’s dream of brighter days, so heroes pass hard trials, reach their aim, and the dastan ends well. In most of them love is the main theme and events unfold against the background of lovers’ adventures. When, besides love, the hero rescues people from disaster and shows courage for his beloved and child, the work is called a love-and-heroism dastan; one built mainly on love events can be called a love-and-adventure dastan. “Kuntug‘mish” is an example of the love-and-heroism kind: Kuntug‘mish defeats the dragon, overcomes a thousand hardships to reach Xolbeka, and Gurkiboy is ready to give his life for his brother. Love, heroism and generosity of spirit are inseparable, twin ideas.

Worked examples
Example: in “Kuntug‘mish” killing the dragon is heroism (the spring is freed), fainting at Xolbeka’s portrait is love. The two are woven together in one dastan.
Example: suppose a dastan consists only of secret meetings, escapes and reunions with no rescue of the people; we would call it love-and-adventure. Add courage for the people and it becomes love-and-heroism.
Class activity

Sort two “love” events and two “heroism” events of “Kuntug‘mish” into columns.

Practice
1
How do folk dastans end and why?
2
Define a love-and-heroism dastan.
3
Give two examples of heroism from “Kuntug‘mish”.
4
Why are love and heroism called “twin” ideas?