Lessons 5–6 · 2 lessons · Q. Yo‘ldoshev, V. Qodirov, J. Yo‘ldoshbekov. Literature: textbook for Grade 9 of general secondary schools. Revised and expanded 4th edition. “O‘zbekiston” NMIU, Tashkent, 2019
5
“Alpomish”: Barchin’s letter and Alpomish sets out
Textbook: pp. 21–29
GoalRetell in order how Barchin’s letter was hidden and found, the trial with Qultoy, and how Alpomish got his horse and set out.
New words
courier, messenger · choparhorse-herder · yilqichiswift steed · tulporlasso, noose on a pole · qo‘riq
Explanation
Barchin sends ten young men with ten horses to the Qo‘ng‘irot with a petition: let Alpomish come, or let her be given her answer. Wanting to keep his son from danger, Boybo‘ri hides the letter in a chest, shows it to no one and entertains the couriers for twenty days. Qaldirg‘ochoyim finds the letter in the chest, brings it to her brother Hakimbek (then fourteen) and tests him with sharp words, urging him to set out. Boybo‘ri meanwhile orders the horse-herder Qultoy to give his son no horse and turn him back with threats. Qultoy beats Alpomish with a stick and sends him back; when his sister encourages him again, Alpomish throws Qultoy to the ground the second time. After Qultoy gathers the herd with a “qur-hayt” call, Alpomish casts the lasso and it catches a dappled horse; he lets it go, but the lasso falls on the same horse again, and Qaldirg‘ochoyim calls it a lucky one. His sister dresses him for the road and blesses him; Alpomish also takes the feathered bow left by his grandfather Alpinbiy.
Worked examples
Example: Boybo‘ri hid the letter out of love for his son. But this love proved misplaced: with the letter hidden, much of Barchin’s six-month delay was wasted. A good intention is not always the right deed.
Example: Qaldirg‘ochoyim shames her brother with a sharp word to wake his spirit, then follows him herself to encourage him. In the dastan she appears as a clever, brave sister who is not less than the men.
Class activity
Four groups each act out one episode of this part (the letter, the chest, Qultoy, choosing the horse) in mime; the others guess which episode it is.
Practice
1
Whom did Barchin send to the Qo‘ng‘irot, and with what?
Ten young men with ten horses, carrying a petition asking Alpomish to come or give his answer.
2
Why did Boybo‘ri hide the letter?
He wanted to protect his son from danger and loss in the Kalmyk land.
3
How did Qaldirg‘ochoyim find the letter and what did she do?
She found it while opening the chest, took it to her brother and urged him to go.
4
Why did Alpomish prove stronger in the second meeting with Qultoy? What differed from the first?
The first time he hesitated and was beaten unprepared; the second time, encouraged by his sister, he gathered himself and threw Qultoy down.