Myths of Kyrgyzstan.

“A lot of legends, a lot of people, have come before me. But this is my time”

Photo tours to gorge Dzhety-Oguz.

"Broken Heart" rock in Jety-Oguz gorge.

Legends and stories occupy a significant place in Kyrgyz folklore. In addition to genealogical stories, the most ancient legends with mythological content, reflecting mainly cosmogonic ideas, should be noted. Some legends have preserved remnants of a totemic worldview; such is the legend about the origin of the ancestress of the Bugu tribe from deer.
There are also numerous legends about the origin of animals and birds. Historical stories are still somewhat widespread.
"Long ago there lived a khan, known for his cruelty. He had a lot of wealth and a large harem, and the years brought him to the advanced age of 75. One day, while hunting near his camp, the khan noticed a young girl of indescribable beauty, as if the light itself emanated from her.
Mesmerized by her graceful gait and long braids, he decided that she should belong to him. Without delay, the khan ordered his men to seize the girl and bring her to him. The girl was from a poor family and had been betrothed to a young man since childhood, whom she soon fell in love with with all her heart.
Having learned that the khan's warriors had gone after her, the lovers decided to flee to the mountains, hoping to hide there, because they could not imagine life apart. But the khan's messengers caught up with them: the young man was killed, and the girl was tied to a saddle and taken back to the camp. 
The grueling journey through the mountains, the pain of loss and the feeling of despair broke her. Unable to bear it, the girl died on the way. Since then, a mountain has appeared in this place. If you look from its foot, the peak seems like a broken heart. The reddish streaks on the slope resemble traces of blood, as if the heart were still bleeding."
"According to one of the legends, the story begins with a beautiful girl, to whom people came from all over the world to woo, but she remained unapproachable. One day, two horsemen, bosom friends, came to ask for her hand, and she liked both.
An irreconcilable rivalry arose between the horsemen, and, following custom, they met in a mortal duel. In this battle, both died. Having learned about this and realizing that she had lost them forever, the girl, heartbroken, tore out her heart, which turned into a split rock."

Authority:
http://www.kyrgyzstantravel.net

Photos by:
Alexander Petrov.