Salur Kazan's Loyal Shepherd

One day Salur Kazan, the greatest of the Oghuz lords, went on a long hunt with his lords. Only the old people, the women and the children stayed behind in the camp. His son Uruz was still small at the time. When the enemies heard of this, they raided the camp at night and took the tents, the horses and the treasures. They also carried off Kazan Khan's mother, his wife and his son Uruz.

Far from the camp, on the mountainside, Kazan Khan's sheep were grazing. At the head of the flock stood Karachuk the shepherd. Karachuk was young but brave; with him were his brothers and three dogs. When the enemies came to take the flock as well, Karachuk did not step back. "These sheep were entrusted to me by Kazan Khan," he said. He swung his sling and threw stones like the wind. His dogs barked and ran circles around the flock. The enemies were confused and fled; the flock was saved.

When Kazan Khan returned from the hunt, he saw the wind blowing where his camp had been. His heart ached. He set out, and first he came to the flock. Karachuk told him what had happened. "Your flock is here, my khan," he said. "But your family is in enemy hands. Let me come with you."

At first Kazan Khan thought the shepherd was too young, but then he saw his courage. They set out together. Soon all the Oghuz lords caught up with them. They reached the enemy's castle. Karachuk startled the guards at the gate with his sling, and the lords got inside. When Uruz saw his father, he ran and threw his arms around his neck. Kazan Khan was reunited with his mother, his wife and his son.

When they returned to the camp, Kazan Khan gave a great feast. In front of everyone he called Karachuk to his side: "From today you are the master of my stables, a lord whose word is heard." The dogs were given the best bones.

Dede Korkut came and played his kopuz: "Whoever guards what was entrusted to him is great, even if he is small. A loyal friend is stronger than a castle."