All tales / Tale 12
The Death of Beyrek
The Revolt of the Outer Oghuz and the Death of Beyrek
The lords of the Outer Oghuz unite against Salur Kazan. Aruz Koca's treachery costs Beyrek his life, and the book closes with this bitter tale.
The story
Once every three years, Salur Kazan opens his tent and shares his wealth among the lords. One year, while the lords of the Outer Oghuz are away in the distant highlands, Kazan opens his tent to the Inner Oghuz alone. The lords of the Outer Oghuz take this as an insult and are offended.
Kazan's uncle, Aruz Koca, fans this grudge and makes the lords of the Outer Oghuz swear an oath against Kazan. So that everyone will follow, he also summons Bamsı Beyrek, the most beloved lord of the Outer Oghuz.
Beyrek says he will not betray Kazan and suggests they settle the grudge by talking. Overcome by anger, Aruz draws his sword. Beyrek, who will not raise a blade against a brother, is gravely wounded. His last words ask that the unity of the Oghuz never be broken.
Hearing of Beyrek's death, the lords of the Outer Oghuz are ashamed. They leave Aruz and apologise to Kazan, and Kazan admits his own mistake. Aruz is left alone and is defeated by Kazan. The Oghuz are united once more, and Dede Korkut speaks the last words of the book.
What this tale is about
Characters
Bamsı Beyrek
The most beloved lord of the Outer Oghuz. He never breaks his word and gives his life for the unity of the Oghuz.
Salur Kazan
Leader of the Inner Oghuz. He admits his own mistake and unites the Oghuz again.
Aruz Koca
Kazan's uncle and leader of the Outer Oghuz, who turns a grudge into anger, and anger into a war between brothers.
Banıçiçek
Beyrek's wife.
Dede Korkut
The bard who speaks the last words of the book.
Listen to this tale
The Revolt of the Outer Oghuz and the Death of Beyrek
The lords of the Outer Oghuz take offence at Kazan, and Aruz Koja turns their grudge into a war between brothers. Beyrek, who will not break his word, gives his life for the unity of the Oghuz. The last tale of the book.
To talk about as a family
A grudge that is not talked through while it is small only grows; unity is the strongest castle.
