All tales / Tale 9
Emren
Emren, Son of Begil
Offended by Kazan, Begil withdraws to his own lands and is wounded while hunting. When enemies seize the moment, his young son Emren goes to battle in his place.
The story
Begil is a brave lord who has guarded the borderlands of the Oghuz alone for years. When he brings down a stag with a single arrow during a hunt, Salur Kazan jokes that the real skill belonged to his horse. The words hurt Begil, and he withdraws in offence to his own lands.
Months later, Begil falls from his horse while hunting and breaks his thigh. Spies carry the news to the enemy lord: Begil is in bed, he has fallen out with Kazan, and the border is unguarded. The enemy gathers an army and marches on Begil's lands.
Sixteen-year-old Emren, who has never seen a battle, takes up his father's sword and mounts his horse. The enemy is many, his warriors fall back, and Emren is left alone. He prays to God for the strength of forty warriors, charges again and scatters the enemy.
When Kazan hears the news, he is ashamed. He comes to Begil's side and apologises, and Begil admits that their quarrel gave the enemy courage. The two lords make peace, and a feast is given in Emren's honour.
What this tale is about
Characters
Emren
Begil's sixteen-year-old son, who goes to guard the border in his father's place.
Begil
The brave lord who guards the borderlands of the Oghuz, and whose heart is hurt by a few words.
Salur Kazan
The Oghuz lord who sees what his joke has cost and apologises.
Dede Korkut
The bard who tells the tale.
Listen to this tale
Emren, Son of Begil
Hurt by a joke of Kazan's, Begil withdraws to his own lands and is wounded while hunting. When the enemy seizes the moment, his young son Emren, who has never seen a battle, rides out to guard the border.
To talk about as a family
A few words can break a heart; the one who apologises and the one who forgives both grow greater.
