All tales / Tale 6
Kan Turalı
Kan Turalı, Son of Kanglı Koca
Seeking a bride stronger than himself, Kan Turalı fights a bull, a lion and a camel for Selcan. When he is in danger, it is Selcan who saves him.
The story
Kanglı Koca wants his son Kan Turalı to marry. Kan Turalı says he wants a brave bride, one who rises before him and mounts her horse before him. After a long search, his father finds Lady Selcan, the daughter of the lord of a castle by the sea.
Selcan's father demands that anyone who asks for her hand must fight three beasts. Kan Turalı seizes the bull by its horns and pushes it across the square, and he shakes the lion by its mane. Against the giant camel, he wins thanks to Selcan, who calls advice down from the tower.
On the way home, while Kan Turalı sleeps, the castle lord breaks his word and sends six hundred riders. Selcan wakes him; she is up before he rises and in the saddle before he mounts. When Kan Turalı is wounded and cannot see, Selcan rides in front of him and drives the enemy back.
After the battle, Kan Turalı grows jealous and challenges Selcan. When he sees that the arrow she shot has had its tip removed, he is ashamed and apologises. Selcan tells him she came not to compete with him, but to stand beside him.
What this tale is about
Characters
Kan Turalı
Kanglı Koca's brave but proud son. His real test is to accept his bride's strength.
Lady Selcan
A brave young woman who rides and shoots. She is the one who saves Kan Turalı from the enemy.
Kanglı Koca
Kan Turalı's old father, who searches for a bride for his son.
The castle lord
The lord who tests suitors with three beasts, then breaks his word.
Dede Korkut
The bard who tells the tale.
Listen to this tale
Kan Turali, Son of Kangli Koja
Seeking a bride stronger than himself, Kan Turali fights a bull, a lion and a camel for Lady Seljan. When he is in danger, it is Seljan who saves him, and his real test is to overcome his pride.
To talk about as a family
The truly brave do not envy those who are stronger; they respect them.
