All tales / Tale 10
Segrek
Segrek, Son of Uşun Koca
Learning that his elder brother Egrek is a prisoner in the fortress of Alınca, Segrek leaves his own wedding to find him. The two brothers meet without recognising each other.
The story
Uşun Koca's elder son Egrek is scolded at a feast for sitting in the place kept for proven warriors. Eager to prove himself, he rushes off to raid the fortress of Alınca, falls into an ambush and is taken prisoner.
Years later, his younger brother Segrek learns during a quarrel that his brother is a prisoner. His parents try to keep him home by marrying him off, but on his wedding night Segrek drives his sword into the ground before the tent and vows not to return until he has freed his brother.
Reaching the fortress of Alınca, Segrek falls into a deep sleep from exhaustion. The lord of the fortress sends Egrek from the dungeon to fight the sleeping warrior. Egrek will not strike a sleeping man and wakes him, and the two brothers fight without knowing each other.
Before striking, Segrek asks his opponent's name and recognises his brother. Back to back, the two brothers scatter the enemy, free the other prisoners and ride home. Segrek's long-awaited wedding is held at last.
What this tale is about
Characters
Segrek
Uşun Koca's younger son, who even puts off his own wedding to rescue his brother.
Egrek
Segrek's elder brother, whose haste costs him years in captivity.
Uşun Koca
Father of the two brothers.
The lord of Alınca
The cunning lord who wants brother to fight brother.
Dede Korkut
The bard who tells the tale.
Listen to this tale
Segrek, Son of Ushun Koja
Learning that his elder brother Egrek is a prisoner in the castle of Alinja, Segrek leaves his own wedding to rescue him. The castle lord sets the two brothers against each other before they know who they are.
To talk about as a family
The hasty one is left by the roadside, the patient one finds the way, and a brother knows his brother by heart.
