All tales / Tale 7
Yigenek
Yigenek, Son of Kazılık Koca
Kazılık Koca has been a prisoner in the fortress of Düzmürd for sixteen years. His son Yigenek marches on the fortress with the Oghuz lords to free him.
The story
With Bayındır Khan's leave, old Kazılık Koca rides out against the fortress of Düzmürd on the seashore. The fortress's lord, the mast-tall Direk Tekfur, defeats him with his heavy mace and throws him into a dungeon. At home, Kazılık Koca has left a two-year-old son, Yigenek.
Sixteen years pass. At a feast, Yigenek learns that his father is still a prisoner. He kneels before Bayındır Khan and vows not to return until he has freed his father. Salur Kazan and all the Oghuz lords ride out with him.
Direk Tekfur comes out of his fortress and brings down the strongest Oghuz lords one by one. While the lords hesitate, young Yigenek rides forward and prays for strength. When the giant's mace misses and sinks into the ground, Yigenek seizes his chance and brings the giant down.
The fortress surrenders. Yigenek goes down into the dungeon with a torch and finds his white-haired father. Kazılık Koca sees the baby he left in the cradle standing before him as a warrior. The road home to the Oghuz is like a festival.
What this tale is about
Characters
Yigenek
Son of Kazılık Koca. He grows up without knowing his father, yet risks everything to free him.
Kazılık Koca
The old Oghuz lord who spends sixteen years in a dungeon.
Direk Tekfur
The mast-tall lord of Düzmürd, with his heavy mace.
Bayındır Khan
Khan of the Oghuz, who gives Yigenek his warriors.
Dede Korkut
The bard who tells the tale.
Listen to this tale
Yigenek, Son of Kazilik Koja
Yigenek's father has been in the dungeon of Duzmurd castle for sixteen years. Yigenek marches on the castle with the Oghuz lords, and it is the young Yigenek who faces the giant Direk Tekfur.
To talk about as a family
Courage is not measured in years; love and determination can bring down even the greatest giant.
