How Basat Killed Tepegöz

The story

During an enemy raid, Aruz Koca's little son is lost and raised by a lion. Years later something is seen in the reeds that 'walks like a lion but is a man'. Aruz recognises him, brings him home and names him Basat.

One summer day, Konur Koca's shepherd meets a fairy at the Long Spring. A year later a shining egg is found at the spring. It grows each time it is kicked until it splits open, and out comes a one-eyed child. Aruz Koca takes him in. His fairy mother gives him a ring so that no arrow will pierce him and no sword will cut him.

As Tepegöz grows, so does the trouble. He is driven from the camp, takes to the mountains and forces the Oghuz to pay tribute: two men and five hundred sheep every day. Dede Korkut goes as an envoy and bargains with him, but no one can find a way to defeat the giant.

Basat returns from a raid and, moved by a mother whose son is next in line, climbs the mountain. When arrows bounce off and swords cannot cut, Basat uses his head. He drives a red-hot spit into the giant's single eye, escapes the cave wrapped in a ram's skin, sees through the trick of a cursed ring and finally slays the giant with his own sword. The tale shows how wit overcomes brute force.

What this tale is about