The local Kazakhs have a legend about a monster who lived in this Holy mountain a long time ago. He wanted to control the whole area, so he caused the ice to remain frozen all year long, even in the summer. Soon there was not a drop of water anywhere; the grass and the farmlands dried up, and cracks appeared in the parched earth.
The only way people could obtain water was to obey the monster’s wishes. At first he only demanded that they pay tributes of sheep and cattle, food or wine, in exchange for water, but he grew increasingly greedy. He began to desire humans, and the people suffered great heart ache as they drew lots to see who would become the next victim to be sacrificed to the monster. First it was the old people who were taken, but then he began to prefer the young boys and girls. Terrified that they were facing complete genocide, the people made secret plans, to overcome the monster.
A brave young man volunteered to seek help from the wise mountain gods. He spent seven days and seven nights travelling in the mountains fighting off many dangerous creatures, using his skill as an archer. The mountain gods knew he was coming and gave him a silver charm to protect himself, and told him the magic spell which would defeat the monster. They told him to rush at the mountain and shout “Tianger. Subdue” three times, and that would defeat the monster.
Full of gratitude he hurried home and rushed towards the mountain. In a very loud voice he shouted “Tianger—Subdue”. Three times he shouted these words, and the mountain began to shake. A raging fire appeared on its eastern side and fell on the monster. The horrid creature screamed in pain . His magic power was broken at last, and he disappeared in a wisp of smoke.
The people rejoiced as the ice melted into a huge flowing river. Now, once again, generation after generation, the people and the animals enjoy the green pastures. Year after year the snow melts in due season into the sweet river flowing through their land.
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