The events in this Altai epic take place in the 19th century. It is a story about greed and desire for revenge which can ruin the life of a person as well as entire families and generations. A common lad Tokna is in love with beautiful Kymyskai. But a well-to-do 40-year-old bachelor Kutus has set his eyes on her. Relying on his standing and traditions he kidnaps the girl. Naturally, she does not want to live with him and one day runs away to Tokna. The lovers hide in the mountains. After some time Kymyskai, who harbors a grudge against them, finds Tokna and Kykuskai and starts taking revenge. He kills the cow, family’s breadwinner. In response Tokna and his nephew eliminate half of the Kutus family sheep. Thus hostility turns into hatred and misunderstanding develops into a war of extermination.
