Long, long ago, in the land of Kazakh, there lived a rich man named Ernazar. He had all kinds of livestock and lived a wealthy and prosperous life. Ernazar had eight sons and large herds of animals.

When a thousand years of happiness had passed, a great famine came upon the world. The animals died, and an endless winter began. 

Ernazar’s eight sons took all their belongings and moved to a place called Zhideli Baysyn, leaving their parents behind. Ernazar and his wife were left alone.

As time passed, their food ran out, and they began to starve. One night, Ernazar’s wife had a strange dream. In her dream, she saw a piece of meat called töstiq (brisket). As she was telling Ernazar about her dream, she saw an actual piece of töstiq hanging on the wall of the yurt. Overjoyed, they cooked and ate it.

After eating the töstiq, Ernazar’s wife gave birth to a strong, healthy boy. They named him Er Tostik.

Tostik didn’t grow by the year—he grew by the hour! He became strong and brave and always helped and protected his parents. He grew into a true hero.

One day, Er Tostik decided to go in search of his eight lost brothers.