Kögüdei-Mergen ("Kögüdei the unerring archer") is the hero of the epic Maadai-Kara, the son of the fallen khan Maadai-Kara. Hidden as an infant and raised by the spirit-master of the Altai, he grows to superhuman strength and sets out to avenge his people. Aided by his wise, prophetic horse, he crosses a poisonous sea and moving mountains, overcomes guardian monsters, and defeats the usurper Kara-Kula, liberating the enslaved folk and herds. He then descends into the lower world to confront Erlik himself, releasing most of the captive souls save those burdened with the gravest deeds. Winning the maiden Altyn-Küskü, he restores his kin and inaugurates an age of peace and abundance in the human world.