Malech, the childless wife of Zhagisha, in her old age gave birth to a girl at night, who was given the name Malechipkh, which means: Daughter of Malech.
That same night, a boy was born into the family of Nart Unadj, who lived next door. They named him Unajoko.
According to Nart customs, a boy and a girl born on the same night were supposed to become husband and wife when they came of age. Therefore, on the corners of the cradles in which little Malechiph and Unadjoko lay, the sledges carved a betrothal sign.
Malech and Zhagisha lived poorly, while Unadjoko’s parents lived richer.
The boy Unadjoko grew up and matured like the Narts, day by day, night by night, and soon became a powerful, brave horseman. The girl Malechiph was small, but every day she became more beautiful and smarter.
One day old Malech said to her daughter:
“Run to Unaj’s house and ask his owner for some kundapso.” She has so much of this goodness that she still has to pour it out!
The future mother-in-law did not like Malechipkh’s bold gait. In the Nart Country, girls had to walk slowly and smoothly.
When Malechipkh entered Unaj's house, his mistress addressed her rudely:
- Hey, Malechiph, who still hasn’t learned to walk properly! Your gait resembles that of an old gelding! Why did you come to me?
Malechipkh, without betraying her offense, calmly said:
“Mother sent me for ox meat, radish, cheese and kundapso.”
The future mother-in-law understood what Malechipkh needed, but she was stingy and answered:
“If I can give you what you ask, let them line the hem of my dress with silk!” If I can tell you “take it!” - may a hundred miracles rush towards me! Let them bring it to me in a golden cup when I ask for a drink! Let them put me in a copper coffin when I die!
Little Malechiph, outraged by the stinginess and deceit of Unadj’s wife, said:
“If you have what I ask, let them line the length of your dress with burdock!” If you can tell me “take it!” - Let a hundred black dogs rush towards you! Let them bring you water in a sieve when you ask for a drink! Let them throw you into the swamp when you die!
With these words, Malechiph went home.
Unadj's wife was indignant at the insolence of her future daughter-in-law and, together with her entire family, left the village so that her son would not marry little Malechipkh.
Far, far away, behind the mountains, forests, and rivers, the Unadzha family settled.
After some time, at the insistence of his mother, Unajoko's young brother married another woman, as if he had never been engaged to little Malechiph.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru