One old man had a daughter named Sangba. She was very beautiful, and many men wooed her. But when suitors came to ask for Sangba’s hand in marriage, the father answered each one that he would receive his daughter only if he first managed to catch and bring a live deer. Some immediately abandoned the bride, others went after the deer, but even the most fleet-footed and skillful hunters failed each time and also left with nothing.
But one day two friends, two young men from a distant village, came to the old man’s house and said:
“We came to a man who has a daughter named Sangba.
The old man came out to the guests and greeted them.
“I am Sangba’s father,” he said. -What do you want?
One of the youths, whose name was Nyila, said:
“I came to ask for your daughter as my wife.”
Another youth, Sefu, said the same thing. The father answered them:
- I only have one daughter. You two came for her. I will give her as a wife to one of you who brings me a live deer.
The young men went into the forest in search of a deer. Soon they picked up the trail, then they saw the deer itself and rushed after it as best they could. Sefu, not as fast as Nyila, soon fell behind his friend and, exhausted, sank under a tree.
“I’ve had enough,” he said to himself. “I’m not going to chase a deer for a woman anymore.” Why should I push myself to the point of exhaustion and drive myself into a grave because of Sangba? There are other women in the world; you can find a wife much easier. And anyway, what kind of matchmaking with a live deer is this? I've never heard anything like this before. I’ll stay here and wait for Nyila to return.” And he fell asleep.
Sefu woke up and saw his friend. Nyila carried a tied live deer on his back and shouted in delight:
- Here it is, a live deer for the old man! I chased him down and caught him because I really like Sangba!
They went to the village together and brought the deer to Sangba's father. He ordered to kill him and prepare food for the young men. When the deer was ready, the old man said to both:
- Take the meat, friends. Eat, please. And then we will discuss your matchmaking.
When they had eaten, the father gathered the village elders for a council and addressed them:
“You know that I have an only daughter, Sangba, who is dearer to me than life.” Now I must choose a son-in-law for myself, a good, noble-hearted man. These young men came to me and asked my daughter to be his wife. I told them to first bring me a live deer. And so they brought a deer together, but only one. Why did one of them return without a deer? Elders, I turn this matter over to you. Decide which of the two will be our son-in-law.
The elders turned to the young men.
“You came here together,” they said, “and both asked Sangba to be your wife.” But one of you caught the deer. Why did the other one return without a deer?
Nyila answered first.
“We came into the forest,” he said, “and began to look for the deer, and when we found it, we set off in pursuit of it.” Sefu, my friend, left me behind. I was so captivated by the beauty of Sangba that I continued to chase the deer until I caught it. I tied up the deer and carried it back. Then I met my friend. He was very tired and was waiting for me just to take me here.
Then Sefu spoke.
“I have never heard anywhere that a live deer is required for matchmaking,” he said. “But still, I went with my friend to look for him, and maybe catch him, if possible.” But he galloped so hard that I was exhausted and thought: I don’t really need to push myself to death. There are many women, and it is easier to get them as wives than Sangbu. I sat down under a tree and waited for Nyila to return with him. Soon I saw him with a deer and came here, just accompanying him. I'm not going to ask your daughter to marry me anymore.
The elders consulted and finally decided:
“You, Sefu, who did not chase the deer, you will be our son-in-law.” Nyila caught a deer, he is a stubborn man. If he wants to kill someone, nothing can stop him until he gets his wish. He will not pay attention to reproaches or advice. If we give him our daughter and she does something wrong, he will beat her without listening to anyone’s pleas. We don't want him as a son-in-law. Sefu is another matter. He is able to listen to the voice of reason. And if he quarrels with our daughter, and we come to reconcile them, he will be able to show prudence. No matter how great his anger, he will be able to restrain himself. He is kind and meek. He's our son-in-law!
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru