Tomiris

The image and name of princess Tomiris is one of the most exciting and interesting. She became a legend. It was a time of prosperity on the Iranian empire. Kir a very talented leader and a good diplomat headed it. Iranians were proud and arrogant with other peoples and considered themselves the best in the world. The empire expanded into Central Asia and started to reach independent Scythian tribes. These tribes wandered on the great boundless open spaces of Asia. Valiant riders, excellent arrow shots, natural warriors and beautiful people, the Scythians have served as the prototypes for many mythical characters, including centaurs and horse women.

Successful in battle, the Persian king Kir defeated the Scythian tribes. The famous Scythian leader Rustam was killed. After his death the throne was inherited by Tomiris, who was elected the leader instead of her husband, who was killed. According to the legend Kir sent a very rich caravan to Tomiris. He wanted to get power over the Massagets. He was amazed by the story about this fantastic woman. Her beauty was really incredible. She reflected such features as strength and feminity, wisdom and fidelity. Taken by her the Persian king offered her to become his wife. Kir wanted to create a union with the Scythian tribes and to use those magnificent and brave warriors for his own purposes. Tomiris guessed his idea and the Persian intention to invade her lands. She refused Kir’s proposal. Persia could not tolerate such attitude. It would be a bad example for other conquered peoples.

King Kir again sent his ambassadors with the demand to obey his will. Tomiris answered that she did not want any war or to shed blood. In response Kir said, “… I am craving for bold. I want to slake my thirst with it”.

After that he invaded her lands, the Central Asian steppe area near the Caspian Sea, with his enormous army. For several days the soldiers went along the unknown territory not meeting anybody. The Scythes avoided great battles. They attacked the enemies in small groups.

The Persians pursuing them didn’t see that they had come too far into the desert. A small group of Scythes, five hundred warriors in number under the leading of Tomiris’s son, made an ambush against their enemies when they were resting. A sudden attack confused the Persians.

They were defeated and made retreat, leaving rich supplies, al t of food and wine. Joyful with their victory the Scythes became careless and began to feats. The Persian army returned the next morning and killed everybody, including the son of Tomiris.

Tomiris became furious. Then there was a terrible and savage battle. The army of Persians was surrounded and after s stubborn resistance was crushed. King Kir was killed in the fight. He was beheaded. His head was brought to Tomiris. She, having ordered to collect the blood of all her dead enemies into a bag, dipped King Kir’s head into it with the words “Were you craving for blood? Now you may drink it! ”

The image of Tomiris is very popular in Kazakhstan. There are a lot of ballades, poems and legends about her. Her image includes such features as strength of character, will, wisdom, tragedy and at the same time a great parental love. It is the destiny of an unfortunate woman mourning her son.