The tales
The tales belongs to the swallow cycle. Erkenek is swallowed by a cow or a giant but he is a mighty, although tiny, warrior and conqueror of giants and robbers. He has adventures that again involve swallowing (by a miller), being imprisoned in a mousetrap and finally dying from the poisonous breath of a spider. Erkenek cheats at games with other boys, and, because of his many tricks, the boys will not associate with him. In other story, a poor childless peasant couple wishes for a child "no matter how small" aloud. Seven months later the wife has a small child "no longer than a thumb" which they call "Erkenek" and who becomes a "wise and nimble creature." Erkenek as he grows wishes to help his father in the chores.Etymology
In Mongolian language Erhi or Erki (Old Mongol: Erekey) and in Turkish Ernek (Old Turkic: Erŋek)On the Words of Uighur Kiçig Ernek, Karakhanid Çıçalak, Engin Çetin, Turkish Studies - International Periodical For The LanguageSee also
*References
External links