Beltag I the Great

Belag with two knights.

**Beltag I** (948 – 1006), also known as Beltag the Great, was the Mirgayaz's taknat from 975 and Ernistan king from 975 until his death in 1006. He was the son of Otagan and Alaqa Desta.

## History

### Early Childhood

Beltag was born into a poor family in the small village Ozdan in Mirgayaz. His father, Otagan, struggled to find work to support his family, leaving Beltag to care for his sick mother alone. Despite his young age, Beltag shouldered the responsibility of taking care of his mother with unwavering dedication.

However, their misfortune continued, as Beltag's mother passed away due to an unknown disease, leaving Otagan and Beltag to fend for themselves.

### Late childhood/adolescence

At the age of 15, Beltag found himself working as a vegetable seller, a job he never wanted but was forced to take on by his father. Though it was difficult, Beltag persevered and soon became a skilled salesman, able to turn a profit even in the toughest of times.

At the age of 20, when Otagan unexpectedly succeeded as the ruler of Mirgayaz, Beltag's life took a dramatic turn. He was thrust into a position of power and privilege.

### Adulthood

Beltag's life took a surprising turn when at the age of 20, he received an invitation to the great palace from his father Otagan. Beltag soon found out that he was being groomed for a leadership role, as he was appointed vice king at the tender age of 25.

Unfortunately, the father-son duo would soon face their greatest challenge yet. Mirgayaz begin to collapsed by devastating famine. But thankfully, both Otagan and Beltag managed to survive and keep the kingdom intact. However, their respite was short-lived as war broke out between Mirgayaz and Khaebet three years later.

Otagan, the brave ruler that he was, decided to lead his army into battle to defend his kingdom. On the battlefield, he cried out "Otrek da beyulge te!!" as he fought valiantly against the enemy. Sadly, a fatal shot struck him in the head, and he died on the battlefield. Beltag was inconsolable at his father's funeral, and his grief soon turned into a burning desire for revenge against those who had caused his father's death.

### Ruler period

Beltag's reign as the ruler of Mirgayaz by the age of 28 and then Taknat of Ernistan. Despite the short duration of his rule in Mirgayaz, Beltag managed to leave a lasting impact on the kingdom's history. After hearing the pleas of his people for change, Beltag took bold steps to transform the country into something different and better. He changed the country's name and proclaimed his claims over all of the Ernistan area, laying the foundation for the future expansion of the empire. In addition, he introduced a new version of the Sakhainese language that was easier for outsiders to understand. Beltag's military prowess was also evident, as he successfully defeated Khaebet and Chaltak in a single battle.

Despite these successes, Beltag faced personal challenges. After marrying and having two sons, Gertaba and Beltag II, his wife decided to leave him, causing him great worry and depression. One day, he turned to alcohol to cope, in his intoxicated state, he declared his own son, Gertaba to succeed him as the next king. The following day, Gertaba was crowned as the new king, but Beltag's depression continued to worsen. In the castle basement, it was clear that he was not in a good mental state, but he managed to put on a brave face during the ceremony. However, soon after, he could not bear the weight of his worries and took his own life. As he breathed his last breath, he muttered his final words "Ert Mezvea Beltagt E Tenvegeat.. Do.. Pardas." Beltag was 58 years old at the time of his death.