Quli Birgosh and the Shardangeli Witch — A Legend of Gilgit-Baltistan
Introduction
In the mystical valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan, where mountains touch the skies and streams whisper tales of the past, there once lived a brave man named Quli Birgosh. His story is still told by elders beside warm fires on winter nights — a story of courage, mystery, and a battle between man and dark forces that haunted the village.
Long before modern times, people of the valley believed that witches and Qang Xakoon — dark creatures that appeared as donkeys after sunset — roamed the land, attacking anyone who dared to step out at night. But one man’s courage changed that fear forever.
Life of Quli Birgosh
Quli Birgosh lived in a small village surrounded by terraced fields, fruit trees, and snow-covered peaks. He was known for his hard work and sense of responsibility. Like many men of his time, he had to manage house chores, fieldwork, and family care all by himself. Despite his busy life, he was respected for his honesty, strength, and kindness.
In those old days, farming was not easy. The farmers depended on mountain streams for irrigation and had to turn the water manually using heavy wooden tools called “pani mor” (water turners). One evening, after finishing his housework, Quli realized that he hadn’t watered his crops. Though it was already past sunset — a time everyone feared — his sense of duty made him step out into the night.
The Fear of Night Creatures
The villagers had a long-standing belief that witches (churails) and Qang Xakoon — a witch that appeared as a donkey — prowled the lands after sunset. Anyone who dared to walk outside was said to be attacked, eaten, or cursed by these evil beings.
The most feared among them all was Shardangeli, the queen of witches, known for the terrifying sound she made — “shardang... shardang...” — like metal strips clashing against each other. Her sound alone could send chills down the bravest spine.
The Night of Courage
Holding his water-turning tool in one hand and a lantern in the other, Quli Birgosh walked through the narrow path toward his field. The night was silent except for the gushing sound of the mountain stream. He quickly turned the water channel toward his land and began his work.
Suddenly, a strange metallic sound echoed through the air — “shardang... shardang...”
The ground beneath him trembled as a dark shadow appeared near the stream. It was Shardangeli, her eyes glowing red and her long hair swirling like black smoke. She screamed and rushed toward Quli to devour him.
But Quli was not an ordinary man. As soon as she leapt, he struck her chest with the heavy iron-tipped tool he was holding. The blow landed straight on her heart, and a horrible shriek filled the valley. The witch collapsed on the ground, trembling in pain.
The Witch’s Defeat
As Quli turned to run home, another witch appeared — one of Shardangeli’s followers. But before she could attack, the dying Shardangeli shouted, “Run away! This man is too strong! He has the strength to kill even me!”
Hearing that, the other witch fled into the darkness, never to return.
Quli, however, had not escaped unharmed. His body felt weak and feverish, as if the witch’s curse had touched him. Somehow, he reached home and collapsed. His family gathered around him, frightened and confused, trying every home remedy to reduce his burning fever, but nothing worked.
The Caliph’s Wisdom
The next day, his family called a wise Caliph (spiritual elder) to help. The Caliph asked, “Where did he go last night?”
His family replied, “He went to water his land.”
When Quli gathered the strength to speak, he narrated the entire incident — how he had fought the witch and struck her in the heart.
The Caliph listened carefully and said,
“If what he says is true, the witch may have taken another form after dying. Go to the place where he fought her. If you find the corpse of any animal or insect with a wound in its heart, it means he killed the witch. Then he will recover. But if you find nothing, it means she lives — and he will not survive.”
The Sign of Victory
His family went to the field, their hearts pounding. The place looked quiet, but then they saw something unusual — a dead crow lying near the water channel. A large thorn was stuck deep in its chest, right where the heart would be.
They carried the crow to the Caliph and told him what they found. The wise man smiled and said,
“Do not fear. The witch you call Shardangeli is dead. Before dying, she took the form of a crow — and that is why your Quli is saved. Soon he will recover.”
Within a few days, Quli’s fever faded away. The entire village rejoiced, celebrating his bravery and thanking him for freeing them from the terror that had haunted their nights for generations.
Legacy of Quli Birgosh
From that day on, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan no longer feared going out after sunset. The witches and the Qang Xakoon never returned. The story of Quli Birgosh spread from village to village — a tale of courage that inspired generations.
Even today, the elders tell children,
“Be brave like Quli Birgosh, who fought the Shardangeli and ended the darkness of fear.”
Moral of the Story
True bravery lies in facing fear to protect and provide. When a person stands firm with courage, even the darkest evil must bow before their strength.
Courage, faith, and determination can defeat any darkness — even the witch of fear itself.
Read more interesting stories here:
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