A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.
Overview
An ancient man of iron guards the route taken by the dead Khan’s wife in the first tale of Busk’s collection. Even after drinking molten metal he remains thirsty. Following her husband’s instructions, she gives him rice-brandy and continues past fighting goats, armed men and the erlik guards toward the chamber containing her husband’s heart. When the sorcerers call for her arrest, the iron man refuses because she has given him the offering. The source supplies no personal name; this descriptive title identifies the particular guardian, not a general Central Asian species.
Origins & earliest records
Kalmouk tale cycle as presented by Rachel Harriette Busk
Records & interpretation
Complete relevant tale or frame passages directly read in the 1873 textual witness.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Sagas from the Far East
Tale I, pp. 10–16, especially pp. 14–15
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
Rachel Harriette Busk, Sagas from the Far East (1873)
Saga of the Well-and-wise-walking Khan. Tale I, pp. 10–16, especially pp. 14–15
Full relevant narrative read from cached Gutenberg historical text; preface read for transmission limits. Primary evidence of this published adaptation, not proof of the described supernatural events. No modern translation quoted.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Historical literary adaptationBusk, Sagas from the Far East (1873), Tale I, pp. 10–16, especially pp. 14–15Research access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.