Legend says that in ancient times, a ferocious Dragon lived in the Great Blue Sky. He attacked nomadic camps, took away beautiful girls, and ate treats at holidays. Everyone was afraid of the Dragon and made offerings to him every year.
In one nomad camp on the edge of the Steppe, there lived a little girl named Lu. She was very kind, and everyone loved her. Lu was an orphan and lived alone. She made herself Kalmyk tea and cakes on the water in the morning. She pastured her cow and embroidered a pattern on an old dress with threads that she wove from wormwood.
The White Moon month came, which all nomads widely celebrated. They laid tables and prepared gifts for the guests, decorated the camp with colorful ribbons, put on their best outfits and sang sonorous songs. Early in the morning, everyone gathered for the festival, dressed up and cheerful. They sang songs and danced, but suddenly the sky turned gray, and a terrible roar was heard. The Dragon flew to the festival to claim another offering.
The nomads gave him treats, but felt it was a pity to give away their beautiful daughters. Then the old women suddenly said, “Let’s give him the orphan. No one will miss her because she’s alone without a family or a tribe.” So they threw the girl to the Dragon. The Dragon grabbed her and carried her into the sky. Lu cried with fear as the Dragon flew high, soaring among the clouds.
They flew to the high mountains, and the Dragon put the girl in a cave and spoke in a human voice. “Don’t be afraid of me, I won’t hurt you. I was once a man, a Khan, but an evil Witch whom I did not want to marry turned me into a dragon. I can become a man again if a kind girl loves me with all her heart, but everyone fears me and runs away.” Lu looked the Dragon in the eyes and said. “I have nowhere to run, I’m alone in this world. Therefore, I will stay here, since you promise not to hurt me.” So they agreed.
Lu told the Dragon stories, and he brought her fresh flowers and berries in the morning. At sunset, they soared into the sky to admire the sun. The Dragon warmed her with his breath at night, and Lu cleaned and tidied the cave. The Dragon was moved by her kindness and fell in love with the girl with all his heart and took care of her.
No one had ever cared about Lu before, and she fell in love with the Dragon. Their hearts melted, and the Dragon turned into a beautiful young man. They returned to the nomad camp, and never again did the Dragon come for offerings.
