Elbek Kalkin, a ‘with-spirit’ (eelü) epic-teller, is son of the famous Telengit bard A. G. Kalkin. In this heroic epic, Khan Maadai Kara’ son (Kӧgüdei Mergen – Heavenly Archer) is raised by the spirit-owner of Altai. When his parents are captured by Erlik, Lord of the Underworld, he rescues them. It has 7,738 7-line verses of which this is an introduction. The project builds on Pegg's research undertaken in the Mountain Altai since 2002. It includes audio-vidual recordings of living endangered traditions related to heroic epic performance. These include 'requests for blessings' and Jangar songs performed within Ak Jang (White Belief) clan rituals held in open-air temples (Küree) in secret mountain locations. Also included is a video recorded by Pegg prior to the WOLP project of the epic 'Maadai Kara' performed by a contemporary 'With Spirit' (Eelü) bard. Elbek Kalkin, Telengit 'with spirit' epic-teller, Ongudai 2002. Copyright C. Pegg