In ancient times, the wealthy Bazarbai had two sons, Tolegen and Sansyzbai. When the elder son grew up, he decided to find himself a worthy companion. One day, Tolegen heard of an exceptionally beautiful and intelligent girl named Zhibek, who lived far from his native nomadic camps. Undaunted by the long journey, the young man set out to find the girl.
Along the way, Tolegen met Karshyga, who was revered in the village of Zhibek as a close friend. Learning of the traveler's intentions, Karshyga helped him reach her people.
Tolegen saw a large caravan. Elegant girls passed before him, one after another, but none of them were the one for whom he had traveled so long. Finally, Zhibek appeared.
The young people immediately fell in love. Tolegen stayed in her village, and after some time, they agreed to unite their destinies.
But first, the young man had to return home and inform his family. Zhibek was reluctant to let him go on the long journey, but Tolegen promised to return soon.
At home, his father opposed the new journey. He ordered that no one accompany his son. Despite this, Tolegen decided to fulfill his promise and set off alone to return to Zhibek. Before leaving, he asked his younger brother, Sansyzbai, to find him if he did not return.
Along the way, Tolegen was ambushed by opponents led by Bekezhan, who himself wanted to win Zhibek's love. Tolegen bravely resisted, but Bekezhan, hiding in the reeds, fatally wounded him with an arrow.
Upon learning of her beloved's death, Zhibek grieved greatly. Bekezhan was exposed and punished.
Time passed. Sansyzbai, worried by his brother's long absence, set out in his footsteps and reached the village of Zhibek. By this time, her people were threatened by an enemy khan, who demanded the girl be given to him. Sansyzbai helped Zhibek escape the dangerous place and defeated their pursuer in a duel.
In one well-known version of the epic, after all these trials, Sansyzbai and Zhibek depart to the Zhagalbayly people.
"Kyz Zhibek" has been passed down from generation to generation in many variations, but at the core of the tale are always love, loyalty, honor, and the value of one's word.