The Shaman's Journey to the Spirit World
Altai legend tells of the first shaman, named Jaangara, who was taught the art of kamlanie (shamanic journeying) by Erlik himself. According to the story, a nobleman fell ill and called upon Jaangara to heal him. As Jaangara drummed and entered a trance, his spirit traveled up the sacred tree Bay-Terek to the sky world, where he spoke with Bai-Ulgen, and then descended its roots to the underworld court of Erlik. Erlik offered him the power to heal in exchange for a sacrifice. Jaangara accepted but was forever bound to serve both worlds — bringing healing from the upper gods and knowledge of de