Tepegöz

In Turkic mythology, Tepegoz or Tepegöz is a legendary creature who has only one eye on his forehead – a kind of cyclops.

He is an ogre that appears in the Book of Dede Korkut, a famous epic story of the Oghuz Turks.

One day hunters catch him and give him to Aruz (the father) in order to let him raise his son.

Dede Korkut gives him an honourable name – Basat (Bas means to devour, to crush.

Tepegoz kills one more man, and the khans of the Oghuz people decide to banish him forever.

Dede Korkut doesn't agree and offers another idea, "We can give you 2 men and 500 sheep."

The warriors of the Oghuz and battles described are likely grounded in the conflicts between the Pechenegs and Kipchaks.

The story elements bear resemblance to the encounter with the Cyclops in Homer's Odyssey and is believed[by whom?]

In Dede Korkut's description, the athletic skills of Turks, men and women, were described to be 'first-rate', especially in horse-riding, archery, javelin throw, wrestling and polo which are considered Turkish national sports.