Asatayak — An ancient Kazakh shamanic and ceremonial staff adorned with bronze plates and bells, historically used to ward off evil spirits. In the story, it is used by the blind elder as a vital tool for navigation and echo-location to test the ice. Ata / Span-Ata — A respectful Kazakh term meaning "grandfather" or "elder," used both for paternal ancestors and as a term of reverence for wise old men. "Span-Ata" is a shortened, affectionate form of address used specifically for the elder Ospan Kariy. Chiy (Ciy) — A tall, hardy desert grass with stiff, reed-like stalks native to the Eurasian steppes, traditionally used by nomads for weaving screens, mats, and reinforcing yurt walls. Dakh-gal — (In-universe lore) A fictional or archaic breed of fierce, lean steppe hounds bred by nomadic tribes for hunting and guarding livestock against apex predators. Jhut (Zhut) — A catastrophic winter phenomenon in the steppe, where a sudden flash freeze locks the pastures beneath an unbreakable crust of ice, preventing livestock from foraging and leading to mass starvation. Jolbors (Snow Jolbors) — An ancient Central Asian Turkic word for a tiger or large leopard; in mountain contexts, it refers to the elusive snow leopard. Khoy — A traditional nomadic term for indigenous fat-tailed sheep, prized for their resilience, rich fat, and thick wool capable of withstanding brutal winters. Kobyz — An ancient, sacred Kazakh stringed instrument carved from a single piece of wood, featuring a bowl covered with camel hide and strings made of horsehair. While traditionally bearing two strings, the unique, relic instrument in the story has three, allowing it to communicate directly with the "bone of the river." Konyrau — Small, hollow bronze or copper bells attached to shamanic staffs (asatayak), producing a dry, distinct clicking chime that sounds less like ordinary metal and more like clicking deep within a throat, serving as a rhythmic beacon for the travelers. Koumiss (Qymyz) — A traditional nomadic beverage made from fermented mare's milk, known for its slightly sour flavor, effervescence, and vital nutritional value in harsh climates. Kurt — A portable, highly nutritious nomadic snack made of strained, salted, and sun-dried sour milk, rolled into hard white balls that can be preserved for years. Mazar — Historically a sacred burial site or mausoleum; within the story's tribal context, it refers to a specific traditional nomadic clan lineage from which Erasyl's wife originates. Moyyr — (In-universe lore) The proud nomadic steppe tribe at the heart of the story, defined by their resilience and adherence to the ancient laws of the wilderness. Otakhasi (Ota-bashi) — A respectful title denoting the "master of the house" or the patriarchal head of a family hearth, used by a wife or kin in formal or public settings. Shahrym — An ancient nomadic measure of distance, roughly equivalent to a league or the distance a horse can travel at a steady pace before needing rest. In the text, it is also used metaphorically to emphasize the vastness of the frozen wilderness. Stena-Warr — (In-universe lore) A legendary, massive breed of heavy warhorses favored by steppe warriors for their immense power, thick winter coats, and ability to charge through deep snow. Toy (Toi) — A grand nomadic celebration, feast, or festival marking pivotal life milestones such as betrothals, weddings, or successful seasonal migrations. Tuyek (Tuye) — The majestic, heavy-set Bactrian (two-humped) camel, essential to steppe nomads for transporting heavy baggage through extreme winter blizzards. Ulgen — The supreme creator deity and high god of the heavens in ancient Turkic and Siberian mythology, associated with light, order, and the breath of life. Unutma — Literally "oblivion" or "that which is forgotten"; in nomadic lore, it represents the sacred, mythical waters where souls depart when leaving the mortal realm.