The battle of Elih is one of the most important chapters in the wat between Kurdistan and the armies of Zuhak. The details of that battle is best described in the book of General Hogr which the player can find in the Community of Rojava. There he describes the Battle of Elih as a pivotal event that shook the realm which transpired in the 15th year following the liberation of Kurdistan. As Zuhak’s army swept across the lands of Kurdistan, leaving naught but desolation in its wake. Villages like Agiriye and Little Ararat, once thriving, were reduced to mere memories. In their wake, the invaders stationed menacing garrisons to maintain an iron grip on the conquered territories in Bakur. As Zuhak’s forces penetrated deeper into Kurdistan, vigilant scouts on the borders hastened to deliver grim tidings to King Kardox, in Hewler, the capital of Kurdistan. The scouts horses were galloping, hooves pounding the earth, as they raced to deliver news that would change the fate of the nation. As the scouts reached the royal court, they dismounted their horses and hastily made their way through the bustling crowd, eventually reaching the King’s throne. “My King,” gasped the lead scout, his voice trembling with concern. “An enormous army of men and beast is invading our lands from the north. They are marching relentlessly towards the city of Elih, with banners of conquest fluttering in the wind, destroying everything in their path”. King Kardox’s face hardened, and he stood tall, displaying the calm resolve that had earned him respect throughout the realm. “We shall not falter,” he declared, his voice echoing through the hall. “Gather the royal army in the city of Elih. Prepare for a mighty battle to protect our homeland”. The scouts wasted no time, spreading the King’s decree throughout the land. From the vast plains to the rugged mountains, warriors heeded the call to arms. Kurdish soldiers of all ages and backgrounds rushed to Elih, their hearts filled with determination to defend their beloved homeland.

Swiftly, the king issued commands to fortify vital strategic points, and foremost among them stood the city of Elih. General Hogr, a seasoned warrior, was entrusted with the defense of Elih, armed with tactical instructions from the sovereign. Yet, uncertainty loomed like a specter over the valiant general. Doubts gnawed at his resolve, but his loyal comrades rallied around him, their voices resonating with conviction: “No risk, we will make it,” they assured him. Zuhak’s formidable army, a coalition of Arabs, Persians, and Turks, marched relentlessly toward the beleaguered city of Elih. For each passing day, the invading forces drew closer to Elih. Their massive numbers stretched the horizon, an intimidating sight that seemed endless. The journey from the northern borders of Kurdistan to the city of Elih was long and arduous, but the invaders pressed on, fueled by a desire for conquest. At the outskirts of Elih, the city’s defenders watched the horizon with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

General Hogr’s writings would later recount the Battle of Elih as a ferocious struggle, marked by the indomitable spirit and unwavering courage of the Kurdish defenders. General Hogr drew his sword to the armies of Kurdistan, callling out to the army to bring out the last of their bravery within them: “Today, we face an army that seeks to conquer and dominate us,” he said, his voice unwavering. “But they do not understand the spirit of Kurdistan, the strength that lies within each and every one of us. Today, we stand together, as brothers and sisters, to protect our homeland. We shall not let fear or doubt cloud our minds, for we are the defenders of freedom, and our resolve shall be unyielding”. With General Hogr’s words still echoing in the hearts of the defenders, the battle commenced. The skies darkened with arrows, and the ground shook as swords clashed with enemy spears. The royal army fought with the ferocity of lions defending their pride. Warriors pushed themselves beyond their limits, driven by a deep love for their homeland and a belief in their unity. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the battle raged on, leaving behind a landscape strewn with fallen soldiers from both sides. The defenders of Elih stood firm, but the invaders, too numerous to be easily overwhelmed, continued their relentless assault. Despite their fierce resistance, the outer defenses of Elih crumbled just moments before additional Kurdish reinforcements could arrive. The invaders breached the city gates, and the once-proud Elih was plunged into devastation. While many of the city’s inhabitants had fled before the onslaught, a significant number perished under the boots of Zuhak’s forces. The battle consumed General Hogr’s entire army of 50,000 soldiers, sparing only a handful who managed to retreat. Approximately 800 brave fighters were captured and subsequently executed, their lifeless bodies discovered amidst the unforgiving mountain borders between Bakur and Rojhelat. Estimates suggested that Zuhak’s forces suffered losses of at least 7,000 soldiers in the Battle of Elih. This harrowing defeat was a grievous blow to Kurdish defenses against the relentless invader. However, the valiant fighters who managed to retreat would play a crucial role in the subsequent battles of Amed and Hewler, furnishing King Kardox with vital intelligence to prepare a stronger defense.

In the aftermath of the battle, the once-thriving heart of Elih’s city center lay in ruins—a desolate wasteland that bore witness to the devastation wrought by the invaders. Among the remnants of the dead center, a lone figure emerged as a beacon of hope. Lass The Brave, a warrior of renown, returned to Elih years after the fall of Kurdistan. His mission was to safeguard surviving Kurds, guiding them to safety in places like the Resistance hideout and the Rojava Community.

Elih, once a vibrant hub, became a testament to the resilience of its people and a symbol of the sacrifices made in the face of tyranny. The Battle of Elih, while a dark chapter in the history of Kurdistan, would forever be remembered for the courage and determination of those who stood against the tide of oppression.