The folk hero and skilled archer Saban and his faithful dog Elga go hunting in the forest. Suddenly, Elga runs into trouble, and to save his friend, his master engages in a duel with the evil spirits that dwell in the forest. Displaying courage, tenacity, and resourcefulness, Saban defeats the monster in an unequal battle, frees his friend from captivity, and returns home safely. "Saban" is a story about the finest Mordvin qualities and the eternal values of humanity: friendship, loyalty, and the triumph of good over evil.