The word "Kurgan" contributes to the main idea of the poem by symbolizing an opposing force that also stands tall amid the Steppe. It represents a burial mound, which stands as a reminder of the people who once lived on the Steppe and the civilization that once flourished there. This contrasted with the dying tree, which symbolizes the decline of nature and the environment. The Kurgan represents a past culture that has become part of the land, while the dying tree represents a natural world that is struggling to survive. The contrast between the two symbols highlights the central theme of the poem, which is the relationship between humans and nature and the impact of human civilization on the environment.