Functioning of Folklore among the Evens of Yakutia

Abstract

The modern existence of folklore among the Evens of Yakutia is discussed in the article. A review of the results of many years of collecting materials on Even folklore is carried out. Based on the field materials of the authors, the modern repertoire and the degree of preservation of the folklore genres among the Evens of Yakutia are analyzed. It is revealed that narratives, a round dance hede, and folklore are included in the system of folklore genres that currently function and are most active. In accordance with the characteristic properties of the early forms of the epic of the North Tungus peoples identified by one of the authors, samples of epic legends are classified in three regions of the Evens. It is emphasized that at present, there is a gradual fading away of such genres as archaic epos, tales, riddles, proverbs and sayings. Particular attention is paid to the ritual culture of the Evens, where the rituals of the children's cycle, feeding the fire and funeral rites are preserved. It is noted that, in general, the existence of folklore of Evens in Yakutia is comparable with the general Even folklore tradition, prevalent in the other five constituent entities of the Russian Federation, where Evens live. The specificity of life consists in certain ethnolocal features dictated by the natural and climatic conditions and cultural landscape, as well as the dialectic differences of Even dialects.

Keywords

• evens of yakutia
• folk tradition
• folklore genres
• modern repertoire
• the degree of preservation of folklore