Veneration of Ursa Major among the Oirats and Kalmyks: Ancient Beliefs and Later Buddhist Additions. Part 1

Abstract

Introduction. Ursa Major is the constellation most venerated by Mongolic peoples. Goals. The article seeks to analyze related beliefs traced in folklore and collected field data, reveal key mythological characteristics, and cast light upon diachronous layers in the beliefs of Kalmyks and Oirats (Western Mongols). So, the work aims at analyzing basic Kalmyk and Oirat folklore plots dealing with origins of the Great Bear in comparison to those of other Mongolic cultures; and at examining the concept of Ursa Major against the background of some calendar rites and revered mythological images with due regard of contemporary ceremonies addressed to the constellation. Materials. Part One investigates folklore, ethnographic, and linguistic sources involved, thus focusing on the first objective declared. Part Two to be published in the next issue of the journal shall deal with the remaining tasks. Results. The paper identifies main variants of mythological texts about Ursa Major (Mong. Долоон бурхан, Долоон өвгөн, Kalm. Долан бурхн, Долан одн) existing in Kalmyk and Oirat discourses, comparing the latter to myths of other Mongolic populations. Basically, the myths narrate about seven male characters (siblings, sworn brothers, or thieves) or an ox-man. The Kalmyk plot of thieves is somewhat unique in Mongolic traditions, being rather typical for Turkic ones. The plot of ox-man Masn Mirü (or Massang) was borrowed from Tibet, though etymology of terms may tie the constellation (its emergence) to the archaic plot of day and night alternation as a chase of she-deer, and the solar theme at large.

Keywords

• ursa major
• mongolic peoples
• oirats
• kalmyks
• myths
• beliefs
• archaic calendar
• rites