The Yakutsk epos Olonkho in the context of storytelling of the Turko-Mongol peoples of Siberia: main images

Abstract

The paper considers the main images of the epos through comparative analysis of the Yakut olonkho with the epos of the Turkic-Mongol peoples of Siberia. The author analyzed the main characters, their enemies, and female characters. The main characters, defenders of the Middle World, exhibited the features of an ideal person, exorbitant physical strength, attractive appearance, and high moral qualities. The enemies of the main character are mythological creatures and monsters. S.S. Surazakov classified the enemies of the main heroes in the epos of the Altai peoples into three groups, based on the criterion of the epos stage. He reported that a real image of an alien enemy occurs in the texts of the epos at an early feudal stage in the development of society. The enemies of the kaans-leaders of the Altai tribes are the kaans-military leaders of the conquerors. Later, the epos of the patriarchal-feudal period revealed images of feudal rulers-khans – oppressors of the common people. V. M. Zhirmunsky identified four groups of female characters: heroines, warrior-maidens, sister-assistants, and servant-slaves. According to the researchers of the Yakut epos, there are passive and active female characters.