ABOUT SIZE, VARIETIES AND PECULIARITIES OF THE YAKUT OLONKHO

Abstract

The article discusses a number of issues that concern the Yakut heroic epic olonkho and require their further research, reflection and clarification. In his study, the author relied on the works of leading folklorists, epic specialists of our republic, as well as on the works of researchers from Buryatia, Bashkortostan and Khakassia. Thus, a comparative analysis was made of the solution of these issues in the works of researchers of the Yakut Olonkho and the epics of other nations. For comparison, the studies of epic scholars of such epic works as Kyrgyz “Manas”, Bashkir “Ural Batyr”, Khakass alyptyg nymakh, Buryat ulygher, Evenki heroic epic nimngakan “Irkismondya Bogatyr”, Dolgan yrylaakh olonkho“Myoryodyan Mergen the Bogatyr”. The general and various sides of the Yakut heroic epic olonkho and epics of other nations are noted. The work considered such issues as are related to the determination of the size of olonkho, the introduction of the new term “multi-life olonkho”, the legitimacy of using the concepts of “foot (satyy) olonkho” and “horse (attaskh or yryalaakh) olonkho”, the time of olonkho performance. The concepts of “multi-generation olonkho” and “multi-life olonkho” are clarified. It is shown that the Dolgan yryalaakh olonkho “Myoryodyan Mergen the Bogatyr” are not a six-generation epic work, as was previously thought, but a three-generation and six-life epic, since in this epic work it is about the exploits of three generations of heroes and about life, heroic feats of six different warriors, including four warriors of the same generation, grandchildren Myoryodyan Mergen. The question of why the Yakut olonkho is not viewed as a deeply sacred text containing secret knowledge, transmitted only by the elect and the worthy, still remains open and requires serious and in-depth reflection and research. Some peoples in the performance of epic works, there are certain strict rules and prohibitions. So, for example, the Bashkir epic “Ural-Batyr”, Khakass alyptyg nymakh, Buryat ulighers were not performed for any audience. It is interesting to note that the epic works of many nations were performed only in the evening and at night.

Acknowledgments: The study was prepared within the framework of the RFFR, project No. 18-412-140013 p_a “The Epic Heritage of the Arctic (Northern) Yakuts in the Context of Ethnic History (the Problem of Interaction and Mutual Influence)”.

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