Cosmological representations in epic works of Dolgan, Evenki and Yakut

Abstract

The article discusses cosmological representations in the Dolgan yryalaak olongko, Evenki nimngakan and the Yakut heroic epic olonkho. The general aspects and specific ethnic features of these representations in the epic works of these peoples are revealed. The centuries-old cultural interaction and mutual influence of these close peoples on each other in the creation of epic works is noted. The universe in the epic works of Dolgans, Evenkis and Yakuts consists, as in the epics of many peoples of the world, of three worlds: The Upper, Middle and Under. These three worlds arose in those distant, immemorial epic times, when the great tribes inhabiting these three worlds had not yet appeared, and gradually they increased in size. In the epics of these peoples, we observe pronounced ethnocentrism, since the ancestors of the Dolgans, Evenkis, Yakuts and their descendants are populated in the epics in the Middle World. They speak the same language, have the same ethnic appearance, etc. They are close relatives of celestials and are in eternal enmity and struggle with the terrible one-eyed, one-legged, one-armed chthonic monsters, heroes of the Under World. In the Dolgan olongko, Evenki nimngakan and the Yakut heroic epic olonkho, we find many similarities. For example, in the description of three worlds, in the characterization of the main characters of epics, in space-time representations, the same epic clichés and formulas are used. There is a mutual influence of peoples in their epic work. The article also notes the ethnic identity of the epic works of these peoples. These features are clearly manifested, for example, when describing nature, occupation, fishing, vehicles, homes. So, for example, in the Yakut olonkho heroes ride horses intended for them from above. In Dolgan olongko, the heroes ride horses like gold, silver or copper, as reindeer, and in Evenki nimngakan they ride deer or moose. The characters of the epics live in the Dolgan raw-hide tent called golomo, Evenki tent – utenyakh and Yakut yurt – balagans. A comparative study of the epic works of Dolgans, Evenkis, Yakuts leads to very interesting and important conclusions. A comparative study of cosmological representations in the epic works of Dolgans, Evenkis and Yakuts has not yet been carried out.

Acknowledgments: The study was prepared as part of the RFBR project region No. 18-412-140013 r_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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