Comparative analysis of the introductory part of the contexture of Turkic epic tales (illustrated by the Yakut Olonkho and Shor epic)

Abstract

The paper deals with heroic epics of the Yakut and Shor peoples. Our goal is to conduct comparative study the introductory part of the contexture of the olonkho of the northeastern Yakut tradition and Shor epic tales based on The 14 texts and stories of the olonkho of the Yakut northeastern tradition and 3 texts of the Shor epic as narrated by storyteller V. E. Tannagashev. Basically, the contexture of Turkic epic tales consists of introduction, exposition, complications or development of the action, crisis or climax, denouement and final part. The olonkho of the Yakut northeastern tradition and the Shors epic tales are divided into three parts: introductory, main and final. The cosmogonic (foundational) principle which is a feature of archaic epics was not found in the introductory part of the olonkho of the tradition under study and the Shor epic tales. The introductory part of the Shor epic tales is notable for its short descriptions. These texts contain only description of nature, people and the golden palace where the protagonist lives. In contrast to the Shor epic tales, the introductory part of the olonkho of the northeastern tradition describes in detail the dwelling of the protagonist, backyard buildings, wealth, nature and the sacred tree named Aal Luuk Mas. Some olonkho of the northeast tradition tells the stories about the protagonist’s dying. According to olonkhosut, these texts are incomplete, so such tragic denouement is not the end. The comparative analysis of the plot contexture allows us to conclude that the olonkho of the northeastern Yakut tradition and the Shors epic tales are close to each other, but have special features. These peoples have family ties, which is probably why the epic tales of the related peoples arose at the intersection between their historical and spiritual contacts. Keywords–epic tale, Yakut folklore, Shor folklore, Yakut olonkho, northeastern Yakut tradition, Shor epic tales, plot, composition, introduction, main part, conclusion