The image of earth spirit in the olonkho epic. Part 2: Mythological origins

Abstract

This article is a logical continuation of a previous study, “The image of the spirit-mistress of the earth in the Olonkho epic. Part 1: Static and dynamic characteristics,” which identified the composition of stable features of the image. The current study aims to verify the ancient roots of the anthropomorphic representation of the mistress of the earth in the context of the archaic worldview. To achieve this, the author utilized structural-semiotic and functionalsemantic types of analysis, as well as empathy and hermeneutics methods. The analysis reveals various historical layers in the image, reflecting the features of archaic strata of consciousness, specifically magism, totemism, fetishism, and animism. Additionally, the study uncovers the prerequisites for the formation of the image, represented by the elements of ancient cosmogony. The prototype of the image features a fused binary opposition of the feminine and masculine principles, with phytomorphic, ornithomorphic, and zoomorphic hypostases of the early layers of the image. The connection between the prototype and the goddess of childbirth and the patron saint of cattle breed-ing is identified. The development of the concept of the human kut ‘soul’ of the traditional worldview was found to have contributed significantly to the animistic worldview prototype design. Overall, the findings set the vector of further research towards determining the historical formation of the anthropomorphic image of Aan Alakhchyn Khotun, the Earth spirit mistress.