Article

Name: Universal traits of the “Helper Hero” in national versions of the “Dzhangar” epic

Authors: E. E. Khabunova, A. Ayuushzhavijin

Kalmyk State University named after B. B. Gorodovikov, Elista, Russia; Institute of Language and Literature of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

In the section Эпосоведение

Abstract:

The article examines the national versions of the heroic epic “Dzhangar”, which were widely popular among the Kalmyks and Oirats, as well as among the Buryats, Khalkha Mongols, and Turkic-speaking peoples, as narratives about Dzhangar. This study contributes to the identification of universality within various genres of national epic folklore. The focus is on the traits that characterize the epic hero as a helper of the central hero, the ruler, in resolving conflicts with the antagonistic environment. Employing comparative-typological, comparative-historical, and descriptive methodologies allowed identifying the similarities that establish the universality of the epic hero-helper across diverse genre expressions within national epic narratives. These extraordinary traits include immense strength, divine selection, unmatched superiority, courage, resolve, ingenuity, and eternal life. The specified actions entail the defeat of a significant enemy, pursuit of justice, liberation of captives, recovery of stolen animals, undertaking of marriage trials, and ability to transform and acclimate within an unfamiliar environment. Given the diversity of the characteristics determined, the figure of the heroic helper is assessment of a multifaceted and versatile. The findings indicate that the heroic helper figure in the national versions of “Dzhangar” exhibits universal traits.

Keywords: epic, national versions, analogies, Dzhangar, Khongor, helper hero, bogatyr (heroic) deeds, qualities, actions

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