"Alpomish" epic and epic traditions
Author(s)
Title
"Alpomish" epic and epic traditions
Alternative Title
Эпическая традиция и эпос “Алпамыш”
Publication Type
Language
rus
Location
Uzbekistan
Relevance to ICH Safeguarding
Keywords
epic
folklore
traditions
social practice
Description
This article says that the Poem “Alpomish” is one of the pearls of oral folk art, which for centuries passed from mouth to mouth of epic storytellers and reflects the ancient (mythological) ideas of the people. The number of Uzbek variants and versions of the poem “Alpomish” alone exceeds forty. In addition, each version and option requires separate research. This poem has its own special place not only in Uzbek storytelling (dostonchilik), but also in the history of world oral folk art
it has ancient historical roots and is an example of highly artistic epic creativity. This poem has been studied extensively and in many ways. However, its place and significance in world folklore, its artistic layers, and the connection of the epic with history, traditions and rituals require repeated and close study. Speaking about the reflection of rituals in the epic, it is necessary to examine two of its features: a) rituals characteristic of everyday life and found artistic reflection in the epic (the birth of a child, receiving a suyunchi for good news, choosing a name for him, preliminary matchmaking (beshikkertti), the ritual of tying a scarf , sending matchmakers, marriage games, etc. b) rituals that were forgotten in everyday life, but passed into the artistic layer (going hunting before the birth of a child, conditions for the groom’s side on the bride’s side, etc.). It is known that there are numerous myths about deities who, when dying, are resurrected again. One of the main properties of such myths is that they reflect the cult of nature and fertility, and most of them are represented in the form of a woman. In ancient times, at every change of season, sacrifices were made and special rituals were performed. In ancient Egypt, the death and resurrection of Osiris were represented as spring performances. It can be noted that the epic and rituals are inextricably linked. In this regard, when revealing the ancient roots of Uzbek rituals, it is natural to turn to such epics as “Alpomish”. A comparative study of the motifs of epics with ancient rituals helps to more fully reveal their essence. The ability and talent of an epic artist is expressed in following traditions, and only in this way can he make his contribution to the ancient epic, passed down from generation to generation, and renew this priceless folk creation.
Date of Publication
2015
Academic Field
Ethnomusicology
Folklore
Active Contribution
Uzbekistan, FY 2023