E-mail: fetisova.lidie@yandex.ru
Tel.: +7 (423) 226-40-12
89, Pushkinskaya str., Vladivostok, 690000, Primorskii region, Russian Federation
PhD in Philology, Leading Researcher, Center for the History of Culture and Intercultural Communication, Institute of History, Archeology and Ethnography of the Peoples of the Far East, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
This study focuses on identifying the traditional and innovative components of Yukaghir narrative folklore, which has been insufficiently studied to date. The traditional nature of the texts is disclosed in their organic connection with deep layers of the Siberian spiritual heritage. Innovation is associated both with the development of particular Yukaghir traditions and with external influences. The ethnic specificity of the Yukaghir animal epic lies in the large number of characters within a single work, which is rare in the folklore of the Siberian peoples. These include mammals, birds and fish. The inclusion of fish as full-fledged fairy tail characters adds a unique touch to Yukaghir texts. The image of the wolverine is particularly notable for its originality. Narratives reflecting basic axiological principles include the condemnation of negative aspects of human nature. One such aspect is greed, which is severely punished. On the other hand, the author also notes the significance of such moral categories as guilt and repentance in them. This may be a reflection of the Orthodox religion, interpreted through the lens of indigenous culture. The realization of his own sinfulness due to having killed many people leads the epic hero to ask for death. Unlike several other researchers, the author of this article believes that this perception of mass killing is not the echo of an old tradition, but rather an innovation that emerged under the influence of modern religious philosophy. However, it should be noted that despite their numerous borrowings from neighboring peoples, the Yukaghirs have managed to create their own folklore repertoire that sets them apart.
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