On the issue of studying the common motifs of the epics about Manas (Alyp-Manash, Alpamys): the case of the Kyrgyz, Kazakh and Altai versions

The article is devoted to the analysis of the motifs of the legends about Manas (Alyp-Manash, Alpamys) based on the material of the Kyrgyz, Kazakh and Altai versions. The purpose of the article is to identify common motifs in three legends: “Manas”, “Alyp-Manash” and “Alpamys-batyr”. The work uses comparative-contrastive, historical-typological methods of studying epic texts using contextual and plot-motif analysis techniques. The novelty of this study lies in identifying common motifs characteristic of the analyzed texts. The epic story of Manas (Alyp-Manash, Alpamys), dating back to the events of the era of the migration of the Kyrgyz to Southern Siberia, evolved over many centuries and has survived to this day. The epic has acquired many variants or versions over time, sounding among many Turkic peoples. All three texts have common motifs that act as plot-forming ones, and at the same time, each of these national versions has its own characteristics associated with the history, culture, mentality and religious views of the peoples. The common motifs include: “childlessness of elderly parents”, “birth of a hero and his horse”, “marriage of a hero”, “fight with enemies”, “imprisonment of a hero in a deep pit”, “rescue of a hero by a faithful horse-assistant”, “betrayal of a friend who planned to seize property and marry a friend’s wife”, “rescue of a hero from a pit”, “return of a hero home”, “recognition of a husband at the wedding of his wife and rival”. The Altai and Kyrgyz legends talk about the growing up and life of Manas in Altai, which indicates the place of origin of the epic about the hero Manas (Alyp-Manash, Alpamys)”.

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