The hero Khongor of the Kalmyk epic “Dzhangar” and the heroine Yangarchy of the Altai “Yangar” are heroes of the same row

The article examines the status of the hero Khongor (Kalmyk “Dzhangar”) and the heroine Yangarchy (Altai “Yangar”), who occupy a special position among the assistants of the epic's protagonist. Khongor and Yangarchy are considered as heroes of “the same row”, “the same rank”, and their exclusivity and heroism are analyzed in the context of their relationship with the protagonist, around whom the main events of the epic unfold. This is the first time this issue has been examined from this perspective. The purpose of the study is to examine the nature of the manifestation of the special position of the hero Khongor and the heroine Yangarchy, to study their actions and deeds that influence the course of epic events. Research methods. When considering the issue of the status of Khongor and Yangarchy, B.N. Putilov's experience in differentiating epic heroes by various characteristics, including their origin, is taken into account. Elements of comparative-historical, comparativetypological methods are used, which are important for identifying and studying “stable meanings behind certain episodes, descriptions and stylistic figures of a folklore work”, including different-stage epics of peoples (Altaians and Kalmyks, in the past – Oirats), who had close historical and cultural ties over the centuries. Results. It was established that the nature of the special status of Khongor and Yangarchy – heroes of the same series lies in their destiny, exceptional heroic abilities, as well as in their relationship with the main character. It is shown that archaic motifs (brother–sister, elder and younger brothers) in the Altai epic “Yangar” retained the mythological semantics of “the first people on earth”, and in the Kalmyk heroic epic “Dzhangar”, in the epic of a later formation than the Altai “Yangar”, they were filled with new content, close to historical realities. Conclusions. The study leads to the conclusion that the equality of the hero Khongor and the heroine Yangarchy, expressed by their heroic qualities, their family relations with the main character, as well as their ability to replace the main character during his long absence, determine the special status of Khongor and the heroine Yangarchy in the hierarchy of epic society as heroes of the same rank.

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