MOMSKY EPIC TRADITION OF THE YAKUTS: OLONKHOSUTS, THE SYSTEM OF IMAGES (based on the materials of the folklore expedition of 2017)

The article considers the olonkhosuts and system of images in the olonkho texts of the Momsky epic tradition. The study was carried out based on the results of the folklore expedition in the Momsky district in 2017. The main purpose of this expedition was to study the traditions and modern existence of oral and intangible cultural heritage. During the expedition, more than 117 samples of different genres of folklore were recorded. Names of 32 olonkhosuts and olonkho performers are included. 12 new names of olonkhosuts, which were not mentioned earlier in the sources, were found. It was revealed that olonkhosuts did not go to families, but performed olonkho only at home or in clubs. The authors believe that for this reason the names of many olonhosuts did not spread over the Momsky district. The main characters of this tradition were defenders of their clan and family. In the image of the main character in the texts of the Momsky olonkho, we can find the features of a hero- hunter. The heroes of the aiyy of this tradition were distinguished by their accuracy and vigilance, that are the qualities of hunters. In addition, the main characters were distinguished by character traits, like quick temper, rudeness, cruelty, ruthlessness and severity. In the olonkho of Momsky epic tradition, the image of Udagans is wide spread. They were representatives of three Worlds. Udagans from all three Worlds actively helped the heroes of aiyy and changed the course of events in the olonkho plots. Opponents of the main characters in the texts of the olonkho of Momsky epic tradition are images of heroes and girls of the Abaasy. They are representatives of the tribe “Abaasy Aymaga” and lived in all three Worlds (Upper, Middle and Lower). In the texts of the olonkho of the studied tradition, the image of the Tungus hero Ardamaaan-Djardyamaan is characteristic of the opponent of the protagonist. The Tungus hero personified the image of an alien enemy. The authors conclude that the texts of the olonkho of Momsky epic tradition has its own peculiarities and differences that need to be studied.

Acknowledgements: The research is financially supported by the Russian Foundation for Fundamental Research, project No. 16-06-00505 а.

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