Olonkho by A. P. Amvrosiev “The Hero Kyun Nyurgun, the son Kyogyon Kus”: structure and plot

The subject of the study is the plot and compositional structure of the Yakut heroic epic olonkho; the object is A.P. Amvrosiev’s olonkho The Hero Kyun Nyurgun, Son Kegyon Kus (Suntarsky District). The relevance of the work stems from the insufficient research into the plot structure, composition, and artistic originality of this text. The aim is to analyse the features of the olonkho’s plot and compositional structure within the context of the Vilyui epic tradition. The research objectives are as follows: to examine the architectonics of the work, to identify the specifics of its plot construction, and to determine the genetic and functional connections in its poetics. The novelty lies in the fact that this is the first analysis in the history of Yakut folklore studies of the plot and compositional structure of this particular olonkho, with a comparison to other local versions of the epic. The study employs methods of structural, structural-semantic, and comparative analysis.In the course of the research, a canonical model of plot construction was identified, and a transitional form of the epic was revealed – from early types of olonkho about tribal defenders to later epics about defenders. The text is recognised as an independent epic narrative preserving ancient motifs (for example, the abaasy maiden Uot Kudangsy’s desire to marry Nyurgun). Particular attention is paid to ornithomorphic images: the olonkho features a diverse avifauna of Yakutia, including a group of corvid birds as characters (the Scribe Raven, the Woodpecker Prince, the Nutcracker Toyon, etc.), as well as messenger figures (the thrush Bergen, the raven Daagynai, the cuckoo, the Siberian crane, etc.). The image of the hero’s mother – the mallard duck Kegyon Kus – plays an important role. The avian aspect is significant for understanding the composition, functions, and behaviour of the characters. A specific feature of the olonkho is the presence of the image of a dog (Esir Khara Yt), which is unusual for the Yakut epic tradition and plays an important role in the plot construction; it is noted that dog images are also common in other Turkic-Mongolic epics. The opening section of the olonkho shows considerable similarity to the formulaic structures of the Vilyui and central epic traditions. It determines the further development of the plot and organises the epic’s composition – in particular, through the motif of descending from the heavens with a special mission entrusted to the hero’s mother. The results can be applied in folklore studies for the analysis of regional texts and for the development of educational materials on Yakut folklore. The identified plot model (motivation for departure, the hero’s journey, obstacles, heroic deed, consequences, return) is suitable for the study of other olonkho texts.

Funding: The study was conducted within the framework of the NEFU research project “Cultural Universals and Regional-Local Particularities of the Yakut Epic Tradition: Interdisciplinary Research, Digitalization, and Popularization Technology”

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