ARCHETYPES IN KAZAKH LEGENDS

Abstract

This article, theoretically analyzing works dedicated to archetypical constants in European, Russian, and Kazakh science, aims to provide a holistic analysis of two legends from Turkic, specifically Kazakh, mythology: the legend of Korkyt, the first creator of the musical instrument, the kobyz, and the legend of the poet Asan Kaiygy. The archetypes of birth, death, art, the wise elder, the journey, and others are meticulously analyzed, which, on the one hand, embody national concepts of humanity and the structure of the world, and on the other hand, reflect the long history of human development.

The typological analysis of these legends reveals commonalities in their core content: both heroes, in search of the «promised land» find something greater-spiritual rebirth through serving their people with the arts of words and music, and, through this, achieving immortality.