Mythological context of folk etymology: hydronyms and oronyms in the Khakass non-fairy prose

The author analyzes the main types of plots of toponymic legends that have become wide-spread among the Khakass people and are of artistic and historical value. The toponymic space of the Khakass non-fairy prose is considered for the first time. Of particular interest are the toponymic legends about rivers and lakes. The toponymic legends about the mountains are no less diverse in their composition. Stories explaining the origin of the names of various objects in the area play a significant role in the non-fairy prose. The research is based on the material of the volume “Khakas non-fairy prose” of the academic series “Monuments of Folklore of the Peoples of Siberia and the Far East” (2016). The study has identified the genre, textological and linguistic features of toponymic legends. Toponyms reflect the geographical features of the area. The legends contain terms reflecting flora and fauna of the steppe area and the rich world of nature. The image plays an important role in characterizing the toponyms and distinguishing between natural objects (the rivers Kim “Yenisei,” Agban “Abakan,” Ah Uus “White River,” Khara Uus “Black River,” Saraa adai kol “Lake of the Yellow Dog”). Toponyms can also include numbers with a specific meaning. Toponymic legends are considered to be one of the most important sources for studying the material and spiritual culture of the people. Folklore toponyms are extremely rich and unique material, which can be used to investigate the toponymic system of the non-fairy prose of the Khakass people.

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