Extra-text remarks of a narrator (from the experience of processing audio records “alyptyg nybak”)

On the examples of audio transcripts of the heroic tales alyptyg nybak performed by modern Shor story-tellers, the author considers the work-related issues of the narrator and extra-text remarks made immediately before (or after) performing the epos. Depending on various circumstances (kaychi disease, guests, etc.), kaychi decides which heroic tale to choose, turning it out loud on behalf of the main character. The name of the Shor heroic tale may include important information about the epic character: his origin, his character and appearance, his marital status, the way of moving in space. Also, the name may give the information on the horse of a hero - the main friend-helper of a hero (horse suit; horse run speed characteristic, etc.). As we have noticed, storytellers are very reverent towards the tale title and in the event that they set foot on “the path of another’s alyp,” they immediately stop and begin to speak again. While learning the heroic tales, it is important for the storytellers, who are to go after their alyp hero, to remember the name of alyp and to follow his path accurately. Also, the narrators are to know and remember all the events connected with the epic hero. Without this knowledge, the narrator is not able to travel in his imagination. Owing to the detailed audio fixation of the narrator’s extra-text remarks, many issues were clarified related not only to the names of heroic tales, but also to sudden interruptions, stops in performing, switching to another legend, clarifying the names of epic characters, etc. It is essential for the folklorist to record not only the tale but also all the narrator’s comments. It can help eliminate the inaccuracies and incomprehensible places in the epic and understand the point of the storytelling performance.

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