Features of functioning of one epithet in Yakut and Altai epic texts

This paper examines the “metallic” epithets in the Yakut Olonkho and Altai kai chӧrchӧk in a comparative aspect in order to reveal the parallels and specific features of the functioning of these epithets in the epic of peoples related in the historical past. The following methods were used: contextual analysis, analysis of dictionary definitions, quantitative methods, and the inductive method, which allows generalizing the results of applying all the methods. The comparative study revealed many similarities. In both epics, metal epithets in the structure are radical, derived from the lexeme denoting the name of the metal. In a denotative meaning, they characterize objects by the material from which they are made. The choice of specific metallic epithets as contextual synonyms in the structure of the epic formula is due to the phenomenon of vowel harmony inherent in most Turkic languages. The genetic community of the Yakut and Altai peoples probably explains the similar features of the metallic epithets. Also, the differences have been established: according to the frequency of using the epithets formed from the nominations of precious metals, the ancient Yakuts preferred silver, and the Altai people preferred gold. The differences and peculiarities of functioning of “metal” epithets in the Yakut and Altai epic texts can be explained by the stage difference in the development of the epic texts compared.

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