On the semantics of the Sakha myths related to the image of the bull
https://doi.org/10.25587/2782-6627-2025-1-36-45
Abstract
The article is devoted to the analysis of the semantics of the myths of the Sakha people (Yakuts) associated with the image of the bull and its connection with the cold and the underworld. The author examines why it was the bull, and not other animals, that became the personification of cold in Yakut mythology, despite the fact that in reality the bull is less adapted to the harsh conditions of Yakutia than, for example, a horse. The article analyzes the mythological plots of both the Yakuts and other Turkic-Mongolian peoples through the prism of understanding myth as a form of spiritual culture, which stood out from human practice to generalize, theorize practical, everyday knowledge. The author suggests that the connection of the bull with the cold may be due to the pastoral experience of the Turkic-Mongolian peoples, since cattle tolerate cold better than heat, which reflects the practical knowledge of nomads about livestock maintenance. The article also touches on the mythological plots of other Turkic-Mongolian peoples, where the bull or cow plays a key role in keeping the cold and winter. The author concludes that in Yakut mythology and folklore, the image of a bull symbolizes not only cold, but also hard work associated with harvesting hay and caring for livestock, which reflects the difficult living conditions in Yakutia. In addition, the article examines Yakut and Turkic-Mongolian mythology and folklore about the bull’s connection with the lower world and evil spirits. The author hypothesizes that this connection may be related to the generalization of the experience of transmission of zoonotic diseases from cattle to humans, such as tuberculosis.
About the Author
M. V. Ivanov
M. K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Maksim V. IVANOV – Cand. Sci. (Culturology), Senior lecturer, Department of Cultural Studies, Institute of Languages and Cultures of the Peoples of the North-East of the Russian Federation
AuthorID: 1125559
Yakutsk
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Review
For citations:
Ivanov M.V. On the semantics of the Sakha myths related to the image of the bull. Altaistics. 2025;(1):36-45. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25587/2782-6627-2025-1-36-45
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