Information about the authors:
Tamara G. Basangova
Tamara G. Basangova, DSc in Philology, Head of the Sector of the International Research Center “Oirats and Kalmyks in the Eurasian Space”, Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kalmyk State University, Named After B.B. Gorodovikov,” Pushkin St., 11, 358000 Elista, Kalmykia, Russia.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4415-3530
E-mail:
Farizat H. Gulieva
Farizat H. Gulieva, PhD Philology, Senior Researcher of the Sector of Karachay-Balkarian folklore of the Institute for the Humanities Research, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Establishment “Kabardian-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences,” Pushkin St., 18, 360000 Nalchik, KBR, Russia.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8883-4613
E-mail:
Abstract:
The article offers a comparative analysis of the features of a hedgehog image in various genres of folklore of the North Caucasian peoples drawing parallels with the domestic and world oral poetic tradition. Over the course of the study, a significant number of motives and plots, similar in content to the global or world-known ones were identified. Noteworthy, each ethnic group supplements these universal traits with details, corresponding to the mentality and features of its historical and cultural development. The article stresses that among the peoples of the North Caucasus the hedgehog had a totemic character, it could be used as a talisman against evil spirits, but there is no information about its use for medicinal purposes. In the known examples of oral literature the hedgehog acts as a wise, judicious and at the same time witty and courageous character, not afraid to confront larger and stronger opponents. The article analyzed the texts that in many traditions have an etiological nature, pointing to their archaism. The research allows us to conclude that the folklore of the North Caucasian peoples does not reflect the entire list of symbolic meanings of the hedgehog image which is known worldwide.
