Mythological elements in the folk narratives of Kazan Tatars

Abstract

Tatar Turks are one of the most substantial tribes of the Idel-Ural region which has a rich Turkish culture from past to future. In this study on the folk narratives of Tatar Turks, the aim is to identify and evaluate the mythological elements found in the texts of epics, legends and tales from folk narrative genres. These mythological elements which are the indicators of feelings, thoughts and perception of a nation towards life, have been identified with reference to "Motif Index of Folk Literature" by Stith Thompson. Among the identified mythological elements are "Mythological Entities", "Mythological Nature Elements", "Mythological Animals", "Mythological World Design", "Mythological Colours" and "Mythological Numbers". In this study, the resemblances of the mythological elements identified in the epic, legend and tale texts chosen through samplings and their meanings ascribed in the mythology of Tatar Turks have been revealed, additionally, their meanings in Turkish tribes have also been mentioned.