To the typology of the Kuytsuk (Little Bald Man) image in the Adyg epic

Abstract

The article examines the image of Kuytsuk in the narrative (novelistic, magical, heroic tales, nart tales, historical and heroic epic) genres of Adyg folklore. Special attention is paid to identifying the signs that determine his social origin, personal qualities, and actions. Based on this, it is noted that this hero does not always have the same characteristic. When determining the typology of this character, the established scientific principle is used – by what means the hero achieves the goal. There are two types of image – Kuytsuk, who achieves a fabulous goal due to his physical strength, and Kuytsuk, who achieves the goal with cunning and intelligence. The study of the problem of establishing the characteristics of this image also occupied a significant place in the work depending on the folklore genre in which it is presented. As it appears from the material considered, despite all the similarity of the description of appearance, in different genres of Adyg folklore, the image of Kuytsuk has its own pronounced characteristic features. A fairy–tale character can be a typical "low hero" - inconspicuous and even funny to others, but a hero, in fact. In other cases, it is a hero of a laughing or satirical plan. In the heroic epic, he is represented as a figure symbolizing the logical conclusion of the genre, parodying the images of classic heroes-bogatyrs. The research is based on the opinions of Russian folklorists who were directly involved in the study of a typologically similar character in the folklore of other peoples.