Speaker
Description
Turkic mythology contains an extensive list of creation and succession myths, each supporting a diverse array of alternative retellings depending on the sociological and geographical context. The Epic of Ergenekon and the mythic tale of Asena are two such myths that contain crises of eradication at the core of their narratives. Utilising themes of extreme risk and scarcity of resources, the two myths create a profound cultural message of endurance in the face of extreme adversity. The endurance displayed within the myths consequently converts the crises of eradication into tales of proliferation and origination. This paper aims to analyse crises of eradication represented within the myths of Ergenekon and Asena, utilising different cultural perspectives within the Central Asian and Altai regions. Furthermore, the paper aims to analyse the means by which the crises of eradication are averted and converted into myths of repopulation and origination; therefore, highlighting themes of cultural and communal unity in the face of adversity.
| Keywords | Turkic Mythology, crises of eradication, cultural identity, communal unity |
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| aybars.elci@metu.edu.tr |