“Fox Stories” in the Folklore of the Khakass

Abstract

Purpose. The article explores the characteristics of the fox in the oral folk art of the Khakass. The study is based on folklore, ethnographic and linguistic sources. The paper analyzes folklore materials published in Russian and Khakass languages. Results. The author explores various genres of narrative Khakass tradition, which feature the fox: myths, epics, tales and sayings. During the process of analysis, it was concluded that the representation of this animal can be commonly found in folk art of the Khakass. Moreover, it has a complex and ambiguous characterization. The perception of this beast in the traditional consciousness was, to a large extent, determined by a long study of its biological nature, external data and habits. Russian culture also had a certain influence on the formation of the folklore image of the fox among the Khakass. Five main plot groups in which the designated beast appears are identified. The works assigned to Groups 1-4 were formed based on their own mythological views and within the framework of their ethnic tradition. They arose as a result of direct observations of the life and habits of the fox and reflected the life experience of the people, their observations, ideas of the surrounding nature and the desire for knowledge of the world. In many ways, they have an etiological character and are associated with a belief in magic and sorcery. What is also important is that in these works, the direct life of the animals themselves is depicted, as it was presented in the traditional consciousness of the people. The narratives assigned to Group 5 were mostly developed in the context of intercultural contacts between the Khakass and Russians. Conclusion. As a result of this process, there was a borrowing and processing of images and plots within the framework of their own ethnic tradition. There is a tendency under the guise of animals to depict people and their psychological properties, as well as display the social and everyday life of society. The interpretation of the form of the trickster-fox is subject to a certain moral and ethical norm. At the heart of all the stories studied is the motive for obtaining food, which is carried out in various ways and as a result forms the corresponding stereotype of perception of this beast.