250 years in the lands of Buryatia: legends and verbal stories of the Old Believers (Semeyskie) as a reflection of sub-ethnic community

The article reviews the legends and verbal stories of old believers of Buryatia from the point of view which reflects people's understanding of certain historical events, and also from the point of view reflecting sub-ethnic community. The desire of the old believers to preserve their identity reflected in their folklore, focusing on the moral, spiritual and historical experience of the people. Analysis of the legends and verbal stories of the old believers of Buryatia showed that the main factor contributing to the preservation of the Semeyskie sub-ethnic community is a commitment to the ancient faith of the fathers. The "ancient Orthodoxy" for the former old believers was the main guide to life, gave the believers moral and physical strength in difficult life situations. A departure from the religious traditions of the fathers is admitted by modern believers and is reproached, as it leads to washing out of the boundaries of sub-ethnic identity.