Axiological approach in bylina studies: value analysis of Russian epic in the nineteenth century

The article reveals the process of axiological approach formation in Russian epics studies in the history of the XIX century. The important point for identification of the content value of Russian bylinas and analysis of heroes became discussion about the content of the “genuine nation” (A. S. Pushkin): also, the fact that “Russian spirit” has a distinctive system of value concepts organized into a coherent picture of the world of Russian epic consciousness (S.P. Shevyrev). The importance of the first axiological analysis of epics undertaken by S. N. Glinka in 1808 is emphasized. The axiological approach was later developed in the works of S.P. Shevyrev and K.S. Aksakov. S.P. Shevyrev carried out the first detailed axiological analysis of the epic in the history of Russian science, he is the author of the concept of force in epic: the attitude to the miraculous power (talent) not as a tool for achievement of vested interests, but as a burden and ministry. K.S. Aksakov clarifies the epic picture of the world, highlighting its main features: the rejection of magic and the interpretation of the supernatural as demonic. The heroes of the epics are acting not in their own interests; but according to “moral consciousness” deep feeling of spiritual need (N.Y. Danilevsky). In the 1840-1850 years, the dismissive attitude to the epics was dominant in educated circles of Russian society, and since the 1860-ies and until the Soviet time, there was a discussion of supporters of the mythological and the historical school in the scientific community. Except O. Miller, who used value analysis as an instrument, no one among the researchers of folklore inherited the views of S. P. Shevyrev and K.S. Aksakov; axiological “school” as an independent direction of national epic was not formed.