Koryak literature: genesis and poetics

The article explores the origins and development of Koryak literature. The specificity of Koryak literature is that it did not appear as a result of gradual development, but as a product of “Cultural revolution”, being a part of the political agenda of the time. Similar to several other national literatures, it equalled the personalities, who represented it at its formation. Typological and comparative analyses of the first Koryak narratives, which appeared almost simultaneously with the Koryak alphabet, show that in the early stage Koryak writers widely used the Koryak folklore (fairytales, legends) as well as events of everyday life (descriptions of rituals, rites and the routine duties) in their works. There are motifs typical of all indigenous peoples of Siberia in the narratives such as bear-hunting, skill and cunning demonstrated by a character under pressing circumstances, etc. The first works were written in Koryak language. Kietsai Kiekketyn based his narratives on the every day events from life of his farther, relatives, and acquaintances, depicting them in the context of traditional rituals and festivities (Khoiakholt) as well as deer-pasture, fishing or hunting (Evnyto, the Shepherd). Lev Zhukov, his contemporary and classmate, retold folklore tales in his writings. His series of short stories about Notaime, a legendary hero, who united the Koryak people and taught them how to fish and fire a rifle, are based on folk tales about an orphan. The first Koryak writers received their education in Leningrad. The Koryak literary tradition was interrupted by their tragic disappearance in the late 1930 th.