The cult of wolf in traditional concepts of Turkic-speaking peoples of the Northern Caucasus

The article deals with the cult of wolf in traditional world views of the Karachays, the Balkars, the Kumyks and the Nogais. The author draws attention to the fact that wolf has a special place and is the most revered animal among the totemic cults of the Turkic peoples of the Northern Caucasus. It is concluded that the traces of that animal's veneration and its social significance are preserved today in traditional beliefs and epic traditions of the Turkic peoples of the Northern Caucasus.