Veneration of the horse among the northern Yakuts and its reflection in toponymy

Based on the analysis of field materials, the article examines the traditional ceremonial and ritual practices of the northern Yakuts (Sakha) associated with the cult of the horse, as well as its reflection in local toponymy. The work uses our own field expedition materials collected in Verkhoyansky district of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in 2019. It is important to note that many traditions associated with the cult of the horse are preserved among the northern Yakuts. The equestrian culture of the northern Yakuts is the most important ethnocultural code, one of the main markers of the mental culture of the Verkhoyansk Yakuts. Horse is one of the main cultural symbols of Sakha: its role is huge in economic activity, everyday life, culture, as well as in religious and mythological beliefs. In the folklore and worldview tradition of Sakha, the image of a horse and Diesegey Ayyy (Dehegey Ayyy - the supreme deity, the patron saint of horses) occupy a central place. The veneration of the horse was also reflected in the toponymy of Verkhoyansky district. It is important to note that the toponymy associated with the cult of the horse of the northern Yakuts has not been previously studied.