Concepts of the Soul and Spirit Masters in Kyrgyz and Korean Mythology

This article analyzes the manifestations of archaic elements of belief in "master spirits" in Kyrgyz and Korean cultures. Their functions are being identified in cultural and ethnographic contexts. The relevance of the chosen topic has led increased interest in Korean culture in modern Kyrgyz society, which is changing its dynamics in recent developments. The research methodology is based on comparative historical analysis, as well as an interdisciplinary approach, including elements of cultural studies and folklore studies. To this end, the article analyzes parallels between key archaic images, such as spirits of nature and sacred natural objects, spirits-masters of diseases, dwellings, spirits-patrons of crafts, etc., as well as belief in the spirits of the dead. A comparative analysis of ethnographic materials of the Kyrgyz and Korean peoples allows us to reveal that similar manifestations of the concepts of “master spirit”, “patron spirit”, “soul” are continuously linked to the cult of ancestors. In this context, an attempt is made to identify the commonality of animistic perception in the archaic worldview system of both peoples.