«Myza» in Komi-Permyak folk funeral prayers, legends and ceremonial practices (an attempt of a system description)

Komi-Permyak belief in «myza» (punishment of the dead ancestors) is considered in a broad mythos-ritual context, including legends, family rituals and calendar rites. Under-investigated «formulas-invitations» (addressing the dead) and folk funeral prayers are analysed. In the article the Komi-Permyak category of «ancestors» is specified; it is also found out that the characters of Chudes' self-burial fundamentally vary (first settlers, runaway serfs, Russian old-believers etc.). It is concluded that «myza» is part of an important mythological and ritual complex, integrating ritual practices and contributing to the preservation of north and south Komi-Permyak sacred landscape.