Cosmological Archetypes in National Versions of the Epic “Jangar”

This article examines heroic matchmaking narratives in the songs of the Xinjiang Oirat epic tradition, “Jangar.” The study of matrimonial narratives associated with archaic elements of the epic is highly relevant. The aim of our study is to examine narratives of heroic matchmaking in the songs of the Xinjiang Oirat version of the “Jangar” epic in a comparative perspective with the Kalmyk epic tradition. The study's material is the lyrics of songs from the Xinjiang Oirat epic tradition, “Jangar,” published by the Xinjiang People's Publishing House in China from 1986 to 2000 in the Oirat script “todo bichig” (“clear writing”), translated into Kalmyk by B.Kh. Todayeva, as well as the lyrics of the Kalmyk version of “Jangar.” Our research has led us to conclude that heroic matchmaking stories, recounting a hero’s long journey to find his bride, are a common narrative in the Xinjiang Oirat epic tradition of “Jangar.” Common themes, which constitute the constructive elements of the plots of heroic matchmaking songs, are found in the repertoires of jangarchi belonging to various epic schools. In the heroic epic “Jangar,” with its predominantly military focus, the plot of the marriage journey takes on a heroic character, with the hero participating in military competitions with a suitor for the bride's hand. The plot structure of the songs consists of key elements: the hero receives news of his betrothed, an unsuccessful matchmaking, the search for the bride, his stay in her country, and participation in the marriage competition. The hero passes a test of agility, strength, and courage, thereby proving that he is the destined groom, receives the bride, and returns to his native nomadic camps.