Comparison in Khakas and Russian epics

The article analyzes the means of expression of comparison in Khakas and Russian epics within traditional worldviews of Khakas and Russian linguocultures. Each structural type of comparison found in these epics performs the function of imagery. Selection of denotative areas to which the comparison references belong turns out to be standard for many languages; however, selection of particular lexemes is ethnically specific and is defined by a nation's worldview, its traditions and history. Comparisons are actively used in the epic system of imagery and are expressed with the help of simple and complex comparative constructions, as well as morphological means.