The plot structure of Armenian epic “Darevils of Sassoun”: invariants and transformations

A plot can be considered both as a pattern and content of the text’s semantic organization. In this regard we suggest adherence to the distinction between two levels of the plot: a deep level and a superficial one. In respect to the Armenian epic “The Daredevils of Sassoun” this distinction provides an opportunity to reveal integrity and coherence of the epic viewed as a unified set of all its various branches, versions, episodes and even variants, - despite that, on the superficial level, the cohesion between and within the various branches of the epic is rather weak. The underlying semantic structure is based on two associated axes (patrilineage - mat-rilineage; patrilocality - matrilocality) and two fundamental oppositions (masculine - feminine; own - alien). The deep plot of the epic can be understood as a representation of transition from the matrilineal (matrilocal) system in its radical form (denying men’s role in childbirth) to the opposing radical patrilineal system denying women’s role in its absolute and, therefore, tragic form (denying continuation of life). The well-known Levi-Straussian quasi-algebraic formula of the myth’s semantics can be used as an instrument for the formal representation of this plot.