Stability, variability and transformation of epic traditions in the Olonkho of the Vilyui region of the mid-19th-20th century

The article deals with the issues of continuity, stability, variability, and transformation of archaic epic traditions in the early text (mid-19th century) and subsequent records (mid-20th century) in the olonkho of the Vilyui region. Attention is drawn to the features of compositional plot structures and plot motifs, and their functional and analytical characteristics are proposed. In connection with the replenishment of the olonkho fund with new publications on Yakut folklore studies, the problem of confirming, updating, and developing previously obtained results to identify common and local epic traditions has become relevant. The study has revealed that the olonkho texts in question are missing certain motifs of epic creativity that have become canonical, for example, the settlement of the Middle world by the aiyy tribes, the appointment of bogatyrs by the Deities as protectors of the Middle world tribes. Instead of Aal Duup mas (Oak Tree), a birch variant of the mythological Sacred Tree image was established. The motifs from the early recording of the olonkho, such as the murder of a brother due to rivalry, the forced possession of women, the characters’ premarital intimate relationships, the actions of the grandfather to marry his grandson off against his will were not subsequently developed in the Vilyui epics. The obtained new additional facts will help to identify the basic models of the epic narrative, and to determine the general and local features of epic traditions.