CHARACTER STRUCTURE OF MANSI FOLKLORE: FOREST MAN MISKHUM

Abstract

Mansi folklore is the richest material for research in the field of folklore, linguistics, ethnography and other sciences. Comprehension of folklore genres and images opens new boundaries for the study of representations reflected in codes and symbols. The characters of folklore are people, animals, elements, fantastic (mythical) creatures. In this article we will focus on one character - Miskhum. In Mansi folklore, he is presented as a forest man, whose main function is to help forest dwellers, hunters, disadvantaged orphans. Miskhum belongs to a local group of characters living in the forest. Extensive information about him is contained in fairy tales, stories and myths. The aim of the study is to conduct a systematic analysis of the image of Miskhum on the material of folklore texts and folk ideas. The research materials were field material of the author, as well as the texts of Mansi fairy tales published in various folklore collections, in periodicals. This work adds to the scientific knowledge about the Mansi folklore. For the first time, on the basis of folklore, linguistic and literary data, the image of a forest man is subjected to system analysis, and its functionality is revealed. The anthropomorphism of the image, its desire for socialization, distinguishes the folklore image from the mythological. Possession of the ability to metamorphosis, the desire to provide assistance, to bestow people with magical objects and abilities, all these qualities allowed Miskhum to be elevated to the rank of higher beings. In the traditional views of individual local groups, the Mansi Miskhum is exalted to the status of a patron spirit. The complex of prohibitions, ritual actions, the system of amulets existing in the Mansi determine the boundaries and degree of human interaction with Miskhum. The material opens up possible prospects for continuing research into the character and plot structure of Mansi folklore.