Authors

  • Nazira Abdunazarova
    Termez University of Economics and Service

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71337/inlibrary.uz.ijai.114432

Abstract

This scientific article comprehensively analyzes the role of myths, legends, and folk tales (rivoyat) in literature. The article sheds light on the theoretical foundations of these genres of oral tradition, their distinct characteristics, differences, and similarities. It also demonstrates the influence of mythological motifs, legendary plots, and elements of folk tales on the plot, character system, ideological and thematic direction, and artistic expressive means of literary works. The article analyzes examples of the use of myths, legends, and folk tales in Uzbek classical and modern literature, as well as their significance in reflecting national identity. This article aims to demonstrate the fundamental role of these genres in the development of literature and their contemporary relevance.

 

 

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23

American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025

Journal:

https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai

page 3

LINGUISTIC PHENOMENON OF ANONYMITY IN LANGUAGE

Abdunazarova Nazira Dilshodovna

Termez University of Economics and Service

Faculty of Pedagogy and Social-Humanitarian Sciences

Department of Philology and Language Teaching (Uzbek language)

2nd year student

Annotation:

This scientific article comprehensively analyzes the role of myths, legends, and

folk tales (rivoyat) in literature. The article sheds light on the theoretical foundations of these

genres of oral tradition, their distinct characteristics, differences, and similarities. It also

demonstrates the influence of mythological motifs, legendary plots, and elements of folk tales

on the plot, character system, ideological and thematic direction, and artistic expressive means

of literary works. The article analyzes examples of the use of myths, legends, and folk tales in

Uzbek classical and modern literature, as well as their significance in reflecting national

identity. This article aims to demonstrate the fundamental role of these genres in the

development of literature and their contemporary relevance.

Keywords:

Myth, legend, folk tale (rivoyat), literature, oral tradition, mythology, plot,

character, genre, Uzbek literature, literary work, archetype, culture, folklore.

Аннотация:

Данная научная статья всесторонне анализирует роль мифов, легенд и

преданий в литературе. В статье освещаются теоретические основы этих жанров устного

народного творчества, их особенности, различия и сходства. Также показано влияние

мифологических мотивов, легендарных сюжетов и элементов преданий на сюжет,

систему образов, идейно-тематическую направленность и художественные средства

выразительности литературных произведений. В статье анализируются примеры

использования мифов, легенд и преданий в узбекской классической и современной

литературе, а также их значение в отражении национальной самобытности. Статья

направлена на демонстрацию фундаментальной роли этих жанров в развитии литературы

и их актуальности на сегодняшний день.

Ключевые слова:

Миф, легенда, предание, литература, устное творчество, мифология,

сюжет, образ, жанр, узбекская литература, художественное произведение, архетип,

культура, фольклор.

Myths, legends, and folk tales (rivoyat) are ancient and integral parts of human culture. They

are forms of oral tradition passed down through generations, emdiving the worldview,

lifestyle, aspirations, and experiences of peoples. While sharing similarities, these genres also

have distinct differences, each holding a unique place in literary studies. This article aims to

thoroughly explore the theoretical foundations of myths, legends, and folk tales, their influence

on literature, and their role in Uzbek literature.

Theoretical Foundations of Myths, Legends, and Folk Tales

Mythology.

A myth is a collection of fantastical ideas held by ancient people about the world,

natural phenomena, divine powers, and the origin of humanity. Myths are primarily products of

collective consciousness, playing a crucial role in shaping worldview, moral norms, and rituals


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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23

American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025

Journal:

https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai

page 4

in primitive societies [1]. Cosmogonical (creation of the universe), theogonical (origin of gods),

and anthropogonical (origin of humans) myths are widespread across various cultures. As the

primary form of archaic thought, myths aim to explain reality not rationally, but through

imagery and symbolism [4].

Legend.

A legend is a genre closely related to myth but differs slightly. Legends often recount

heroic deeds, historical events, folk heroes, or individuals with supernatural powers. Unlike

myths, legends can have a more local character and are often associated with a specific place,

event, or person. Legends serve as an important source reflecting the collective memory, moral

values, and national identity of a people [5]. Uzbek folk legends, such as those about "Bibi

Seshanba" and "Afrosiyob," represent a rich spiritual heritage.

Folk Tale

(Rivoyat). A folk tale (rivoyat) is a narrative based on historical events or real

individuals, but enriched with artistic embellishments and elements of oral folk art [5]. Folk

tales are typically associated with place names, architectural monuments, famous personalities,

or significant historical events. They artistically generalize reality, shaping perceptions of the

past. In Uzbekistan, widespread folk tales like those about "Amir Temur" and the "Origin of

Tashkent's Name" animate the historical memory of the people.

The Place of Myths, Legends, and Folk Tales in Literature

. Myths, legends, and folk tales

have profoundly influenced the development of literature. They serve as a source for the plot

and compositional framework, character systems, ideas and themes, and artistic expressive

means in many literary works [2].

Plot and Composition: Mythological motifs and archetypes (e.g., the hero's journey, the

creation of the world) are found in the plotlines of numerous literary works [9].

Character Systems: Mythological heroes, divine powers, supernatural beings, and symbolic

characters are widely used in literature.

Ideas and Themes: Through myths, eternal philosophical questions of humanity – life and

death, good and evil, the meaning of existence – are explored artistically.

Artistic Expressive Means: Artistic devices such as metaphor, symbolism, and allegory often

originate from mythological concepts.

Inter-genre Connections

Myths, legends, and folk tales are closely intertwined with various literary genres:

Epics and heroic poems (e.g., "The Iliad," "The Mahabharata," "Alpomish") are rich in

mythological layers, with mythological plots often forming their core [8].

Dramatic works (e.g., ancient Greek tragedies) frequently feature mythological motifs [3].

In prose, folk tales are used to narrate the origins of characters, place names, or historical

events [6].

In lyric poetry, mythological images acquire symbolic meanings.

Literary Traditions and Modernism

Mythological roots are clearly evident in classical literature. In Uzbek classical literature, poets

like Alisher Navoiy and Lutfiy extensively used mythological and legendary motifs and

characters in their works. During the Jadid period, a new approach to myths and legends

emerged. In 20th-21st century Uzbek literature, authors such as Cho‘lpon, Abdulla Qodiriy,

G‘afur G‘ulom, O‘tkir Hoshimov, Pirimqul Qodirov, and Tohir Malik reinterpreted myths,

legends, and folk tales, blending them with modern ideas [10]. They masterfully utilized these

elements to enhance national spirit, philosophical depth, and artistic impact.

Analysis of Myths, Legends, and Folk Tales in Uzbek Literature

. The role of myths,

legends, and folk tales in Uzbek literature is immensely significant. Our national epic


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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23

American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 06,2025

Journal:

https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai

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"Alpomish" is rich in mythological layers, reflecting universal ideas such as heroism, loyalty,

and justice through mythological plots [8]. The legendary elements in the "Go‘ro‘g‘li" cycle,

with characters possessing supernatural powers, express the courage and aspirations of the

people.

Historical novels skillfully employ folk tales. For instance, while the influence of certain folk

tales related to place names and individuals is perceptible in Abdulla Qodiriy's "O‘tkan kunlar,"

this aspect becomes even more pronounced in historical works by later authors [6]. In the works

of Uzbek writers, mythological characters often serve as important artistic tools for conveying

national values, moral norms, and philosophical reflections [7]. Myths, legends, and folk tales

play an incomparable role in reflecting national identity and revealing the spiritual world of the

people.

In conclusion, myths, legends, and folk tales are not only ancient examples of human culture,

but they also played a fundamental role in the emergence and development of literature. These

genres have endowed literary works with deep meaning, symbolic content, and artistic charm.

They remain a relevant source for contemporary literature, as they convey universal values,

national identity, and philosophical ideas. Myths, legends, and folk tales will continue to serve

as an eternal source of inspiration for literature. Further in-depth research on this topic will

always be relevant for literary studies.

REFERENCES:

1. Karimov N. et al. Adabiyot nazariyasi [Literary Theory]. – Tashkent: Fan, 2004.

2. Oripov A. Mifologiya va adabiyot [Mythology and Literature]. – Tashkent: Sharq, 1999.

3. Zhirmunsky V.M. Sravnitelnoye literaturovedeniye. Vostok i Zapad [Comparative Literary

Studies. East and West]. – Leningrad: Nauka, 1979.

4. Steblin-Kamensky M.I. Mif [Myth]. – Leningrad: Nauka, 1976.

5. Malikov A. O‘zbek xalq og‘zaki ijodi [Uzbek Oral Folk Art]. – Tashkent: Fan, 2007.

6. Qodirov P. Yulduzli tunlar [Starry Nights]. – Tashkent: Sharq, 2004.

7. Hoshimov O‘. Dunyoning ishlari [The World's Affairs]. – Tashkent: Sharq, 2005.

8. Sarimsoqov B. O‘zbek xalq dostonlari poetikasi [Poetics of Uzbek Folk Epics]. – Tashkent:

Fan, 1989.

9. Propp V.Ya. Morfologiya skazki [Morphology of the Folk Tale]. – Moscow: Nauka, 1969.

10. Turobova G. Mifologik obrazlar o‘zbek adabiyotida [Mythological Images in Uzbek

Literature]. Ph.D. diss. – Tashkent, 2018.

References

Karimov N. et al. Adabiyot nazariyasi [Literary Theory]. – Tashkent: Fan, 2004.

Oripov A. Mifologiya va adabiyot [Mythology and Literature]. – Tashkent: Sharq, 1999.

Zhirmunsky V.M. Sravnitelnoye literaturovedeniye. Vostok i Zapad [Comparative Literary Studies. East and West]. – Leningrad: Nauka, 1979.

Steblin-Kamensky M.I. Mif [Myth]. – Leningrad: Nauka, 1976.

Malikov A. O‘zbek xalq og‘zaki ijodi [Uzbek Oral Folk Art]. – Tashkent: Fan, 2007.

Qodirov P. Yulduzli tunlar [Starry Nights]. – Tashkent: Sharq, 2004.

Hoshimov O‘. Dunyoning ishlari [The World's Affairs]. – Tashkent: Sharq, 2005.

Sarimsoqov B. O‘zbek xalq dostonlari poetikasi [Poetics of Uzbek Folk Epics]. – Tashkent: Fan, 1989.

Propp V.Ya. Morfologiya skazki [Morphology of the Folk Tale]. – Moscow: Nauka, 1969.

Turobova G. Mifologik obrazlar o‘zbek adabiyotida [Mythological Images in Uzbek Literature]. Ph.D. diss. – Tashkent, 2018.