Book volume 4

Description

The fourth volume of Mälik Gabdullin’s Collected Works in Eleven Volumes - “The Oral Folk Literature of the Kazakh People” (Continuation of the Chrestomathy) and “The Heroic Epic of the Kazakh People” (Almaty, 2018, 288 pages) - is a scholarly and educational-methodical publication dedicated to one of the most important branches of Kazakh folklore: the heroic epic and the finest examples of oral folk literature.

This volume, continuing the previous part of the chrestomathy, systematizes the genres and artistic traditions of Kazakh oral literature, revealing the educational, aesthetic, and historical significance of the people’s spiritual heritage. The work contains proverbs, legends, ritual songs, and samples of everyday folklore reflecting the folk wisdom and way of life.

The second part of the volume presents a research study titled “The Heroic Epic of the Kazakh People.” The author thoroughly analyzes the origin, historical basis, thematic content, and artistic features of Kazakh heroic songs. The manifestation of ideas of heroism, patriotism, and humanism in ancient and medieval epics is scientifically examined, as well as their connection with the folk worldview.

Gabdullin regards the heroic epic not only as a literary heritage but also as a cultural phenomenon reflecting the spiritual essence, national character, and historical memory of the people. The work also highlights methods for teaching and analyzing the batyr (heroic) songs and emphasizes the importance of educating the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism and courage.

This volume is a valuable scholarly contribution facilitating in-depth study and teaching of Kazakh folklore, especially the heroic epic tradition, and expanding understanding of the national cultural heritage. It provides an opportunity to better comprehend the heroic spirit, historical consciousness, and artistic worldview of the Kazakh people.