The Motive of the Youngest Son: the Turkic Peoples, the Phenomenon of Inheritance in Folklore
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Anahtar Kelimeler:
youngest son, folklore, Turkic peoples, shanyrak, ethnoculture, epic, spiritual heritage.Özet
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the ethnocultural, historical, and socio-philosophical significance of the ―youngest son‖ motif in the folklore of Turkic peoples. The youngest son is a traditional and recurring character found in various genres of oral literature, such as fairy tales, epics, legends, and genealogical narratives. He is typically portrayed as weaker, more humble, or less prominent than his elder brothers. However, through acts of justice, intelligence, and perseverance, he ultimately triumphs and fulfills a heroic mission. This narrative strategy emphasizes the value of inner virtues over physical strength within the worldview of Turkic communities.
The study also explores the connection between the youngest son motif and traditional inheritance systems. In Kazakh society, for instance, the youngest son is regarded as the keeper of the family hearth (shanyrak), who remains with the parents and assumes responsibility for continuing the family lineage. Similar practices are found among the Kyrgyz, Nogai, Bashkir, and Tatar peoples. The article analyzes the symbolic and social aspects of this tradition as reflected in folklore. Furthermore, the mythological and sacred dimensions of the youngest son‘s character are discussed. Often endowed with mystical powers or heroic traits, he becomes a literary medium for transmitting cultural memory and spiritual values. A comparative approach is used to highlight both shared and distinctive features of this motif across various Turkic cultures, while also considering its role in contemporary cultural contexts.
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