Images оf the Antipode-Demiurges in the Creation Myths of the Evenks and the Evens

Abstract

Myths take a significant place in the folklore tradition of the Evenks and the Evens. Among them the texts of the myths stand out that are united by the theme of the world’s creation. Moreover, in the culture of these people among the stories of the creation of the world particularly the creation myths of the earth are presented. The article describes the antipodes Hargi (the Evenks) and Aringka (the Evens), acting as creator’s assistant Seveki and Hevki in the creation of the world. In the myths of the creation the Hargi’s image evolves from the “inept” wannabe - co-creator to the evil antipode - demiurge. Everything that Hargi created on the outlooks of the Evenks is harmful for the person and all worlds around. According to the materials, the Hargi’s image is presented only in the Evenk mythology of the creation, neither in the epic, nor in other folklore works. The Even’s Aringki, acting as a co-creator of the earth, is the antipode of the deity Hevki. In the myths of creation, this hero acts as a personalized character having its own name. According to the materials of the Even’s folklore, unlike the Evenk Hargi, the character Aringka went beyond the myths of the creation and became the hero of various folklore genres. In heroic legends he often acts as the main negative character, opposing the main hero or heroine. The analysis of the etymology revealed that the name of the Evenk co-creator is associated with the evil ghost, reviving again and again through the devilry. The author defines the general conclusion that the antipodes of the creators in the myths of creation the Evenks and the Evens keep community and also have its own specifics.