Tengrism in the Karachay-Balkar ‘Nartada’

Abstract

The article examines the supreme deity of Karachay-Balkar pagan pantheon - Teiri (Tengri). Three pantheons of pagan deities are inherent to the religious and mythological system of the Karachay-Balkar people, namely: Turkic, Alanic and Caucasian ones. It is universally recognized that the Supreme God of all these deities is Teiri / Tengri. Deities of the Turkic pagan pantheon of Karachays and Balkars are generally referred to as ‘Teiri’ (‘Tengri’), and the functions of each such Teiri (Tengri) are strictly differentiated: Teiri of the Sky, Teiri of the Earth, Teiri of the Sun, Teiri of Water, etc. The importance and significance of the Teiri cult in the pagan pantheon virtually predetermined the fact that people kept worshipping the deity even after the adoption of Islam. Like many other Turkic and Mongolic peoples, ancient Balkars and Karachays held special prayers for the ‘deity of all deities’ - Teiri. Prayer hymns in his honor were central to the mysteries. The peculiarity of the songs is that spells for whatever desired were issued as something already real with extensive use of hyperbole, which is due to the ancient belief in the magical power of the word. According to the Karachay-Balkar Nart songs and legends, the creation of the world and Narts is connected with Teiri’s activities, and further he most significantly influences the fates of Nart heroes.