THE IMAGE OF THE LONELY HERO IN CHECHEN HEROIC-HISTORICAL SONGS “ILLI”

Abstract

This article examines the image of the folk hero in Chechen heroic-historical “illi” songs on the basis of published works and field materials. The analysis of the considered texts shows that patriotic and social themes are stable and dominant in the Chechen heroic epos, as in the heroic literature of many other Caucasian peoples. The portrayal of reality in terms of traditional heroics (heroic exaltation, the cult of valour and valour, idealisation, etc) are markedly dominated in the illi” songs because they represent human values (first of all moral values) connected with the upbringing of heroic and active men who can defend the weaks and resist social violence and oppression on the part of local feudals and foreign oppressors. In this context, freedom, equality, fraternity and justice become the main criterias of values. Heroic-historical songs express love of the country, friendship, loyalty to the word, respect for women, courage and bravery. The songs especially praise the observance of dignity and competitioncalled “yakh”. Among the most popular and widespread Chechen songs are the songs of heroes – “The Song of Prince Musost and Surkho, son of Ada, living on the Terek”, “Aktola, son of Jumi”, “The Song of Jammirz, son of Madi”, “Three Victories of Shikhmirzi”, “Eli, son of Umar from Akki”, and others. “Illi” songs are principal depositories of Chechen spiritual and moral values.