COMPLEX EPITHETS IN THE OLONKHO TEXTS OF THE NORTH-EASTERN YAKUT TRADITION: METAPHORICAL EPITHETS

Abstract

The article examines complex epithet constructions on the example of olonkho of the northeastern Yakut tradition. The objective of the research is to study complex epithets, in particular metaphorical epithets. Metaphorical epithets make up 15% of the total number of identified epithets in the analyzed olonkho texts. They have a simple and complex composition. Simple metaphorical epithets consist of one object and an image. In complex epithets, there are several objects, each of which has its own attributive combinations, including a noun in its direct meaning and a metaphor. A feature of the epithet structures of this tradition can be considered the presence of complex epithets with a stepped structure. They are characterized by one object and several of its images, which include simple metaphorical epithets. On a thematic basis, metaphorical epithets are divided into five thematic groups.