Myths and legends of every people are something like an attempt to find an explanation for these and those phenomena unclear for human and also they are “folk idea” of the history of every nation. The myths and legends appeared at the dawn of humanity. As yet the primeval people tried to explain natural phenomenon incomprehensible for them, inventing different myths about gods of sun, thunderstorm, rain, etc., punishing people for their disobedience. This was the way how the legends appeared. The legends in their turn, comprising certain historical data were told from generation to generation accumulating more and more exaggerations.
Every country and every nation has myths and legends of their own. The Kyrgyz history has its very ancient origin that is why many events became known for us in a form of myths and legendsThe most famous work in the Kyrgyz folklore - the Epic of “Manas” has a half-legendary nature. Actually, many historical events described in the epic did take place, but the major part of this work is a folk legend however. The epic tells about a strong man by name Manas who united all the Kyrgyz. The Epic of Manas is the longest one in the worlds: it is twice longer than the Indian epic of Makhabkharata.
Besides the Epic of Manas there exist other myths and legends connected, primarily, with geographic places. The legends of Issyk-Kul “The Pearl of Kyrgyzstan” enjoy special popularity.
In addition to this, many Kyrgyz mountain ranges and gorges are also connected with myths and legends. One of them is the Jeti-Oguz Gorge. The gorge was named after seven red rocks resembling lying bulls.
Another interesting legend is associated with the Barskaun gorge. In the depth of the gorge, there is the “The Manas Bowl” waterfall. A folk story reads that Manas being in the gorge scooped water from the spring leaving a depression there in a form of the bowl.
There is another famous legend about the famous Russian traveler N.M. Przhevalsky. According to the legend the Russian natural scientist during his trip in Kyrgyzstan helped the local shepherds to kill the eagle who was hunting their flocks. In memory of this, on his tomb, the Kyrgyz established the killed eagle with its beak having an olive branch a symbol of peace and well-being.
Thus the myths and legends are reflecting in their own way the ideas, hopes and history of each people. They are awaking the belief in people and also help to remember their history even though in a fairy mythological form.
The Kyrgyz mythology and legends reflect respect and esteem to their heroes and love for their country, its nature and its history.
