Paper long abstract:

The paper discusses the peculiarities of sacral symbols that are depicted in the Kyrgyz epic "Manas". The national epic consists of three layers as mythological, historical and the latest enrichments. The most ancient mythological layer of "Manas" is rich with symbolic sacral values.

Based on the Kyrgyz folkloric text this paper primarily focuses on the genealogical and numerical symbols (sanjyra, tamga, and sacral numbers) as well as the attributes and armour of the hero Manas that depict the specific nomadic worldview and coexistence with nature. Another unique sacral symbolic concerns the epic archetype - the main hero Manas. Especially two episodes - the birth of the hero and naming the hero that is perceived as sacral creation of the world and of the man.

The main argument of the article is that the peculiarity of the epic tradition of the Kyrgyz people is reflected not only in the form of an oral transmission of knowledge that has been passed from generation to generation, but also a comprehensive sign-symbolic system which embodies a special purpose to preserve its origin and culture.

This paper is based on primary sources as the manuscripts of the epic texts from the Kyrgyz National Academy of Science and the National Archive as well as published materials, including a four-volume book of "Manas" published in 1958-1960 by the Institute of Language and Literature of the Academy of Science of the Kyrgyz SSR and various articles.