THE HEROIC MOTIFS THAT FORM THE BASIS OF THE ARAB EPIC IN THE “BANU HILAL” EPIC

ГЕРОИЧЕСКИЕ МОТИВЫ, КОТОРЫЕ ФОРМИРУЮТ ОСНОВУ АРАБСКОГО ЭПОСА В ЭПОСЕ «БАНУ ХИЛАЛ»

Хазратгулиева Севиндж

докторант, заведующая отделом электронных ресурсов Института рукописей имени Мухаммеда Физули Национальной академии наук Азербайджана,

Азербайджан, г. Баку

ABSTRACT

By shaping our understanding of what heroism means and the values we associate with it, heroic motifs have also influenced our way of thinking about heroism and the human condition. The heroic motifs in the epic poem have fascinated both scholars and readers alike. These motifs serve as the building blocks of the epic narrative, providing the poet with a framework to explore themes, characters, and ideas.

In this article, the theme of heroism in the Arab folk epic “Banu Hilal”, a gem of Arab folklore, is discussed, and heroic characters are presented.

АННОТАЦИЯ

Формируя наше понимание того, что означает героизм и какие ценности мы с ним связываем, героические мотивы также повлияли на наш образ мышления о героизме и состоянии человека. Героические мотивы в эпической поэме очаровали как ученых, так и читателей. Эти мотивы служат строительными блоками эпического повествования, предоставляя поэту основу для изучения тем, персонажей и идей. В данной статье рассматривается тема героизма в арабском народном эпосе «Бану Хилал», жемчужине арабского фольклора, и представлены героические персонажи.

Keywords: Epic literature, Banu Hilal epic, heroism motif, tribe, hero.

Ключевые слова: Эпическая литература, эпос Бану Хилал, мотив героизма, племя, герой

Heroism motifs have had a profound impact on literature and art throughout history. They have served as a source of inspiration for countless works of literature, art, and music - from medieval romantic tales to modern superhero films. Migration, conquest, and defeat were historical events that occurred between the 10th and 12th centuries AD. Based on these significant events, the Arab oral tradition produced rich and complex stories built around heroic characters.

Although there are various interpretations of what constitutes an epic story, scholars generally agree on several defining features. First and foremost, epic stories typically feature a hero or protagonist embarking on a difficult journey filled with trials and tribulations. The protagonist possesses remarkable qualities such as courage, strength, and intelligence, which make them a model of virtuous behavior (Burayru, Abd al-Hamid. 1985. Pp.2–5).

Heroism motifs are often characterized by grandeur, magnificence, and a sense of awe. These motifs involve some extraordinary event, action, or condition that distinguishes the hero from ordinary people. They may include supernatural intervention, miraculous events, or exceptional strength, bravery, or cunning. Heroism motifs often encompass a sense of destiny or fate, where the hero is driven by a sense of purpose or duty. Let us examine some heroism motifs present in the epic.

Courage and Bravery: The heroes of the epic are distinguished by their exceptional courage in battle. They often demonstrate martial valor and tactical ingenuity, fearlessly facing enemies and dangerous challenges.

Loyalty and Honor: Loyalty to the tribe and its values is a central theme. The heroes adhere to a code of honor that emphasizes loyalty to kin, respect for customs and traditions, and the protection of tribal dignity.

Pursuit of Justice: Many stories portray heroes seeking justice for a perceived wrong or defending their tribe against injustice. Avenging insults or restoring honor often forms a core part of this pursuit.

Survival and Resilience: The harsh desert environment underscores the motifs of survival and resilience. Heroes are shown to endure hardships, adapt to difficult conditions, and display skill in navigating and mastering their surroundings.

Legendary Achievements: Heroes attain legendary status through extraordinary feats of heroism. These may include defeating powerful enemies, embarking on epic journeys, or making sacrifices to strengthen the tribe.

Divine Favor and Destiny: Some narratives associate heroism with divine favor or destiny. The hero may be portrayed as fulfilling a prophetic role or receiving supernatural aid during their quest.

By providing a framework for the exploration of themes, characters, and ideas, heroism motifs are a decisive element in epic poetry. First, when the hero encounters challenges and obstacles that test their skills, these motifs serve to create tension and a sense of uncertainty. Second, they act as a vehicle for exploring themes and ideas such as the essence of heroism, the consequences of power, and the meaning of honor and duty. Third, by drawing from mythological and historical sources, heroism motifs allow poets to create a rich tapestry of cultural references that foster a sense of continuity and tradition. By examining the purpose, characteristics, and functions of heroism motifs, we can gain a deeper understanding of the epic narrative and its significance in literature and culture. From ancient Greek epics to modern superhero films, the motif of heroism continues to captivate audiences and inspire new works of art and literature.

One of the most widespread themes in epic literature is the hero’s personal development, transformation, and journey — symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. This theme emphasizes human resilience and the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Throughout history, epic tales have served as reflections of society, embodying the values, beliefs, and struggles of different eras. These stories often feature larger-than-life heroes.

The legendary epic of “Banu Hilal,” a product of Arab oral tradition, includes many heroic figures who embody the values of courage, loyalty, and honor. Some of these characters stand out due to their dedication to a noble cause, making them archetypes of heroic motivation.

Heroes come in many forms. Some are heroic by inheritance, while others become heroes through their deeds. Inherited heroes are engaged in constant struggle and are consistently admired. Abu Zayd, the central figure with remarkable superhuman abilities, is the “epic hero” who performs astonishing feats such as battling supernatural enemies. The concept of the epic hero was first defined by the Greeks. Through legendary and awe-inspiring wisdom, these tragic heroes are meant to inspire feelings of heroism in the audience. An epic hero must be someone whose destiny is tied to their admirable traits (Jake Brereton, pp. 56, 2022). Deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of the Arab world, this epic is renowned for its rich heroism motifs. Below is a list of the most important heroism motifs in the Banu Hilal epic:

1. Tribal Honor and Loyalty: The epic emphasizes the importance of tribal honor and loyalty. Heroes like Abu Zayd and Diyab are driven by a strong sense of tribal and familial duty, risking their lives to defend their people and avenge their honor.

2. Courage and Martial Bravery: The epic frequently highlights the bravery and martial prowess of heroes who are portrayed as fearless warriors, skilled in battle and unafraid to face danger. Their valor is considered a defining trait of their heroic character.

3. Protection of the Weak: Saga heroes are often shown protecting the vulnerable, such as women, children, and the elderly. The heroes see it as their duty to defend those who cannot defend themselves – a motif closely linked to the ideals of tribal honor and loyalty.

4. Revenge and Retribution: Revenge and retribution are strong themes, as heroes seek to right past wrongs and protect their honor from enemies. This motif is often driven by a desire for justice and the restoration of balance and order.

5. Love and Romance: The epic also includes romantic elements, as heroes often fall in love with women from other tribes or social classes. These love stories are used to emphasize the hero’s chivalry and honor, as they are willing to risk everything to be with their beloved.

6. Piety and Devotion: Many heroic characters are portrayed as devout and faithful Muslims, viewing their actions as service to God and a defense of Islamic values. This motif adds a spiritual dimension to the heroic narrative.

7. Leadership: Wise and just leaders such as Abu Zayd are shown to guide their people and make difficult decisions in times of crisis. These leaders are often portrayed as having a deep understanding of the world and its ways.

8. Sacrifice: Epic heroes are willing to make great sacrifices for the greater good – whether to protect their tribes, avenge a wrong, or uphold their honor. This willingness to sacrifice is considered a core aspect of their heroic nature.

9. Hospitality and Nobility: The epic highlights the importance of hospitality and nobility, as heroes are often shown welcoming guests and strangers. This motif is also closely tied to the themes of tribal honor and loyalty.

10. National Identity: The Banu Hilal epic celebrates Arab national identity and cultural heritage. Its heroes are often portrayed as embodiments of Arab values and traditions, with their actions serving as sources of pride and inspiration.

Throughout the epic, a number of other heroes and brave figures emerge, each contributing to the story of the tribe’s valor and honor. These individuals often embody the epic’s heroic motifs by defending the tribe or confronting enemies. While male heroism is typically emphasized in epics, women also display heroism through courage, wisdom, and resilience, especially when supporting their families and tribes in difficult times.

These figures represent the heroic motifs of courage, loyalty, justice, and endurance, which define the Banu Hilal legend and reflect the cultural and social values of the Bedouin people. Several main characters exemplify these motifs through their actions and roles in the narrative. Here are some notable figures (Susan Slyomovics, pp. 1-15, 2019):

1. Abu Zayd al-Hilali: Often portrayed as the central hero of the epic, Abu Zayd embodies bravery, loyalty, and a deep sense of honor. His heroic qualities are highlighted through his journeys, feats of valor, battles against enemies, and leadership in times of crisis. Driven by a strong sense of duty to his tribe and family, he risks his life to protect them from enemy attacks.
2. Hilal ibn Amer: As the ancestor of the Banu Hilal tribe, Hilal ibn Amer is revered for his leadership and bravery. His legacy of courage and resilience is carried on by his descendants, including Abu Zayd al-Hilali.
3. Diyab ibn Ghanim: Diyab is another prominent hero known for his martial prowess and unwavering commitment to justice. His actions are driven by a desire to avenge past wrongs and protect the weak and defenseless.
4. Abu al-Mihjan: Known for his bravery and chivalry, Abu al-Mihjan is Abu Zayd’s cousin. Motivated by a sense of honor and loyalty to his tribe, he risks his life to protect them from enemies.
5. Az-Zanati Khalifa: A wise and just leader, Az-Zanati Khalifa is driven by the desire to defend his people and their rights. He is known for his strategic thinking and wisdom in critical moments.
6. Fatimah al-Zahra: Fatimah is the female hero of the epic, known for her bravery and cleverness. As a fierce defender of her family and tribe, she plays a vital role in many battles.

These characters, along with others, embody the core heroic motifs of the Banu Hilal epic. Motivated by a strong sense of duty, honor, and loyalty, they risk their lives to protect their people and uphold justice.

Above all, Abu Zayd al-Hilali demonstrates the virtues of heroism. Guided by a strong moral compass and a desire to protect his tribe, his relentless pursuit of justice defines his heroism. Throughout the tale, Abu Zayd faces numerous challenges — from battles with rival tribes to treacherous schemes — yet remains steadfast in his determination to do what is right.

Another key figure driven by heroic motifs is Zaynab, Abu Zayd’s sister. Her courage and cunning during times of hardship are crucial to the survival of the Hilali tribe. Zaynab shows unwavering loyalty to her family and community, often disguising herself as a man to gather crucial information or rescue loved ones. Her actions in the face of adversity are a testament to the importance of women’s empowerment and agency.

Another character shaped by heroic motifs is Jasir, Abu Zayd’s loyal companion. His unwavering loyalty to Abu Zayd and the Hilali tribe is matched only by his fearlessness in battle.

There are also numerous secondary characters driven by heroism, including Sheikh Nasr, who provides wise counsel and guidance to his people. With years of experience and knowledge, Nasr’s wisdom proves invaluable in times of crisis, and his commitment to the well-being of the tribe remains unwavering.

Despite numerous challenges and setbacks in the story, the heroic spirit of the entire Hilali tribe is emphasized as they nev waver in their pursuit of justice, freedom, and dignity. Their collective bravery, resilience, and determination powerfully demonstrate the importance of community and solidarity in the face of adversity.

In the Banu Hilal epic, there are numerous heroic characters who embody the values of courage, loyalty, and honor. Figures like Abu Zayd, Zaynab, Jasir, Sheikh Nasr, and the Hilali tribe as a whole display heroic motifs that continue to inspire generations of listeners and readers. Their stories illustrate the necessity of rising in defense of justice, even against great odds, and show the transformative power of bravery, loyalty, and determination. The story has been passed down for generations in the Arab world, and Abu Zayd is considered one of the epic’s most important heroes. Some of the heroic motifs associated with Abu Zayd al-Hilali include (Patterson, J.R. 1930; Lyons, M.C. 1995, pp. 5):

1. Bravery and Courage: Abu Zayd is depicted as a fearless warrior who embodies the values of courage and valor. He is said to have fought in numerous battles, often against overwhelming odds, and emerged victorious.

2. Leadership: Abu Zayd is portrayed as a natural leader who inspires loyalty and dedication in his followers. He is known to have led the Banu Hilal tribe to victory in many battles and guided them through difficult times.

3. Hospitality and Generosity: Abu Zayd was famous for his generosity and hospitality. He is described as a gracious host who welcomed guests and strangers into his home and often went out of his way to ensure their comfort and happiness.

4. Loyalty and Honor: Abu Zayd is depicted as a man of his word who holds loyalty and honor above all else. He is described as being deeply devoted to his tribe and family, and as someone who would defend them against anything that threatened them.

5. Wisdom and Strategic Thinking: Abu Zayd is portrayed as a wise and strategic thinker who often outwits his enemies with cunning and intellect. He is also said to be a skilled diplomat, able to negotiate alliances and resolve conflicts through charm and intelligence.

6. Piety and Devotion: Abu Zayd is described as a devout and faithful Muslim with a deep commitment to his beliefs. He is known to have regularly performed prayers and rituals and sought guidance from Islamic scholars and mystics.

7. Romanticism and Chivalry: Abu Zayd embodies the ideals of chivalry and courtly love and is often portrayed as a romantic figure. He is said to have been passionately in love with his beloved Al-Jazya, using poetry and music to win her affection.

These heroic motifs are interwoven throughout the Banu Hilal epic and have contributed to Abu Zayd’s lasting popularity as a legendary figure in Arabic literature and folklore.

As a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Arabic literature, the heroic motifs of Abu Zayd al-Hilali in the Banu Hilal epic are deeply rooted in Bedouin tradition. As the epic’s hero, Abu Zayd personifies the Bedouin values of bravery, honor, and loyalty.

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