ARCHETYPAL ANALYSIS OF THE HERO’S JOURNEY IN KAZAKH EPIC POEM “ZHAYAU MUSA”

ABSTRACT

The article explores the archetypal narrative structure found in the Kazakh poem "Zhayau Musa". Using Joseph Campbell's monomyth or Hero’s Journey structure, the article analyses the Zhayau Musa’s story, and the challenges he faces on his journey to save his father and community. Archetypes are universal symbols, images, and themes that exist across cultures and throughout history. They represent fundamental human experiences and emotions, that are deeply rooted in the human psyche. The article demonstrates the value of archetypal analysis, providing a detailed analysis of the archetypes present in "Zhayau Musa".

Keywords: archetypes, monomyth, hero’s journey, Kazakh literature, Zhayau Musa.

"Zhayau Musa" is a Kazakh epic poem that has been passed down through oral tradition. It was first recorded in writing in the 19th century by Kazakh scholars and poets, but there is no single authoritative version of the poem. In the article, the author applies Joseph Campbell's monomyth structure [1, p. 34] to analyse the poem of "Zhayau Musa," a hero who embarks on his journey. By examining the archetypes present in the story, the author provides insight into the cultural and psychological significance of it.

Act I. The Departure involves the hero leaving their ordinary world and embarking on a journey into the unknown:

1.1) The Call to Adventure: Zhayau Musa discovers that his father, the Khan (tribal leader), has been poisoned by a rival tribe. This event marks the beginning of his journey to save his father and his people from the threat of their enemies. It serves as a catalyst for Zhayau Musa's heroism and his journey of self-discovery.

1.2) Refusal of the Call: Initially hesitant, Zhayau Musa is reluctant to leave his ordinary world due to his attachment to his family and his comfortable life as a shepherd. His reluctance can be seen as a form of Refusal of the Call, but he eventually accepts his duty to his people and begins his journey.

1.3) Supernatural Aid: The animal spirits are Zhayau Musa's supernatural aids, providing him with the skills and knowledge he needs to complete his quest. They teach him how to communicate with animals, survive in the wilderness, and defeat his enemies.

1.4) Crossing the Threshold: Zhayau Musa crosses the threshold into the spirit world, meeting his animal guides and entering a realm of magic and mystery, marking a turning point in his journey. He receives guidance and wisdom from his guides, representing his encounter with the supernatural, and prepares for the challenges ahead. This stage signifies the hero's readiness to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, and it is a common theme in many myths and folktales.

1.5) Belly of the Whale: This sub-stage is not shown in "Zhayau Musa," which is acceptable as some sub-stages can be omitted or rearranged.

Act II. The Initiation introduces the conflict that sets him on his journey and establishes the cultural context for the story:

2.1) The Road of Trials: Zhayau Musa faces trials and challenges on his journey to avenge his father's death in "Zhayau Musa." He has difficulty communicating with animals and must learn to listen to them. He also faces the harsh terrain of the Kazakh steppes and dangerous enemies who try to prevent him from completing his quest.

2.2) The Meeting with the Goddess: This happens when the hero meets Ayman, a skilled archer and horsewoman who helps him on his quest and becomes a romantic interest. Ayman represents the feminine qualities that Zhayau Musa needs to integrate into his psyche, including nurturing, intuition, and spirituality. Through their relationship, Zhayau Musa learns to value and embrace the feminine aspects of his being, which is Jungian anima archetype [2, p. 25].

2.3) Woman as the Temptress: It is a daughter of the enemy tribe's leader who attempts to distract and seduce Zhayau Musa from his quest. Despite her beauty, Zhayau Musa recognizes her as a threat to his ultimate goal and remains steadfast in his mission. This stage serves as a test of the hero's determination and reinforces their values and character.

2.4) Atonement with the Father: It is represented by the hero's confrontation with his father's killer, who is also a powerful and respected member of the tribe. Zhayau Musa must confront this authority figure and seek justice for his father's death, while also atoning for his own past mistakes and failures. This stage represents the hero's willingness to face their fears and confront the obstacles that stand in the way of their ultimate goal.

2.5) Apotheosis: The hero achieves a heightened state of consciousness by letting go of his ego and trusting in the guidance of his animal spirit allies. This transformation allows him to become one with nature, access new sources of strength and power, and overcome the challenges ahead. The apotheosis stage signifies Zhayau Musa's ability to access divine and supernatural forces, becoming a true hero capable of achieving his goal.

Act III. The Return Zhayau Musa returns to his village after completing his quest of avenging his father's death:

3.1) The Ultimate Boon: It is successful retrieval of the powerful eagle, "Berkut". He achieved his goal of avenging his father's death and protecting his family's honour. It symbolizes his personal growth and transformation throughout his journey, representing his gain of the knowledge and power needed to become a hero.

3.2) The Magic Flight: This stage is the climax of his adventure and the final trial. Zhayau Musa, aided by his loyal companions and the Berkut eagle's magical powers, attempts to escape from his enemies and return safely to his village.

3.3) The Rescue from Without: is aided by his father's ghost, who provides crucial advice and guidance. This assistance helps him to achieve his goal of avenging his father's death and grow as a person. It also emphasizes the importance of seeking help when needed and connecting with one's past and heritage.

3.4) The Crossing of the Return Threshold: Zhayau Musa returns home after completing his adventure and faces the challenge of adjusting to his changed community while using his experiences to inspire and help others.

3.5) Master of the Two Worlds: Zhayau Musa is able to balance his role as a respected member of his community with his experiences as a hero and leader. This stage marks the hero's ultimate success in their journey, as they can make a meaningful impact on both the ordinary and extraordinary worlds.

3.6) Freedom to Live: in "Zhayau Musa" refers to the hero's ability to live their life with a newfound sense of purpose and freedom, having completed their journey and achieved their goal. He has returned home, integrated his experiences, and become a respected leader in his community. He is now free to live a fulfilling life, having completed his journey and fulfilled his destiny.

In conclusion, "Zhayau Musa" follows the archetypal Hero's Journey, as described by Joseph Campbell. The hero, Zhayau Musa, receives the call to adventure, faces various challenges and tests on his journey, and ultimately achieves a transformation through his experiences. Throughout the story, Zhayau Musa encounters archetypal figures and trials, including the Call to Adventure, the Road of Trials, the Meeting with the Goddess, and the Crossing of the Return Threshold. These stages serve to demonstrate the universal nature of the hero's journey and the transformative power of self-discovery and growth. By analyzing "Zhayau Musa" through an archetypal lens, we can gain a deeper understanding of the story's themes and meanings. We can see how the Hero's Journey reflects the human experience, highlighting the importance of facing challenges, overcoming adversity, and achieving personal growth and transformation.

References:

1. Campbell J. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. — 2004. — 497p.
2. Jung C.G. The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious. — 1959. — 550p.