The origin and dating of the initial core of the Nart sagas according to linguistics and archeology
https://doi.org/10.18384/2949-5164-2024-3-115-126
Abstract
Aim. The article is devoted to the origin, dating of the initial core of the Nart sagas and a new interpretation of the epos as a historical source in connection with possible Indo-Aryan and ancient European attribution of the Early Bronze Age cultures in the western and central parts of the North Caucasus.
Methodology. Comprehensive analysis based on archaeological and linguistic data.
Results. The hypothesis of the dating for the initial core of the Nart sagas is proposed. According to the authors, the epic tales that later formed the core of the Nart sagas had been created in Central Europe in the 3rd millennium BС in the environment of dissolving Indo-European community. The article shows the parallel development of two versions of the Nart sagas in the North Caucasus – the Adyghe version, going back to the legends circulating in the Indo-Aryan environment, and the Ossetian version which is connected with the Old European epic.
Research implications. The integrated approach based on correlating data of mythology, linguistics and archeology for solving problems connected with the origin and dating of the Nart sagas.
About the Authors
N. A. Nikolaeva
Federal State University of Education
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Nadezhda A. Nikolaeva – Cand. Sci. (History), Prof., Faculty of General History, Political Science and Law
ul. Very Voloshinoi 24, Mytishchi 141014, Moscow Region
A. V. Safronov
Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Alexander V. Safronov – Cand. Sci. (History), Senior Researcher
ul. Rozhdestvenka 12, Moscow 107031
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