Vol. 8 No. 01 (2026), Articles
Vol. 8 No. 01 (2026)

NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF METAPHORS AND EPITHETS IN THE LANGUAGE OF EPICS

Articles
Published 2026-02-16
Pulatov Behzod Yakubovich
Associate professor of Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
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Keywords

Metaphors, epithets, heroic epics, Beowulf, Alpamysh (Alpomish), national characteristics, kennings, figurative language, cultural identity, Old English poetry, Uzbek oral tradition, comparative literature, nomadic symbolism

How to Cite

NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF METAPHORS AND EPITHETS IN THE LANGUAGE OF EPICS. (2026). Qo‘qon DPI. Ilmiy Xabarlar Jurnali, 8(01), 262-267. https://doi.org/10.70728/qdpi.v08.i01.034
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Abstract

This study investigates the national characteristics of metaphors and epithets in epic languages, drawing on examples from the Old English epic Beowulf and the Uzbek heroic epic Alpamysh. Through a comparative lens, it examines how these literary devices reflect cultural, historical, and societal values unique to their respective traditions. Findings indicate that English metaphors and epithets emphasize Germanic warrior ethos, fate, and natural hostility, while Uzbek ones highlight nomadic resilience, communal harmony, and vibrant natural symbolism. The analysis reveals both universal heroic motifs and distinct national flavors, contributing to understandings of cross-cultural literary expression

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References

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3. Reichl, K. (2000). Singing the past: Turkic and medieval heroic poetry. Cornell University Press.

4. Zhirmunsky, V. M. (2004). The epic of "Alpamysh" and the return of Odysseus (Original work published 1960). British Academy.

5. Orchard, A. (2003). A critical companion to Beowulf. D.S. Brewer. (Provides in-depth analysis of kennings and their cultural significance in Germanic tradition.)

6. Foley, J. M. (1991). Immanent art: From structure to meaning in traditional oral epic. Indiana University Press. (Discusses formulaic diction, including epithets and metaphors, in oral epic performance across cultures.)

7. Paksoy, H. B. (1989). Alpamysh: Central Asian identity under Russian rule. ISIS Press. (Offers historical and cultural context for Alpamysh as a suppressed yet resilient national epic.)

8. Xoliqov, B. A. (Year as per your source; e.g., recent). Comparative analysis of Uzbek and English folk heroic epics: Alpomish and Beowulf. Relevant journal (e.g., as cited in your existing materials or similar publications on comparative epic studies).

9. Reichl, K. (1992). Turkic oral epic poetry: Traditions, forms, poetic structure. Garland Publishing. (Expanded edition insights on formulaic elements, epithets, and metaphors in Turkic epics.)

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