Relics of Ancient Sun Cult in Folklore and Ritual Traditions of Kalmyks

This article explores the remnants of the ancient sun worship cult that have persisted within the myths, fairy tales, and ritual practices of the Kalmyk people. The aim of the study is to identify traces of this ancient cult in folklore and ritual traditions, and to determine their symbolic significance in fairy tale narratives and ceremonial actions. The research material includes samples of myths, magical and heroic tales, as well as life-cycle rituals. It is demonstrated that the concept of solar divinity and its influence on earthly existence has formed the foundation for numerous religious and mythological beliefs, traces of which can be found in various aspects of the spiritual and religious life of the Kalmyk people. The article notes that the ancient pre-Buddhist calendar festival of Zul is celebrated during the winter solstice. An analysis of myths, magical tales, and heroic epics reveals significant motifs: (1) with the rising sun, the hero acquires magical objects, wishes are fulfilled, and traces of malevolent forces are revealed; (2) when embarking on a journey, fairy tale characters invariably begin their movement “following the sun,” that is, in the direction of the sun’s path, which is associated with a steadfast belief in the successful completion of their endeavors. It is shown that the ancient concept of celestial divinity manifests in endowing the fairy tale hero with solar attributes.

sun cult, solar myths, fairy tale folklore, ritual, ritual folklore, symbolism of the sun in Kalmyk tradition, Kalmyk calendar festivals