Nart epic as a cultural monument of the Caucasus

A monumental cultural monument of the Adygs, as well as other peoples of the Caucasus, is the Nart epic. The creation of this majestic source of traditions is attributed to the third millennium BC. On the example of the Nart epic, one can trace the history of peoples from the earliest stages to the period of developed feudal relations.

The Nart epic begins its narrative from the age of matriarchy, when the leading role in society was played by women, and the gender was transmitted through the maternal line. The mother of all narts is the wise and economic Satan. All the affairs in the society of the sled were decided on her instructions. According to her insistent advice, the sledges were on the march, she saved the harvest, defeated the enemies with cunning. Other female images of the epic also possess strong matriarchal features and qualities, such is Adiyah, the beautiful Shkhatzfitsa, the clever Malichiph.

Based on the material of this historical source, one can judge the fall of the matriarchy of the sledges and the replacement of it with patriarchy. Significant changes in socio-economic life is evidenced by the appearance of property inequality, the struggle of the common people against the nobility. Many episodes of the epic ridicule the avarice and greed of the rich, praise the ingenuity. The supreme authority of the sledge had a council - Khasa. It solved all the most important affairs of society, all sledges could attend the council, and everyone could come forward with their proposal. However, over time, this democratic order was eliminated by powerful elders. On Hasse, all power authority gradually passes to eminent sledges. Now only warriors gather there, who decide everything.

The Nartian epic of the Adygs is represented by the savvy and brave Sosruko, the wise Nasran experience, the ardent Shauei, the persistent Badinoko, who by their actions helped the common people, fought against foreigners, and also with giants. From the legends it is clear that the Circassians were engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding, the special role of the sled was given to horse-breeding, it was the Adygs who developed and gained worldwide fame for the Kabardian breed of horses. From agricultural crops, they cultivated millet, from which boiled thick porridge-pasta, flat cakes, as well as a special drink - mahsym.

The Nart epic shows the infatuation of athletes with sports competitions. Games were held in different places, limited to Elbrus, Volga, Kuban, Taman peninsula, as well as the Black and Caspian seas.

Many features of the Nart epic echo the Greek mythology, which is confirmed by the researchers. This testifies to the close contacts of the Adygs with the Greek cities - the colonies of the Northern Black Sea Coast. Now many well-known feats of Nart's warriors are illustrated. Especially popular is the Nart epic in the pictures, the main milestones of the history of this people and its heroes are colorfully presented in it. The Nart epic serves as a source of artistic development and poetic inspiration for all Caucasian peoples.