On the Tradition and Distribution of the Epic “Tree Years Old Mekhelee”

Abstract

In this article, it was discovered that the epic “The Best Hero Three Years Old Mekhelee” previously considered a single-version epic, is actually a multi-version epic widely popular among the Khalkha and Oirat people. Seven distinct versions of this epic have been identified, and the origins and traditions of each version have been described by the author.  The epic “The Best Hero Three Years Old Mekhelee” originated in ancient times, rooted in the mythic traditions of heroes who descended from the sky to establish peace on Earth. It features a war-themed narrative focused on regaining what was lost. By the late 19th century, among the Khalkhas and Western Mongols, it evolved into a cyclical epic with the following general storyline: 1) The main hero, Mekhelee, chases Kharhurmugchin, who took away his herds and horses, to his homeland and kills him, 2) Upon returning home, Mekhelee goes after the five monsters who have in vaded the deserted hinterland capturing his parents, servants and horses 3) He wins the hand of the fairy Tolzandan, the daughter of king Todork hoia-Yalgasan, who lives in the direction of the rising sun, after defeating her in the three games of men. The version by Sarisan and G. Dugersuren is proof that the most developed ver sion of this epic was passed down to the people of Khalkha and Oirad in the same form. Epic singers from the Derbet ethnic group (Baglai, Khainzan, Zodov) verbal ly passed down brief or condensed versions, meanwhile the epic began to be fade from Khalkhas, although both directly relate to the same developed form mentioned above. Consequently, as the epic continued to be passed down orally, new versions emerged, diverging significantly in themes and events from the original source.   “Гунан наст Мэхэлээ” туулийн тархац, уламжлалын асуудалд   Хураангуй: Энэ өгүүлэлд судлаачид ганц хувилбарт тууль гэж үзсээр ирсэн “Эрийн сайн гунан настай Мэхэлээ” гэдэг туулийг судлаад, уг тууль нь ойрад, халхуудын дунд өргөн дэлгэрсэн олон хувилбарт тууль болохыг тогтоожээ. Тус туулийн долоон хувилбарыг тогтоож, хувилбар тус бүрийн гарлыг тодруулахыг эрмэлзжээ. Анх дайн тулааны сэдэвтэй үүссэн тус тууль нь XIX зууны сүүл үед дайн тулаан, баатарлаг гэрлэлтийн хосолмол сэдэвтэй, ах дүү баатруудын алдар гавьяаны тухай мөчлөг (cycle) туулийн хэлбэртэй болжээ. ХХ зуунд тэрхүү хөгжингүй хэлбэртэй хувилбаруудын үйл явдлыг харилцан адилгүй түвшинд хадгалсан, ихэвчлэн товчхон өгүүлэгдэхүүнтэй аман хувилбарууд уламжлагдсан байна.    Түлхүүр үг: Хатан хурмаст, тууль хайлах, өрсөлдөгч, Хөхөө дэглэн