The mythological elements in Anatolian folk tales refer to the set of symbols, motifs, and structures transferred from ancient belief systems and mythologies, which have been shaped within the oral storytelling tradition. These elements reflect a rich cultural heritage rooted in Turkish mythology, Central Asian shamanism, the multilayered mythological legacy of Mesopotamian and Anatolian civilizations, and pre-Islamic belief systems. In folk tales, mythological elements often appear allegorically and carry symbolic meanings within the context of time, space, characters, and plot structures.
Historical and Cultural Background
The Anatolian region has hosted many civilizations throughout history, including the Hattians, Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians, Lydians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Seljuks. This cultural richness has formed a multilayered narrative texture in folk storytelling. Mesopotamian goddesses, the sacred mountain belief of Central Asian origin, the Zoroastrian fire cult, and post-Islamic Sufi thought coexist simultaneously in Anatolian folk tales. This diversity has enabled mythological structures to persist in both their original and transformed forms.
Types of Mythological Elements
Cosmogonic Remnants
Narratives characteristic of creation myths are preserved metaphorically in folk tales. For instance, time expressions like “forty days and forty nights” carry traces of the universe’s origin, sacred time, and the mythological cycle. These expressions are formulaic phrases reflecting the mythic perception of time.
Archetypal Heroes
The hero’s journey in folk tales is a continuation of a mythological narrative scheme. Typically, the hero is born under extraordinary circumstances, undergoes significant trials, and is reborn through transformation. This narrative model, which aligns with Joseph Campbell’s concept of the “monomyth,” presents a strong archetypal structure in Anatolian folk tales.
Supernatural Beings
Figures such as fairies, giants, jinn, dragons, and magical animals frequently appear in stories. These beings serve as both obstacles and guides within the mythological context. For example, the figure of “Tepegöz” corresponds to both the Cyclops in Homer’s Odyssey and the character in the Book of Dede Korkut, reflecting a shared mythological type.
Shamanic Remnants
Symbolic elements from shamanic culture—such as dreams, animal spirits, sacred trees, fire, and mountain motifs—appear in various forms in Anatolian folk tales. The act of falling in love often begins with a dream, which marks the initiation of a spiritual journey. The story of Kerem turning to ash and becoming a bodiless spirit exemplifies the shamanistic theme of death and rebirth.
Astro-Mythic Symbols
Celestial bodies such as the planet Venus (Zühre), the moon, the sun, and stars are frequently associated with abstract concepts like love, beauty, and fate. In this way, the tales reference the mythological workings of the cosmic order.
Example of Mythological Elements (Generated with Artificial Intelligence)
Functional Context
The presence of mythological elements in folk tales is not merely an aesthetic or dramatic ornamentation; it also serves didactic, symbolic, and ritualistic functions. These elements, through their educational role, guide individuals toward moral maturity. Through symbolic meanings, they encode societal values. In their ritualistic dimension, they establish a bridge of collective consciousness between the storyteller and the listener.
Transformation and Adaptation
Mythological figures have been reinterpreted over time with Islamic influences and adapted into folk belief. Mother goddesses were transformed into “Mother Fatma,” guardian spirits became “angels,” and malevolent entities were turned into “jinn.” This transformation allowed mythological structures to persist in folk culture by acquiring new meanings instead of disappearing.
Archaeomythological Connections
Certain folk tales can be directly linked to archaeological myths. For instance, narratives associated with the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus are continued today in the form of “mother figure” stories. Such structures suggest that folk narratives may be contemporary versions of ancient god and goddess cults.
Mythological Beings (Generated with Artificial Intelligence)
The mythological elements found in Anatolian folk tales are an important part of cultural continuity and collective memory. These structures, passed down orally from generation to generation, carry the multilayered mythological heritage of Anatolia into the present day. Mythological elements are not only traces of the past but also archetypal codes that serve as key tools for understanding today’s cultural identity.
