This article analyzes the traditions of epic storytelling, one of the key branches of Uzbek oral folk creativity

Аннотация

This article analyzes the traditions of epic storytelling, one of the key branches of Uzbek oral folk creativity. It explores the artistic structure of epics, their historical roots, their connection with the art of bakhshi (folk bard), and their role in educating the younger generation. Keywords: epic, folk creativity, bakhshi, oral tradition, epic work, cultural heritage The oral folklore of the Karakalpak people has been shaped over the course of millennia, becoming a vivid expression of the people's spiritual world, social consciousness, and historical memory. A major part of this invaluable heritage is composed of epic genres, particularly epics (doston). Epic storytelling is an artistic form that masterfully expresses the people's dreams and aspirations, their struggle and dedication, as well as their love and loyalty through rich poetic devices.In today’s era of globalization, preserving national culture, studying examples of folk creativity, and instilling them in the consciousness of the younger generation remain pressing issues. The doston is a broad and complex epic genre that poetically portrays the bravery of folk heroes, their love, and their struggle for social justice. Typically composed in verse, dostons make use of various images and symbols. They blend lyrical, dramatic, and epic elements. As a genre of oral folk literature, the doston is a large-scale narrative work with a well-developed plot. It reflects the historical memory of the people, their hopes and dreams, and their ideals of heroism and love. The doston genre possesses a number of unique literary and aesthetic features. Epics of this kind are narrative works with a central storyline comprising an introduction, development, climax, and resolution. Through the experiences of the main hero, the epic presents images of the people’s life and social relations within society. Heroic Imagery in epics, the central characters are typically portrayed as brave, patriotic, noble, and just individuals. They often fight for the interests of the people and stand against evil forces. For instance, the hero of the epic "Alpomish" Alpomish himself is depicted as the ideal warrior and noble hero. Poetic Form Most folk epics are composed in verse, utilizing either the aruz (classical) or syllabic meter. The poetic form enhances the musicality of the doston, makes it easier to memorize, and evokes a deep aesthetic response in listeners during 9 ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE International scientific-online conference performance. Oral Performance (Performativity) epics are traditionally performed orally by bakhshis folk bards who chant them with the accompaniment of musical instruments. The bakhshi’s performance style is enriched by unique intonation, melody, and instrumental support. This performative nature gives the doston a theatrical quality and elevates it into a distinct art form.Improvisation and Variability Folk epics do not exist in fixed written form; as products of oral creativity, they are open to improvisation. Each bakhshi may reinterpret, modify, or add new elements to a doston according to their creative vision. As a result, multiple regional variants of a single doston often exist, reflecting local traditions and perspectives. Lyric and Dramatic Elements epic works do not solely consist of narrative (epic) events they also incorporate lyric elements such as personal emotions (expressions of love, sorrow, longing, devotion) and dramatic tension, including internal conflicts and sharp oppositions. These features add depth and multifaceted character to the doston, enriching its emotional and artistic complexity. Historical and Mythological Elements Some dostons reflect real historical events in an artistic and interpretive form, while others include mythological characters such as demons, dragons, sorcerers, and miraculous occurrences. These two layers historical reality and fantastical imagination are often skillfully intertwined within the same work, creating a unique synthesis of realism and mythology. Didactic and Educational Orientation Dostons serve a didactic purpose by nurturing positive moral values such as patriotism, bravery, loyalty, and honesty in younger generations. As such, this genre functions as one of the primary tools of folk pedagogy, transmitting ethical ideals through engaging narrative and character models. Conclusion the doston genre is a rich and multifaceted form that reflects the historical, aesthetic, and spiritual worldview of the people at a high level of artistic expression. It holds significant value not only for literary analysis but also as a powerful educational resource. The distinct structural and thematic features of dostons have elevated them to the status of one of the finest examples of oral folk literature. The roots of Karakalpak epic tradition the epic tradition of the Karakalpak people traces its roots back to ancient Turkic literature. Epics such as "Alpomish", "Gorogly", and "Kuntug