Alpamysh (Kazakh: Алпамыс / Alpamıs; Uzbek: Alpomish / Алпомиш; Bashkir: Алпамыша; Russian: Алпамыш; Azerbaijani: Alpamış; Tatar: Алпамша; Altai: Алып Манаш) is a legendary hero in Turkic and Altai mythologies. He is also known as "Alpamsı Han."
Characteristics
He made journeys to unknown lands. He fought fairy-tale creatures. He remained in his mother's womb for twelve months. He reached the age of seven in seven days. His horse's name is Şubar (Bayşubar). He rescues the young of a giant bird atop a mighty tree from a dragon (or a serpent). He goes to the Moon and back. Fire does not burn him. He is imprisoned in an Iron House. He is rescued by the daughter of the khan who imprisoned him. Upon returning, he sees that his betrothed has been married off; he disguises himself as a shepherd, and by approaching learns the truth. In the end he is reunited with his betrothed (Barçın / Gülbarşın). He is the hero of a story that contains within it a great many of the motifs of Turkic folktales.
Etymology
It derives from the root (Al). It comes from the word Alp. It carries the meanings of valor and heroism. The word alba means "duty" in Mongolian, and it may be connected with this sense as well. From this perspective he may be regarded as a person to whom a divine duty has been given.
Sources
- Turkish Wikipedia: tr.wikipedia.org
- English Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org