Turkic Mythology: From the Sky to the Underground

Turkic people, who lived in the vast steppes of Central Asia for thousands of years, possess a unique cultural, artistic, and linguistic heritage. One of the most crucial components of this heritage is Turkic Mythology. Turkic Mythology served as a means for the people of the Turkic steppes to comprehend nature, structure their lives, and establish a connection with the deities they considered sacred.

In Turkic Mythology, the gods hold a significant place in people’s lives. These gods, crucial for the balance of nature, the continuity of life, and the power and equilibrium in the daily lives of humans, are figures revered and worshipped by the peoples of the Turkic steppes.

Turkic Mythology: An Integral Part of the Culture, Arts, Music, Literature, and Language of Turkic People

Turkic mythology is a vital component of the unique heritage found in the culture, arts, music, literature, and language of Turkic people. Within Turkic mythology, the Gods play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature, the continuity of life, and the power and equilibrium in the lives of individuals.

Among the Gods in Turkic mythology, there are many prominent figures such as Tengri, the God of the Sky; Kayra Han, the God of Creativity and Existence; Erlik Han, the God of Death and Evil; and Ülgen, the God of Gods.

In Turkic mythology, the Gods hold a significant place in the lives of the people. Through prayers to the Gods, the natural cycle and balance of life are preserved, ensuring the continuity of life, the harmony of nature, and the endowment of wisdom and strength to humanity.

The Gods in Turkic mythology frequently appear in the culture, arts, music, literature, and language of Turkic peoples. They are regarded as symbols in Turkic culture and remain an integral part of life on the Turkic steppes.

The Gods in Turkic mythology continue to be an influential element in shaping the lives of the people on the Turkic steppes and are preserved as a significant heritage in Turkic culture.

Tengri

“Tengri” is the ancient Turkic and Mongolic word for the Sky God, who played a significant role in Turkic and Mongolic mythologies. Tengri was regarded as the supreme deity, associated with the sky, heavens, and natural forces. In Turkic and Mongolic belief systems, Tengri was considered the creator and ruler of the universe, and people often prayed to Tengri for protection, guidance, and blessings. The concept of Tengri has had a profound influence on the spiritual and cultural heritage of Turkic and Mongolic peoples throughout history.

Kayra Han

Kayra Han is often considered the God of Creativity and Existence in Turkic mythology. He is associated with the creative forces of the universe and is believed to have played a role in shaping and bringing life to the world. Kayra Han represents the life-giving and generative aspects of the cosmos in Turkic mythology, and his significance underscores the importance of creativity and existence in the worldview of Turkic peoples.

Erlik Han

Erlik Han, also known as Erlik or Erlik Khan, is a prominent figure in Turkic and Mongolic mythology, particularly among the Turkic-speaking peoples of Central Asia and Siberia. Erlik Han is often depicted as the God of Death and Evil.

In Turkic mythology, Erlik is believed to reside in the underworld and is responsible for taking the souls of the deceased. He is often associated with negative forces, darkness, and malevolent spirits. Erlik Han is considered a contrast to Tengri (the Sky God) and is seen as a source of misfortune and suffering in the world.

Erlik Han plays a significant role in various myths and legends, and his character serves as a symbol of the dualistic nature of the Turkic belief system, where there is a balance between positive and negative forces. Despite his association with negativity, Erlik Han is an important figure in the cosmology and folklore of Turkic-speaking peoples.

Ülgen

“Ülgen” is an important deity in Turkic and Altai mythology. Ülgen is also known as the “God of Gods” and is generally considered the supreme deity. In Turkic and Altai mythology, Ülgen has a creative role and is responsible for maintaining the balance of the universe.

Ülgen is regarded as the representative of justice and wisdom and is associated with the power and equilibrium in human life. Additionally, Ülgen holds the responsibility of preserving the balance of nature and the lives of humans.

Mergen

“Mergen” is another significant figure in Turkic and Altai mythology. Mergen is often depicted as a divine being associated with archery, hunting, and marksmanship. In Turkic and Altai cultures, Mergen is considered a patron of hunters and is revered for his skills with the bow and arrow.

Mergen’s name is often invoked by hunters seeking success and protection during their hunting expeditions. He is seen as a symbol of precision, accuracy, and agility, attributes that are highly valued in hunting and warrior cultures.

The reverence for Mergen reflects the deep connection between Turkic and Altai peoples and their natural environment, as hunting has historically played a crucial role in their way of life.

Utkuuçi

Utkuuçi is known as the god of victory in Turkic and Shamanic mythology. Victory is an important concept in Turkic and Shamanic cultures, and people pray to the god for success in battles. Utkuuçi is a symbol of this prayer and is invoked to achieve victory in wars.

According to mythological stories, Utkuuçi is the god of victory for the winning side in battles. By praying to Utkuuçi, people seek to win in wars and achieve triumph. Additionally, Utkuuçi is regarded as a god who helps individuals overcome difficulties in their lives.

Utkuuçi is also associated with heroism and courage. Heroism and courage, which are necessary to achieve victory in battles, are among the qualities bestowed upon people by Utkuuçi. According to mythological tales, Utkuuçi is a god who enhances the heroism and courage of individuals.

In Turkic and Shamanic mythology, Utkuuçi is often depicted as powerful and majestic. Regarded as a symbol of victory, Utkuuçi is considered a strong supporter of those who pray to him to achieve victory in wars.

Oguz Khan

Oğuz Khan is a leader depicted in the Oghuzname, one of the founding stories of Turkic history. Oğuz Khan is considered the first ruler of the Turks.

According to mythological tales, Oğuz Khan is regarded as the chosen leader of God. It is believed that he united the Turkic tribes to establish the Turkic State. Oğuz Khan is also considered a symbol of justice and honesty in Turkic culture. Upon his death, the Oghuz people hold the ‘Oğuz Yabgu Festival’ in his memory.

Oğuz Khan is also recognized as a symbol of courage and heroism in Turkic and Shamanic cultures. According to mythological stories, he fought at the forefront in battles and did everything in his power for the safety of his people.

Mother Eagle (Kartal Ana)

According to the beliefs of the Yakut Turks, Mother Eagle is revered as the source and symbol of their Shamans. In Yakut mythology, the eagle is seen as the symbol of the Sun, and the Yakuts believe that their ancestors originated from Mother Eagle. Therefore, the eagle is referred to as the “sun bird” in Yakut culture. Additionally, the eagle carries a symbolism similar to the phoenix, being reborn from its own ashes. This symbolism represents rebirth, immortality, and the rising of the sun. The eagle also plays a significant role in Chinese mythology, symbolizing fire, warmth, abundance, and the sun. Hence, the eagle is recognized as an important and powerful symbol in many cultures.

In Turkic mythology, there are many more fantastical figures. Which one caught your interest the most?