The mythoepic tradition and the further development of literature

Abstract

The subject of the article is the problem of interpreting the further development and kinship of European epics and literature. As is known, indigenous European peoples (Celts, Germans, etc.) create high culture in the Middle Ages, including archaic epics (Anglo-Saxon "Beowulf", Irish sagas, Icelandic "Elder Edda", etc.). Later, based on the already emerging national identity and their own epic tradition, the French, Spanish and Germans also create classic epics such as "The Song of Roland", "The Song of My Side", "The Song of the Nibelungs". Research shows that these archaic and classical epics, to a certain extent reflecting the traditions of Indo-European, ancient and Christian culture throughout their formation, simultaneously influenced and influence the further course of literary development, that is, there are rich realities of both horizontal and vertical connections. They manifest themselves in the constant updating and transformation of ideas, characters, motifs, genres and other compositional units. This complex and rich history of influences, which literary theorists define as "overflows of literature and folklore," dates back to the early Middle Ages and extends to our time.