Motif of transformation in the Azerbaijan folklore: statement and theoretical modeling of the problem

Abstract

One of the main structural formulas of Azerbaijani epic folklore is transformation. Transformation is a
product of the imagination and the expression of the desires of the creative power of human consciousness, in fact, it is a symbol reflecting the elements of the ethnos that it belongs to. Despite its universal
character, transformation does not express the same meaning in folklore of people of different cultures,
essentially it reflects the cultural elements of that ethnos by carrying the specific meaning in accordance
with each nation’s outlook. The epic folklore of Azerbaijan is rich in various forms of transformation.
Transformation is one of the characteristic motives for epic folklore texts. It appears as shapeshifting.
Temporary conversion followed by returning to the original form is called returning. Changing of appearance is mostly used form of transformation in folk tales. Shapeshifting is also used mostly in shaman
(dervish) examples. At the same time, transformation is a cosmogonical creation act. It also has hunting
masking form. Folk texts of each nation personify its past, traditions, beliefs and generally the whole culture. One of the widely used and deep information reflective motives in Azerbaijani folklore patterns is
transformation. Transformation existed in every nation’s folklore every period and helps us in expressing
opinions on their beliefs, culture and thoughts. Zoomorphic thoughts formed on our ancestors` mental in
the past as the result of worship on animals or plant give objective, functional, motivational, symbolizing
and other features to folk texts. Transformations on totemic and animism thoughts widely used in myths,
legends, and fairy tales which are considered the first forms of Azerbaijani folklore.