TÜRK DESTANLARINDAKİ KAHRAMAN EPİTETLERİ ÜZERİNE BİR İNCELEME

Epithets are defined as word patterns or sentences that complement a name with an adjective, adjective phrase, or another noun. Epithets serve an important role in epics by describing the qualities that distinguish a hero's name from others. Epithets, which frequently appear in epic texts, reveal the worldview of the society, the expectations from the hero, the hero's successes and failures, the qualities of their enemies, and essentially the richness of the language in terms of adjectives. These adjective patterns, called epithets, which provide information about heroes, also enhance the aesthetic quality of the text they are part of. In this regard, epithets are of great importance for both linguistic and cultural studies. This study examines "heroic epithets" frequently found in Turkish epics, which are considered significant for epic language and our cultural history. The research includes epics from various Turkish traditions: Oghuz Khan, Dede Korkut, the Kyrgyz epics of Manas, Kurmanbek, Janysh Baiysh, Seyitbek, and Er Töstük; the Kazakh epics of Koblandy Batyr, Alpamys Batyr, and Kambar Batyr; the Altai epics of Er Samyr, Ak Taychi, Kökin Erkey, Altai Buuçay, Kozyn Erkeş Közüyke, and Ösküs Uul; the Khakas epics of Huban Arig, Altin Arig, Altin Chus, Khan Kiçegey, Hara Molat, Altin Taychi, Alip Sarig Plat Hys, Kök Khan, and Khan Mirgen; and the Shor epics of Ak Khan and Kagan Kes. The study identifies and classifies the epithets found in these epics, and it is observed that the frequently used epithets convey the mindset within the epic, the most important qualities sought in a hero, and the expectations of the people. The significant epithets used in Turkish epics are discussed under specific headings, and prominent examples from the Turkish world’s epic tradition are examined comparatively. In conclusion, it is determined that the epithets used to describe heroes in epic texts from various geographies of the Turkish world reflect a historical continuity and provide insights into Turkish cultural history