4. The Yakut Heroic Epic “Kyys Debiliye”

Recording by S. K. Dyakonov. Text preparation by P. N. Dmitriev, V. V. Illarionov, and L. D. Nesterova. Translation by N. V. Emelyano, P. E. Efremov, and S. P. Oyunskaya. Introductory article by N. V. Emelyanova and V. T. Petrov. Musicological article by A. P. Reshetnikova. Musical scores by V. S. Nikiforova.—Novosibirsk: Nauka, 1993.—330 pages.

“Kyys Debiliye” is one of the finest examples of Yakut epic tradition. It is a multifaceted tale with a theatrical story line and unique composition that is traditional for Yakut epic poetry. It tells of the struggle by warriors of the Aiyy Aimaga tribe (the epic self designation of the Yakut) with warriors of the Lower World who personify treachery and evil.

The text was recorded by the journalist S. K. Dyakonov in 1941 from N. P. Burnashev, a talented senior storyteller from the Ust-Aldan District. The text was taken from an archived recording and is published here for the first time.

There is no audio recording of the tale. However, the refrains that are reproduced on the accompanying record give an accurate representation of the style and technique of how this tale would have been sung.

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