Folklore

As a means of transferring folk knowledge, experiences and values from one generation to the next, folklore occupies an important place in Kalmyk culture. Its genres – including heroic epics, fairytales, legends, myths, tales, songs, well wishes, praises, incantations, riddles, sayings, dances and many other forms – have been created and enriched by all sorts of people such as jangarchi (Jangar singers), tuulchi (storytellers), kelmerchi (orators), duuchi (singers), and ordinary nomads alike. It is thanks to them – and scholars who have recorded them – that many precious genres of Kalmyk folklore still please us today. Although it is only natural that folklore changes over time and its examples become forgotten or unpopular, today genres that are connected with rituals and those that have educational value still enjoy great popularity.

On this page, you can watch videos pertaining to various genres of Kalmyk folklore.