The Image of a Deer in the Symbolism of the Early Communities of the Don Cossacks

Introduction. Turning to the images of the deer on the ancient regalia of the Don and Zaporozhye Cossacks, the author aims to identify the possible origins of this image in the group symbolism of early Cossack communities, as well as to determine the associated subcultures and ritual practices. Methods and materials. The tasks set are solved on the basis of ethnographic interpretation and identification of possible ritual origins of folklore texts presented both in the Russian and Don Cossack traditions and beyond. Analysis. The author examines the already available versions of the origin of the Cossack seal with a deer from the Greek myth of Actaeon and the Hunnic legend of the wonderful deer. While completely denying the ethnogenetic background of these legends and their direct connection with Cossack symbols, it is possible, however, to note the motives of the hero’s reincarnation shown in them, as well as the connection of the deer with water and immersion in a body of water. The same motifs are found in the texts of the Russian peasant environment, in which the deer appears in connection with the flooding of the river, floating on the sea, dipping a hoof into the water, etc. The appeal to the Cossack epics made it possible to reveal the image of the fantastic beast Indrik, which combines the signs of a deer and a horse and is associated with the motives of hunting and the river. Results. The analysis of texts related to the image of a deer revealed the motives of hunting and diving into the river, as well as the deer’s connection with male communities. In this regard, the participation of deer in ancient male ritual practices in the Russian folk tradition is significant. As for Indrik from the Cossack epics, being fantastic and connected with the otherworld, it can be interpreted as a transitional figure between a deer and a horse. This treatment refers to the history of Cossack communities, which gradually transformed from foot warriors and hunters into horsemen. At the same time, folklore texts provide a basis for correlating the deer with the figure of the Cossack leader, the ataman. This circumstance may indicate the peculiarities of the formation of Cossack communities (on the South Russian frontier, outside the metropolis), in which the leader not only possessed increased powers but was also sacralized, up to the elevation of his image to the rank of military regalia. The image of a deer on the Cossack seal and in folklore texts also opens up new prospects for the reconstruction of military ritual practices characteristic of early Cossack.