The meaning-forming significance of desolate spaces in V.P. Krapivin's cycle "Tales and Legends of Desolate Spaces."

The subject of the research is the meaning-forming function of the Empty Spaces in V. P. Krapivin's cycle "Tales and Legends of the Empty Spaces." The study examines the features of their spatial-topological organization, dynamic nature, capacity for self-development and self-awareness, as well as their interaction with the real and fantastical levels of narrative. Particular attention is given to the connection between the awakening of the Empty Spaces and the cognitive-creative activities of children, primarily the play that models an alternative worldview. The mediating role of these spaces in the cosmogonic system of the Great Crystal and their participation in transitions between various levels of existence are analyzed. The philosophical foundation of the artistic model is correlated with ideas of Russian cosmism, universal unity, moral perfection, and active transformation of reality. Empty Spaces are studied not only as an element of the chronotope but also as an independent semiotic image that expresses the author's understanding of childhood, creativity, responsibility, and the human ability to overcome alienation. The methodological basis comprises systemic-typological, structural-semiotic, and comparative-contextual approaches, as well as a comprehensive analysis of the chronotope, systems of images and motifs, and references to the theory of children's play and ideas of Russian cosmism. The scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive consideration of Empty Spaces as an independent meaning-forming center of the cycle, which has previously been studied mainly in the general context of V. P. Krapivin's creativity. It is established that these spaces represent a dynamic, animated, and self-developing structure that gains self-awareness through children's play. Two stages of the development of play practices are identified: from the creation of an alternative reality by children to theatrical forms of collective transformation of the world. It is substantiated that play performs cognitive, modeling, and morally-transformative functions, allowing the heroes to confront cruelty, injustice, and alienation. Empty Spaces perform a mediating function, linking earthly reality with the cosmogonic model of the Great Crystal. It is concluded that their expansion depends on the creative activity and moral choice of the child, and the image itself embodies the idea of the possibility of transforming existence through friendship, compassion, freedom, responsibility, and creative action.