Heroes of Three Cultures: Common Features and Differences in Russian, Chinese, and Uzbek Epic Poetry

This article examines the archetypes of heroes in Russian, Chinese, and Uzbek folk epics. The object of the study includes bylins and tales, while the subject focuses on analyzing the character traits of positive and negative heroes. The aim of the research is to conduct a comparative study of the images of heroes presented in the folk epics of Russia, China, and Uzbekistan, identifying both common features as well as specific differences in the characteristics, motivations, and fates of the heroes, as well as their roles in the cultural context of each country. The tasks addressed within the framework of this study are: 1) to analyze the heroes in folk epics; 2) to study the positive and negative traits of literary heroes; 3) to conduct a comparative analysis of the characters of heroes in Russian, Chinese, and Uzbek epics. The methods of analysis include literary analysis of the texts of folk epics (Russian bylins, Chinese tales, Uzbek epics), a typological analysis to classify heroes by characteristics and functions, as well as a cultural approach that emphasizes the context of the creation of epic works and their role in the cultural tradition of each country. The scientific novelty of the work is determined by the fact that it offers a systematic approach to comparing the heroes of three cultures, highlighting both common traits and unique aspects, which can enrich the existing academic literature. As a result of a comprehensive analysis, the following conclusions were drawn: despite common features, each of these traditions possesses unique characteristics reflecting their cultural and historical contexts. Russian bylins emphasize physical strength and moral responsibility, while Chinese tales explore more complex human relationships and internal conflicts, and Uzbek legends impart life wisdom. These differences highlight the diversity of human experience and values, making their study particularly relevant in the modern world.