ARTISTIC AND SEMANTIC FEATURES OF ZOO-TRICKSTER IMAGES IN AZERBAIJANI EPIC FOLKLORE

Abstract

The article explores the genesis, functional essence, and artistic typology of zoomorphic trickster characters in Azerbaijani epic folklore. It examines, on a scholarly-theoretical basis, the roots of the trickster figure in the collective mythological worldview, its socio-psychological con-tent, and the models formed through such images as the fox, hare, snake, dog, and wolf. The study shows that zoomorphic tricksters in folk literature carry both ethical-normative and satirical-functional significance, embodying the idea of the weak overcoming the strong through intelli-gence and cunning. Azerbaijani folk literature possesses a rich mythological and symbolic structure. Animal images appear in the collective consciousness both as carriers of totemic origins and as representations of social-ethical relations.