FUNCTIONAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE ONE-EYED MONSTER IMAGE: TEPAKUZ AND THE CYCLOPS

In world folklore and mythology, the image of the one-eyed monster is considered one of the most ancient and universal archetypal symbols. In the oral traditions of different peoples, this image is interpreted in various ways; however, its main archetypal feature remains the same — the possession of a single eye and extraordinary strength. The figure of “Tepakuz” in the Turkic epic tradition and the “Cyclops” in Greek mythology represent two significant examples of this archetype. This article analyzes the structural and functional characteristics of these two images and examines their transformation.