ALPAMYSHA

ALPAMYSHA is an epic hero in Bashkir mythology. The character is central for the epics, such as “Alpamysha and Barsynkhylu” and fairytales, such as “Alp­batyr”, “Alpamysha­ batyr” etc. He is the child of elderly parents; grows up very fast; incredibly tall, strong and handsome. According to Bashkir legends, A. could wander in the forest and on the plains, was able to uproot trees, put an ordinary man on his palm, step over a mountain (“Oselok Alpamyshi”) andAirtaumountainin Ilishevskiy District, Musiktau mountain in Duvanskiy District are the dirt and sand from A. soles or from his shoes. The veneration of A. can be proved by certain Bashkir toponyms: “Alpamyshi’s stone”, “Alpamyshi’s grave” etc. The character is common for mythology of many Turkic peoples.