About the Narration of Some Magical Spells in the Epic “Khanharangui”

Abstract Magical spells, which reflect the Mongolian way of life, are used in daily lives to cure diseases. They are also believed to restore good fortune, summon success, and revive the energy and morale of humans and animals. They are also considered useful for protecting against evil and danger, such as harmful speech, theft, fire, and water hazards, and for guarding against misfortune. Spells are thought to be emotionally calming and to inspire confidence, providing emotional support, hope, and peace. They are also regarded as part of a cultural tradition of living in harmony with nature, expressing respect for mountains, water, and land, using the power of nature, drawing upon nature’s power to live in balance with it. For this reason, the role of distance in the epic poem is emphasized. Dom refers to a set of powerful, magical words used to eliminate misfortune, illness, or evil, or to invite good fortune and well-being. It represents a form of belief grounded in faith and spiritual conviction. “Shivshleg” is a secretive utterance, often whispered or spoken softly, believed to possess mystical power through the force of words and mental focus. It has traditionally been used not only by spiritual practitioners such as shamans ( böö , zairan , udgan ) but also, at times, by ordinary people. The origins and foundational beliefs behind dom and shivshleg are deeply rooted in multiple layers of traditional Mongolian spirituality, which includes animism (the belief that all elements of nature possess a spirit), sky worship, shamanic practices, and Buddhist teachings. These beliefs have evolved and been passed down through generations, shaping a complex spiritual heritage.