The image of the earth spirit in the Evenki epic

The subject of this study is the image of the spirit mistress of the earth in folklore. The aim of the work is to identify the dynamics of the transformation of a key sacred image and its reflection in folklore. Objectives: to examine the initial concept of the image; to identify the main models of image change; to analyze the functions of the image in the epic narrative. To solve these problems, a comprehensive analysis, comparative-typological, and structural methods were used to characterize the features of the image. The novelty of the work lies in the author's tracing the dynamics of the transformation of the key mythological image of the spirit mistress of the earth—from the initial zoomorphic form (elk/deer) through the zooanthropomorphic stage (an old woman mistress with bestial features) to the final anthropomorphic appearance (a maiden patroness). For the first time, it is demonstrated in detail how the zoomorphic code "elk/deer" becomes the core of the image of the mistress of the earth. A three-stage analysis allows us to understand the dynamics of Evenki mythological thinking. The image of the spirit mistress of the earth appears as a dynamic mythological system, where archaic zoomorphic representations reflected in myths are gradually enriched with anthropomorphic features in the epic narrative. This reflects the evolution of the Evenki worldview: from "merging" with nature to "dialogue" through the personification of its forces. The evolution of the Evenki spirit mistress of the earth image occurs through layers, with animistic images giving way to zoomorphic ones, ultimately taking on a human form. This transition reflects the development of religious practices (from animism to shamanism) and the transformation of social structures (from matriarchal to patriarchal, while retaining feminine archetypes). The study demonstrates how the collective memory of the people preserves and reinterprets archaic images within the epic tradition.