MYTHOLOGICAL SOURCES OF MOUNTAIN, RIVER AND LAKE CULTS IN AZERBAI-JANI LEGENDS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the mythological origins of mountain, river and lake cults in Azerbaijani legends. The study shows that these natural elements were perceived in the mythological worldview of the people not only as geographical objects, but also as sacred spaces and symbols of divine power. Mountains are presented in poetic language in legends as symbols of closeness and resistance to God, rivers as symbols of life and abundance, and lakes as symbols of mystery and purity. The article analyzes the connection of these motifs with cosmogonic ideas, their common elements with the mythological tradition of the Turkic peoples, and the forms of preservation in collective memory. In particular, the legends related to Murovdag, Kura, Araz and Lake Goycha are examined as examples and their mythologized semantics are shown. The results prove that nature cults in Azerbaijani folklore are both a continuation of ancient mythological thought and an important mechanism for preserving national and cultural identity.