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Small epics
Kyrgyz epics are divided into two groups such as big and small epics. The epic trilogy of Manas. Semetei and Seitek belong to the big epic group. All the rest belong to small epics. There about 30 epics and epic poems in the second group. This group is very diverse in terms of topics, genres, plots and music.
Depending on the core idea and plot, small epics can be subdivided into following subgroups:
1. Heroic epics describe the struggle of a hero against foreign and local enemies. They include but not limited to such epics as Kurmanbek, Jangyl Myrza, Janysh-Baiysh, Er Tabyldy, Seiitbek, Shyrdakbek, Er Soltonoi and others;
2. Mythological epic describe a hero’s struggle with mythical creatures and natural forces. E.g. Kojojash, Er Töshtük, Joodarbeshim and others;
3. Social and everyday-life-related epic describe complex social relations and people’s perceptions of just social structure. E.g. Kedeikan, Mendirman and others;
4. Lyrical and romantic epics describe (often tragic) love relations. For example, Oljobai and Kishimjan, Sarinji-Bököi, Kulmyrza and Aksatkyn, Ak Möör and others).
Singers and storytellers called akyn accompany their recitations of small epics with a musical instrument.
Kyrgyzstan