The book of Dede Korkut : a Turkish epic / translated into english and edited by Faruk Sümer, Ahmet E. Uysal, Warren S. Walker.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sümer, Faruk, Author.

Contributor:

Sümer, Faruk, editor.

Uysal, Ahmet Edip, editor.

Walker, Warren S., editor.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Epic poetry, Turkish--Translations into English.

Epic poetry, Turkish.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (241 pages) : illustrations, maps

Place of Publication:

Austin, Texas : University of Texas Press, 1991.

Summary:

One of the oldest surviving pieces of Turkish literature, The Book of Dede Korkut can be traced to tenth-century origins. Now considered the national epic of Turkey, it is the heritage of the ancient Oghuz Turks and was composed as they migrated westward from their homeland in Central Asia to the Middle East, eventually to settle in Anatolia. Who its primary creator was no one knows, the titular bard, Dede Korkut, being more a symbol of Turkish minstrelsy than a verifiable author. The songs and tales of countless minstrels lay behind The Book of Dede Korkut, and in its oral form the epic was undoubtedly subject to frequent improvisation by individual performers. Partly in prose, partly in verse, these legends were sung or chanted in the courts and camps of political and military leaders. Even after they had been recorded in written form, they remained part of an oral tradition. The present edition is the first complete text in English. The translators provide an excellent introduction to the language and background of the legends as well as a history of Dede Korkut scholarship. These outstanding tales will be of interest to all students of world mythology and folklore.

Contents:

Frontmatter

CONTENTS

ILLUSTRATIONS

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Prologue

LEGEND I: The Story of Bugach Khan, Son of Dirse Khan

LEGEND II: The Sack of the House of Salur Kazan

LEGEND III: The Story of Bamsi Beyrek, Son of Kam Biire

LEGEND IV: The Story of the Capture of Uruz Bey, Son of Kazan Bey

LEGEND V: The Story of Delii Dumrul, Son of Duha Koja

LEGEND VI: The Story of Kan Turali, Son of Kanli Koja

LEGEND VII: The Story of Yigenek, Son of Kazilik Koja

LEGEND VIII: The Story of Basat, Killer of the One-Eyed Giant

LEGEND IX: The Story of Emren, Son of Begil

LEGEND X: The Story of Seghrek, Son of Ushun Koja

LEGEND XI: The Story of Salur Kazan's Captivity and His Rescue by His Son Uruz

LEGEND XII: The Story of the Revolt of the Outer Oghuz against the Inner Oghuz and of the Death of Beyrek

Notes

Bibliography

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

0-292-75834-0

0-292-75833-2