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Manas

Manas

1 9.9
A very long Kyrgyz poem about the hero Manas and his descendants
  • proper noun
  • Literature
: Manas
  • The initial poem in the cycle tells of the birth, the childhood exploits, the mature achievements (particularly on the battlefield), and the death of Manas himself.
  • Manas epic

Examples

  • For instance, Kyrgyz state support of the public display and study of the Kyrgyz epic poem, the Manas, does not appear to exclude non-Kyrgyz members of society.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The Manas epic has been in circulation for at least 500 years and perhaps for some centuries longer.

    Academic text (2016)
  • If Manas is little known in the West, this is even more true of these other two epics in the cycle.

    Academic text (2016)
  • Reichl's special topic is the evolving forms and uses of the Manas epic in the midst of changing political, social, and artistic circumstances in twenty-first-century Kyrgyzstan.

    Academic text (2016)
  • Likewise, the other three essays in this collection testify to the vitality of the singing tradition of the Manas and Gesar epics in the recent and contemporary world.

    Academic text (2016)
  • While the title Manas is used with general reference to epic verse relating to this hero, strictly speaking, the title refers to the first part of a three-part cycle. Two sequel epics, Semetey and Seytek, tell of the hero's son and grandson, respectively.

    Academic text (2016)
  • The Manas epic is considered the pinnacle of Kyrgyz literature, celebrating the heroism of its central figure.

  • Scholars study the Manas to understand the cultural values and history of the Kyrgyz people.

  • In performances, the Manas is recited with great passion, showcasing the artistry of traditional storytelling.

Surface Forms

Manas main

Etymology

Manas (the epic) is the name of a great Kyrgyz hero, and the long traditional poem is named after him because it tells his 'heroic deeds' and the stories of his people.