OPPOSITION OF WHITE AND BLACK IN THE ADYGHE EPIC
The article is devoted to the analysis of color symbolism in the historical and heroic epic of the Circassians. The role of color designations in the functional diff erentiation of images is studied. In this regard, the methods of revealing the inner essence and external manifestations of the character of the hero and his connection with the objective and animal world are investigated. The analysis is carried out taking into account the identifi cation of epic images in the opposition “friend - foe”. The sacred nature, mythological roots and evolution of white and black are traced. The principle of borrowing an archaic motive in individual cycles of the younger epic is noted. The functions and forms of its artistic manifestation are determined. It is established that color symbols are capable of refl ecting the ethical and aesthetic preferences of the bearers of folklore consciousness. The symbolic use of color codifi cations in the historical and heroic epic is the task of our research. The analysis is carried out using the structural-comparative method. The material for consideration is the texts of archaic Nart legends and the stage-by-stage historical and heroic epic that follows it. As a result of the study, the role of symbolism in the folklore traditi on of the Circassians is es tablished.