Turkic mythology has a rich infrastructure that spreads over a wide geography and interacts with many different cultures. Kayra, one of the greatest gods in this mythology, stands out as the creator of the universe, humans and other gods (except Tengri). He is the most powerful god after Tengri and has an important place especially in the mythologies of the Siberian and Altai Turks.
Origin and Creation of Kayra
Kayra is considered the son of Tengri, the greatest of the gods in Turkic mythology. Tengri is the supreme being in the belief system of the Turkic and Altai peoples, the first god of the universe and the chief god living in the highest level of the sky. He has existed since eternity. He has no equal. Therefore, Kayra was created directly by Tengri.
Although there is no specific narrative about Kayra’s birth, some sources state that he was created to ensure the order of the universe and contribute to the regulation of creation. She doesn’t have any siblings. Since Tengri was considered a personification of the sky in proto-Turkic communities, it was usually imagined in a non-anthropomorphic form, whereas Kayra’s masculine aspects are more predominant. The feminine Yertengri, a personification of the fertile and productive earth, is Kayra’s only known partner. Among her children are the most well-known figures of Turkic mythology such as Ülgen, Erlik, Umay, Kuyaş, Ay Ata, Kızagan and Mergen. Ülgen symbolizes goodness and mercy, Erlik evil and chaos, Umay fertility and protection, Kuyaş the Sun, Ay Ata the Moon, Kızagan anger and punishment, and Mergen wisdom.
The origin of Kayra can also be associated with shamanist beliefs and animism. In the shamanist culture of the Turks, it is believed that nature and the universe are filled with spirits. Kayra is considered one of the most sublime beings in this universe. From an anthropological perspective, the existence of Kayra carries deep symbolism related to the nomadic Turkic societies’ understanding of the universe and nature. The existence of Kayra as a creative deity is considered to be the product of an ancient belief system regarding the place of man in the universe, the cycles of nature and the meaning of life.
The Role of Kayra
In Turkic mythology, Kayra’s role is not only limited to creating the universe. Kayra can also be defined as the organizer and protector of the universe he created. As mentioned above, Kayra is considered a god who determines the fate of the universe. According to mythological beliefs, Kayra controls not only the material universe but also other gods and spirits.
Kayra’s creative and organizing power means that it has an absolute effect on all beings in the universe. It determines the fate of the universe and, indirectly, of people.
In Turkic mythology, it is often emphasized that Kayra is a benevolent god. In fact, this is consistent with the “optimistic” character of Turkic cosmology. In mythological narratives, it is said that Kayra planted a nine-branched tree of life, called Ulukayın, which connects the earth and the sky. It is also mentioned that humans originated from the branches of this tree.
Kayra is the creator of the entire universe and the Earth. However, when myths and legends are evaluated as a whole, it is concluded that Kayra only created the Earth as a planet and planted the tree of life, and did not interfere with the rest. Because he gave the roles of organizing the Earth, managing it, controlling the weather, and creating geomorphological shapes to his son Ülgen.
Kayra’s role in mythology is also related to his fight against evil. In Turkic mythology, Erlik is known as the god of the underworld and evil. Kayra punished Erlik and made him the ruler of the underworld. This narrative reveals that there is a dualistic worldview in Turkic mythology. In this struggle between good and evil, Kayra, Ülgen and Umay are considered the strongest representatives of the side of good.
Physical Description of Kayra
Kayra’s physical description is full of abstract qualities rather than a concrete description like other mythological figures. Although there are no specific descriptions of his appearance, it is known that he is a god associated with the sky and lightning. It is said that Kayra lives on the 17th floor of the sky and sends lightning to the earth in various forms. The acceptance of these lightning strikes as a sign for the consecration of a shaman suggests that Kayra is sometimes directly associated with natural forces. In fact, sacred lightning strikes are also linked to Kayra’s son, Ülgen.
One of Kayra’s power symbols is the tree of life that connects the earth and the sky. This tree, known as “Ulukayın”, is not only the source of the human race, but also a symbol that ensures the order of the universe. By planting this tree, Kayra established the order of the universe and determined the origin of humanity. Ulukayın has a very important place for shamanist and animist Turks. Because this tree is considered a spiritual source of all beings.
Creation Myths in Turkic Mythology
The creation myths in Turkic mythology are highly significant in explaining Kayra’s role in the universe. As mentioned, Kayra is a god who created everything except Tengri. In the creation myths, it is said that Kayra first created the earth and then planted a nine-branched tree. This tree of life, also known as Ulukayın, is regarded as a symbolic element from which the human race originated. The most important figure within these creation myths is undoubtedly Kayra.
Kayra’s influence on the creation process also reveals his dominance over other gods. Kayra created gods such as Ülgen, Erlik, Umay, Kuyaş, Ay Ata, Kızagan, Mergen, Gün Ana and Yertengri and gave them various tasks. In this context, Kayra was accepted as a creative and organizing force.
Another notable aspect of the creation myth is Kayra’s impact on humanity. Kayra created nine people who were the ancestors of humans and ensured that nine races emerged from these people.