Although it is not as well known as Greek, Germanic, Egyptian and Scandinavian mythologies, Turkic mythology actually has a very interesting content. The inadequacy of written sources and the widespread spread of ancient Turks are the two biggest problems in the study of Turkic mythology. But we still know a lot thanks to the Orkhon and Yenisei Inscriptions, folk tales, epics, shaman and Tengrist prayers. This 12-question quiz, created to test yourself about Turkic mythology, will be very useful for you to at least get an idea about Turkic mythology, even if you don’t know anything.
Correct Answers
Since the questions are randomly ordered, the order below may not be compatible with the order in the quiz.
In Turkic mythology, the tree of life is usually depicted with how many branches?
In Turkic myths, the tree of life is usually depicted with nine branches. Each branch symbolizes one of the nine tribes of the Turks, and according to some myths, one of the nine human races on earth.
What does iye mean in Turkic mythology?
In Turkic mythology, iye means protective spirit. According to Turkic mythology, trees, animals and even some inanimate objects such as mountains have their own iye. Therefore, it is essential to live a life respectful to nature.
What is the epic in which the Turks melted an iron mountain?
The name of the epic in which the Turks melted an iron mountain is Ergenekon. According to Epic of Ergenekon, the Turks were able to get out from where they were imprisoned by melting an iron mountain in front of them.
What does Kalgançı Çak mean in Turkic mythology?
In Turkic mythology, Kalgançı Çak means the Day of Judgment. On that day, a great war will break out between Ülgen, the symbol of goodness, and Erlik, the symbol of evil. In that war, everything on earth will be destroyed except for Ülgen. However, with Ülgen resurrecting people, life will continue on its way without Erlik.
Who is the fertility goddess in Turkic mythology?
The name of the fertility goddess in Turkic mythology is Umay. She is sometimes likened to the mother goddesses in other mythologies. She is the protector of pregnant women and children. She is depicted with three horns or a crown with three spikes. Those who could not become pregnant used to sacrifice in the name of Goddess Umay.
In Turkic mythology, in which tree form is the tree of life usually depicted?
In Turkic mythology, the tree of life is usually depicted in the form of beech, rarely in the form of poplar and pine. The tree of life, a nine-branched beech tree, provides communication between the earth and the sacred sky. Due to the tree of life symbolism, beech trees are considered sacred in many communities.
What are the animals considered sacred in Turkic mythology?
The most sacred animals in Turkic mythology are the wolf, the deer and the eagle. In the Proto-Turkic communities, the deer was associated with guidance and wisdom. The most sacred animal among the Proto-Turks was the deer. However, in later communities, the deer gave the first place to the wolf, a predatory animal. This can be explained by the sociological change in Turkic communities. The wolf, just like the eagle, was one of the animals that was both feared and respected among the ancient Turks. Many communities used to believe that eagle claws and eagle feathers kept evil beings away.
What is the name of the winged horse figure in Turkic mythology?
The name of the winged horse in Turkic mythology is Tulpar. It is likened to Pegasus in Greek mythology. Tulpar is God’s gift to valiant warriors. Thanks to Tulpar, warriors can traverse long distances faster than the wind.
Who is the creator god in Turkic mythology?
The name of the creator god in Turkic mythology is Kayra Han. He is the creator of everything except Tengri. Some Turkic communities in Siberia know him as Tengri’s son. He has no mother. The tree of life was planted by Kayra Han. He sends lightning bolts to the earth. Therefore, lightnings and trees struck by lightning are considered sacred in some Turkisc communities.
Who are the supernatural creatures in Turkic myths?
The most popular of the supernatural entities in Turkic myths are Aldacı Han, Alkarısı, Demirkıynak, Erbörü, Arçura, İtbarak, Karakorşak, Azmıç, Opkan, Ubır, Abra and Yutpa. On the other hand, Surtur is a jotunn in Norse mythology.
What is the name of the creature in Turkic mythology, who is in charge of taking life and is depicted as a black dressed man riding a black horse?
The name of the creature responsible for taking life in Turkic mythology is Aldacı Han. He is usually presented as a well-built, black-dressed man who rides a jet-black horse. He is also likened to the angel of death in modern beliefs.
Which one cannot be considered as one of the belief systems that affect Turkic mythology and Turkic legends?
The main belief systems that affect Turkic mythology and Turkic legends are animism, shamanism and Tengrism. Sikhism is an Indian religion that emerged in the late fifteenth century. Therefore, an interaction between Sikhism and Turkic mythology cannot be mentioned.
- Turkic mythology (Wikipedia)
- Tengrism (Wikipedia)