Who is Ülgen?
According to ancient Turkic belief, Ülgen (Old Turkic: 𐰈𐰞𐰏𐰅𐰣) is a god who provides order on earth and represents goodness. He is the son of the creator god Kayra, and therefore he is the brother of Erlik, the god of darkness. The contrast between these two brothers has great importance in Turkic cosmology. While Ülgen is the symbol of goodness, light and order, Erlik represents chaos, evil and darkness. This cosmic balance between the two is one of the basic elements that provide order to the universe.
In the creation myth, Ülgen plays a leading role in the creation and organization of the earth. When Kayra creates Ülgen, he gives him the power of light and goodness. Then he assigns him to ensure the order of the earth. Ülgen, as a creative figure, creates the earth, mountains, rivers and clouds. However, the process of creation is not based solely on goodness. Erlik’s efforts to create chaos are an important factor in the balance of the universe in this process. This contrast is often described in legends through Ülgen’s struggles against his brother Erlik.
In Turkic mythology, the creator god is Kayra. The chief god, Tengri, assigned Kayra to create the universe. Kayra created all the other gods and the universe except Tengri. However, Kayra gave the task of creating and organizing the earth to Ülgen.
In the Turkic pantheon, Ülgen is always noted as the defender of order and goodness. In myths, his power and wisdom constantly thwart Erlik’s efforts to create chaos. Ülgen’s creative and protective role has given him the authority to rule on the 16th level of the sky world. Ülgen’s positioning above Erlik in Turkic mythology can be attributed to this creative and organizing role.
Another important aspect of this creation myth is that Ülgen guides people and organizes their lives. Ülgen establishes dominance over the world he creates, while also guiding people’s souls. Pagan Turks believed that if they lived in accordance with Ülgen’s order, they would find peace in his sky world after death.
The Role of Ülgen in Turkic Mythology
As mentioned above, Ülgen is known as the king of the sky in Turkic mythology. His main role is to maintain order on earth, control natural events and protect people from evil. Ülgen, who lives on the 16th floor of the sky, is also known as the creator of the world. With his will, the world, people and other living things came into being and a balance was established between the sky and the earth.
According to Turkic belief, whether people are good or bad determines their place in Ülgen’s world. When living people live in accordance with Ülgen’s will, they are accepted into the sky world and find peace there.
Ülgen is also seen as the controller of natural disasters and abundance. He has the authority to make it rain, manage sunlight and ensure the cycle of nature. People associate these natural events with Ülgen’s goodness and protection. In this context, Ülgen is the only god to pray for warm weather during a harsh winter or for a little rain on a dry summer day.
In Greek mythology, Prometheus brought fire to humans and opened the doors of civilization, while in Turkic mythology, this role is taken on by Ülgen. Ülgen taught humans not only physical fire, but also wisdom, guidance and the basic principles of life. In this context, fire can be seen as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment, rather than a material source of heat.
Depictions and Descriptions
Ülgen is described as a powerful, magnificent and luminous god. He is usually depicted as a bright being, white or golden in color. His long white beard and luminous face are one of the manifestations of Ülgen’s power and goodness. This appearance emphasizes that Ülgen is a figure who banishes darkness and spreads light.
In myths, Ülgen sits on a golden throne in the sky. There are two large shining stars next to him. Sometimes he rides on the clouds on a white horse and controls the functioning of the earth. He carries a scepter in one hand and a bow in the other. The scepter is considered an extension of Ülgen’s creative power. The bow, on the other hand, is used to send lightning to the earth. However, these lightnings carry a spiritual meaning beyond their meteorological meaning. The place or person where the lightning strikes becomes sacred. For this reason, trees struck by lightning were considered sacred in Turkic culture. Praying under those trees was a common tradition among pagan Turks.
The Sky World in Turkic Mythology
In Turkic mythology, the sky is considered the place of goodness, light and peace. Although the level where Ülgen lives is defined as the highest level in some sources, the fact that Kayra and Tengri are higher in rank calls this view into question. This situation can be explained by the fact that Ülgen has replaced Tengri in some communities.
The sky world ruled by Ülgen is also connected to other levels in the universe. The sky levels represent the stages that people must overcome on their spiritual journey. Each level is a part of the order created by Ülgen and each is considered a symbol of a different virtue. Reaching Ülgen by passing through these levels is the ultimate goal of the souls. Shamans try to pass through the celestial levels to reach Ülgen during trance, but they can only rise as high as the pole star. Based on this, it can be said that the 16th level is somewhere beyond the pole star.
Ülgen’s Relationship with Other Mythological Characters
Ülgen, his most significant relationship is with his brother Erlik, with whom he is in a constant state of opposition. This opposition creates the balance of good and evil, one of the basic philosophies of Turkic mythology. Ülgen’s light and order constantly try to establish superiority against Erlik’s chaos and darkness.
When compared to other mythological characters, it can be said that Ülgen is similar to Zeus in Greek mythology. Both gods rule the sky world. However, Ülgen, unlike Zeus, is a direct creative god. Although Zeus is responsible for ensuring the order of the universe, he is not defined as a creative figure.
In Norse mythology, Ülgen can be compared to Odin. Odin is the god of wisdom and order and ensures the balance of the universe. Like Ülgen, Odin also reigns in the sky. However, Odin’s being a warrior and a harsher figure separates Ülgen from his good and light-filled character. While Ülgen takes on a more peaceful and regulatory role, Odin is more closely associated with war and heroism.
