COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE UZBEK AND ENGLISH FOLK HEROIC EPIC

Abstract

This piece explores the comparative aspects of the two folk heroic epics 
from Uzbekistan and England and particularly contrasts their thematic, structural, and 
linguistic features. While relying on Alpomish and Beowulf to provide prototypes, the 
exposition probes into the extent to which these two giants of oral tradition embody 
the moral virtues, social hierarchy, and spiritual convictions of their respective cultural 
milieus. It dwells on the role of performance art as the primary vehicle of the collective 
memory and the main mode of transmitting the national ethos from one generation to 
another. Besides, the two epics devote very similar accounts of the hero as the epitome 
of valor, loyalty, and moral uprightness; therefore, they convey the message of the 
importance of courage and honor as instruments of social peace. Although they differ 
in terms of historical background and worldview—Alpomish as nomadic-patriarchal 
and Beowulf as warrior-Christian narrative—both works teem with universal human 
themes of heroism, self-sacrifice, and eternal conflict between the forces of good and 
evil. Their authorship is thus seen as two-sided artistic reflections that, acting as 
mirrors, both preserve the historical and ethical identity of their peoples.