THE LEGEND OF THE SLEEPERS OF EPHESUS IN AGATANGEL KRYMSKYI’S COMPARATIVE AND LITERARY RECEPTION

Abstract

The study of genre diversity, types and forms of cultural and literary relations is one of the key objectives of comparative literature. Agatangel Krymskyi, an outstanding Ukrainian orientalist scholar, in his work “The Legend of the Seven Young Sleepers of Ephesus” (1927) provided a basis for modern comparative literary studies. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legend of the seven young sleepers of Ephesus in Agatangel Krymskyi’s comparative and literary reception. In particular this research outlines the scholar's scientific interests as well as it reveals specificity of the above-mentioned legend functioning in different cultural and temporal dimensions. The study compares literary variations of the traditional plot and highlights their typical and specific features. Studying the specifics of the traditional plot functioning and the peculiarities of its reflection in A. Krymskyi’s comparative and literary reception requires an analysis of the comparative methods applied by the scholar and their direct use in practice. In particular, the comparative analysis of the legend of the seven young sleepers of Ephesus variations proved to be productive via their parallel comparison with the use of genetic-contactological, thematic, mythical and translational methods within the framework of a comparative historical approach. As a result of the conducted research the author of this article defines that in the work “The Legend of the Seven Young Sleepers of Ephesus” A. Krymskyi traced the regularities of the legend’s evolution, singled out common and distinctive stylistic features inherent in the functioning of the traditional plot in every single culture. In particular, the scholar proved the flexibility, universality and readiness of the traditional plots for formal and substantive adaptation in accordance with the time and the recipients’ needs, as well as he confirmed that traditional plots are the optimal environment for intercultural literary dialogue.