Eagle Image in the Contemporary Movie Text (“Toyon Kyyl” by E. Novikov as a Case Study)

Abstract

The article discusses the semantics of the image of an eagle in the drama “Toyon Kyyl” (The Lord Eagle) by a Sakha director Eduard Novikov. The research is based on various methods, including linguo-cultural analysis, structural semiotic analysis, and interpretative methods of analysis. Eagle is one of the oldest symbols used by various peoples of the world. The Sakha called eagle toyon kyyl (lord of birds) or toyon bulur (lord who brings misfortune). In modern context the image of the eagle represents nature, while the relationship between the eagle and the characters represent the relationship between people and nature. Humanity, just like that young boy Mikiper who scared away the eagle in his childhood, is destroying the natural world. However, the punishment for this act is waiting in the future. The article discusses the main symbols of the film, connected with the image of an eagle: the Sun, a tree, an egg. The Sun (mark of the Upper World) is connected with divine punishment and divine eye. An egg, floating in the world ocean, contained the Universe inside of it, according to myths of the peoples of the world. In the analysed film the eggs symbolise children, offspring, and thus the future. A special role in the film is given to an old tengke tit larch tree, which symbolises the world tree, while the eagle on its top is the mark of the Upper World.