E-mail: asoloveva@hse.ru Tel.: +7 (495) 772-95-90
21/4, Staraya Basmannaya str., Moscow, 105066, Russian Federation
PhD in Philology, Leading Research Fellow, Institute for Oriental and Classical Studies, National Research University the Higher School of Economics
This article looks at the motif of destroyed sacred places, which is known in many various traditions from different periods. By a coincidence of historical circumstances, this motif proved to be extremely popular in Socialist and Post-Socialist folklore in regions that witnessed such destruction. The article deals with the specifics of Mongolian landscape mythology and examines some basic features of representations and beliefs related to the veneration of sacred loci, in particular natural ones, their varieties, character, and motifs, as well as the way they are represented in the tradition. The article also examines the emic concept of the “enraged place,” popular in the Mongolian tradition, as well as forms of sacred punishment — demonic manifestations, putting curses on and bringing harm to offenders. In addition, the article touches on the conflict between state and traditional ideology and its reflection in Mongolian folk narratives. The encounter takes the form of a confrontation between a Communist Party member/atheist and a representative of supernatural forces, whether sacred or demonic. The article is based on field materials collected during annual expeditions to various parts of Mongolia (2006–2019).
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