Manaschi Zhusup Mamai Tells about Himself

This publication comprises a short introduction plus translation of an article entitled “How I Began to Narrate ‘Manas’” by the leading modern performer of this Kyrgyz heroic epic, Zhusup Mamai. The introduction notes the uniqueness of the epic, its significance for world folklore, as well as the important role of storytellers (“manaschi”) in its preservation. The author highlights Zhusup Mamai’s exceptional personality and his great contribution to the “Manas” tradition, as he left behind our most complete version of the epic. The publication of this autobiographical article by the famous storyteller fills a gap in the field of “Manas” studies and provides interesting material for thinking about the techniques of memorization and oral performance of the epic.