Tomiris - Symbol of the Concept of «Mәңгілік ел»

Abstract

The article provides a comparative analysis of the heroic tales about Queen Tomiris,
presented in historical sources of the pre-Turkic era and in works of belles-lettres. There are twelve motives
distinguished in the tales about Tomiris, according to which the corresponding conclusions were drawn.
The historical significance of the work of the ancient Greek scholar Herodotus “History” is considered
in the aspect of research. The article demonstrates the fact that the basis of the tales about Tomiris was
borrowed from the description of the personality of the Saka leader, her feats and the struggle to preserve
statehood. An explanation is given of how, through legends and tales, heroic deeds forever remain in the
people’s memory as wonderful examples of courage and patriotism. The paper notes that information
from the work of the famous historian, compiled on the basis of legends and historical events, served
as a source for researchers and writers of subsequent periods and modern era. The heroism of the queen
Tomiris, manifested in the struggle for the preservation of statehood, is interpreted in the context of the idea
“Mangilic Yel”.