INTERPRETATION OF MAGICAL MOTIVES IN IMAGINATIVE PROSE

Abstract

The article examines the philosophy of occultism and the representation of magical motifs in fiction. The purpose of the study is to clarify the relationship between occultism and magic and to identify the forms and functions of magical elements in literary works. Occultism is interpreted as theoretical knowledge of mystical powers, while magic is regarded as its practical manifestation. The study analyses magical motifs in Kazakh literature from the perspective of national worldviews, mythological beliefs, and cultural traditions. Drawing on the works of Kazakhstani and international scholars, it considers magical prayers, ritual practices, and related instruments. It pays particular attention to the representation of clairvoyance, witchcraft, communication with spirits, supernatural abilities, and authorial imagination in contemporary prose. The relationship between magic, religion, and science is also explored. The findings indicate that, unlike science, which relies on reason, evidence, and observation, magic functions within a mystical framework and is associated with secret knowledge transmitted through cultural traditions or granted to selected individuals. The study contributes to understanding the literary functions and cultural foundations of magic. Its conclusions may be applied in folklore studies, literary theory courses, and the teaching of contemporary methods of literary criticism.