Mythical images in the novel “The Great Wang” by N. A. Baykov

Abstract

This article analyzes the mythical images in the novel “The Great Wang” by N. A. Baykov. In this work, the writer depicts such mythical images as the tiger – Great Wang, the wise old man – Tong Li, and the lotus flower. The tiger is assigned a significant role in many works by N. A. Baykov – the novels “The Great Wang”, “Tigress”, “The Black Captain”, “On The Hills and Woods of Manchuria”, as well as the scientific articles “The Manchurian Tiger”, “Tigers in The Far East”, "Tiger Hunting" , etc. The unique peculiarity of the novel under review lies in combination of the expressive techniques of Western literature with the exotic themes of Eastern nature, simple natural worldview of inhabitants of the East. The specifics of the novel lies in the fact that the idea “The Great Wang” is based on the Chinese folk myths and legends, which attach a rather mystical and mythical hue. All forest animals anthropomorphized by the writer have their own thoughts and emotions. The conclusion is made that using mythical images, the well versed in the Chinese culture and folklore writer, combined mythical images with his narrative, and expressed his opinion on the man – nature relations. N. A. Baykov was against anthropocentrism, and advocated for the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. In the current context of deterioration of environmental situation, the reflected in “The Great Wang” ecological problems deserve attention of each one of us. The name of N. A. Baykov should be inscribed in the history of the world ecological literature.