Lecture: “A Folkloristic Examination of the Epic of Aslan: Plot, Motifs, Variants, and Original Texts”

On 19 February 2026, in the reading hall of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography (IAE), a lecture entitled “A Folkloristic Examination of the Epic of Aslan: Plot, Motifs, Variants, and Original Texts” was held within the framework of the “Folkloristic Discussions” series. The lecture was delivered by Samvel Ramazyan, PhD, Associate Professor.

The Deputy Director of the IAE Tork Dalalyan welcomed the attendees, emphasizing the relevance and scholarly value of the topic. The audience included staff members from various departments of the Institute, students, and other interested participants.

The lecturer presented the plot, motifs, and variants of the Armenian folk epic “Aslan Agha,” addressing the image of the hero as an embodiment of the just ruler envisioned by the people. Discussing the history of the epic’s documentation, it was noted that various folklorists (H. Shahbazyan, G. Tarverdyan, Karapet Melik-Ohanjanyan, M. Abeghyan, and others) recorded different versions, mainly based on the narration of Manuk Bidza Harutyunyan, a 75-year-old native of the Mokk region. A sung version of the epic was transcribed in 1920 by Spiridon Melikyan. In 1937, G. Tarverdyan recorded another rendition under the title “Aslan Kaklan”, based on the account of Jendo Jibraelyan, a 68-year-old farmer from Jnuk village of Shatakh. The folk tale “The Faithful Wife” is also thematically related to the epic.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session and open discussion.