The concept of symbol has played an important role in various cultural and intellectual fields throughout human history. Turkish epics are narratives shaped by cultural symbols as a reflection of the collective unconscious. In this context, one of the motifs frequently encountered in epics is shapeshifting. The shapeshifting motif means that a person, animal or object takes on a different form and assumes different functions in mythological, religious and literary contexts. This motif, which has been carried from ancient belief systems to literature, is particularly linked to shamanistic beliefs. Shamans believed that they gained power by transforming into different beings on their spiritual journeys. In epics, transformation is a method used by heroes to gain power, overcome obstacles or hide their identity. Transformation symbols are categorized and analyzed according to Stith Thompson's classification of motifs. Different examples of these motifs in Turkish epics were identified and analyzed through epic texts. In this study, shape-shifting symbols in the epics of Altai, Bashkir, Chuvash, Khakas, Kazakh, Tuva, Sagay (Abakan), Uyghur and Yakut Turks were analyzed. The study was carried out with the document analysis technique, one of the qualitative research methods, and only written sources were taken as basis.
Turkic World Epics, Symbolism, Shapeshifting, Transformation, Mythology.