ИЗВЕСТИЯ СОИГСИ

The methodology for identifying mythological semantemes in their ancient version requires peeling off the layers brought about over time. Mythological semantics of the traditional Ossetian three-legged low table – fyng – was also subjected to such layering of later motivations. Three-legged fyng, closely associated with Ossetian’s religious and mythological views on the universe, was widespread in the people’s life till the beginning of the XX century. Sacredness of fyng was endowed to four-legged big rectangular / square table which replaced it. In the course of time semantics of three legs of fyng was reconsidered and, eventually, was reduced to the utilitarian functions, according to which the three-legged design of fyng provided it the greatest stability. However, the form of fyng cannot be separated from prestigious ritual meals. The semiotic analysis of fyng simulates its place in the religious and mythological picture of the World of Ossetians. Three-legged table f yng had different shapes – round, triangular, oval, and they all represent the Model of the World. Forms of three-legged fyng are identical to the traditional ritual Ossetian pies, also having a circular, triangular and oval shape. Peculiar modeling of the world creation was carried with the help of a ritual meal at the three-legged table.

Keywords: mythology, semiology, ethnography, ritual prestigious meal, three-legged table, Fyng, Model of the world, the World Mountain, ritual.

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