Themes and Semantic Features of Anthroponyms in Azerbaijani Epic Folklore

Anotace: The article classifies anthroponyms in Azerbaijani folk tales and epics by thematic groups and studies the ritual-mythological, religious (Sufi) semantics and the magical function of these names. Personal names' role in epics is based on human-natural, individual-communal, sacred-profane, and friend-foe relations. Epithets indicating the negative or positive nature of the characters are also taken into account in the context of the people's worldview, beliefs, traditional lifestyle and culture. The changes in the anthroponomics of Azerbaijani epics in connection with the growing popularity of love epics and the factors causing these changes are studied. The role of ashugs, the creators and performers of Azerbaijani love epics, in determining the type of epic hero and his manifestation at the level of personal names is explored.