Bekoev, Vladimir I.
Izvestia SOIGSI. 2022. IIS 45 (84).

Abstract:
The article is devoted to the study of images of patrons of harvest and fertility in the mythological
poetry of the Ossetians. It pays great attention to the theoretical understanding of the concept under
study, which is considered in the context of the mythological thinking of the ethnos. The relevance of
the article is due to the insufficient elaboration of the problem being raised. In this study, for the first
time, its comprehensive understanding is carried out, since until now only its individual aspects have
been reflected. In the Ossetian mythological pantheon, the patrons of harvest and fertility among the
Ossetians-Ironians are Wasilla, among the Ossetians–Digorians – Khuareldar and Borkhuarali. The
patron saint of Wasilla has been deeply revered in Ossetia since ancient times. Shrines dedicated to
this deity were built in many villages, sacred trees were planted, festivals were held, and rituals were
performed. The celebration dedicated to Wasilla was popularly called Khory bon (Harvest Festival).
In some settlements of Ossetia, Wasilla was endowed not only with the functions of the deity of
harvest and fertility, but also the patron of various natural phenomena – lightning and thunder. In
order to save the harvest from prolonged rains or, conversely, a long drought, as well as other weather
disasters, a holiday was held in honor of Wasilla, accompanied by a variety of magical actions.
Numerous songs extolling the patron saint of the harvest testify to the worship of the Ossetians of
Wasilla. As noted above, the Ossetians-Digor patrons of the harvest are Khuareldar and Borkhuarali.
The named patrons of the harvest in the mythological poetry of the Ossetians are endowed with
almost the same features as Wasilla. In various folklore sources, Huareldar and Borhuarali often act
as father and son. In the view of the ancestors of Ossetians, Huareldar and Borhuarali, like Wasilla,
were powerful patrons close to the people. Hence, in mythological poetry, they are endowed with
both the features of the celestials and the earthly man, they provide and help people in carrying out
agricultural work: they act as ploughmen, then sowers, then guides, etc.

Keywords: mythology, patron, ruler, celestial, prayer, patron, Wasilla, Huareldar, Borhuarali

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