Epic Turks as Mythical “Others”: Ethnic Stereotypes and Snake Methaphors in Folklore And Literature

Abstract

Representations of Turks in Serbian and South Slavic epics rely on stereotypical images shaped by historical and cultural contacts that began with the Ottoman conquest of the Balkan states. These depictions are expressed in folklore, literature, and historiography. In epic folk poetry, Turks are portrayed both as historical and mythical opponents. On one hand, they are characterized as strong and worthy warriors, while on the other, they are imbued with demonic and animal attributes and certain supernatural qualities.
Animal metaphors are prevalent in both folklore and literature, with stereotypical images such as snakes, dragons, wolves, lions, and falcons indicating mutual influences rooted in shared mythological beliefs and biblical-apocryphal traditions. Representations of Turks as snakes, particularly winged ones, extend the semantic field to related mythical creatures like dragons, Ala and Zduhać, as well as to the arcane magical knowledge possessed by winged guardians of treasures. This opens up a significant circle of motifs centred on epic themes of slaying snakes/dragons and cosmic combat.
The ambiguous symbolism of the snake, encompassing aspects such as demonic strength, wisdom, cunning, violence, and greediness, merges with the signs of the Other, who is simultaneously a mythical alien and a familiar entity, sharing a common living space, cultural milieu, and historical experience with “Our” side. Such ideas have influenced the portrayal of Turks in Serbian folklore as irreconcilable, centuries-old enemies and unjust judges who cannot be trusted, but also as potential magical assistants.