New Olonkho books bridge Yakutia's epic past with future generations

Three new books rooted in the Yakut heroic epic Olonkho were unveiled at Yakutsk’s P.A. Oiunsky Literary Museum. The event marked part of the celebrations for the 2025 Olonkho Decade. It gathered cultural figures, public activists, and epic performers to highlight the tradition’s importance. The presentation featured works by two respected Olonkhosut artists. Valentin Isakov contributed two titles: ‘Subedeiine and Arsaalan Bakshiila’, a translation of the shamanic epic ‘Doledai – Lord of the Mountains’, and ‘Ikki Olokhho’, which includes two children’s Olonkho stories for boys and girls. Pyotr Tikhonov, a renowned Olonkhosut and Algyschyt, presented ‘Ottoy Bootur’, a book aimed at young performers and children.

Maria Turantayeva, First Deputy Minister of Culture and Spiritual Development of Yakutia, commended both authors for their efforts in preserving and promoting the epic tradition. Isakov, a professional Olonkhosut, actor, and scholarship recipient, and Tikhonov, a leading figure in the national cultural community, were central to the event’s success. The books are now available to the public. They aim to engage new generations with the Yakut epic tradition. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to sustain and celebrate Olonkho during its dedicated decade.