The legend About Geser Bogdo Khan in Kalmyk folklore
In the Kalmyk folklore tradition, along with the epic Jangar, there was also the epic Geser, represented by a written summary dating back to Tibetan and Mongolian sources and oral tales. The purpose of this article is to consider the specifics of the plot of one of the legends About Geser Bogdo Khan. It should be noted that the text of this legend is first published in Russian translation. In the course of the research the author comes to the conclusion that the Kalmyk legend Geser Bogdo Khan is a whole story, which reveals parallels with the chapters of the famous summariess of the Tibetan and Mongolian versions of the epic monument: the birth and childhood of Geser; the marriage of Geser, the victory over the black-spotted tiger; the struggle of Geser with Lobsog; the war with Andulma Khan and others. Some scenes and motifs coincide; some motifs and plots are given in summary, and some are mentioned only fragmentarily. The plot, having genetic similarities with Tibetan and Mongolian epic versions, on the basis of Kalmyk folklore tradition has undergone transformations and modifications on substantial and plot-motive levels, with signs of fairytale rethinking.