FANTASY AND REALITY: ABOUT THE SACRED AND HISTORICAL SPACE OF IZHEVSK (AFTER READING THE STORY OF E. MINNIGARAYEVA)
The article deals with a myth/legend about a cemetery of the ancient Udmurts. The literary interpretation of the myth differs from the archeological interpretation of the data. The artistic interpretation offered by Elena Minnigaraeva enriches the mystic space of Izhevsk, giving it new angles and symbolism. Published in 2016, the story evoked discussions and aroused interest to the history of Izhevsk, its old cemetery and mystic places. The story-fantasy reveals the historic past of the territory where Izhevsk is located; at the same time the story develops a myth about the negative loci of the capital city of Udmurtia. Due to the combination of artifacts the story contains several levels. The sacral information or knowledge is transitioned through a small inconspicuous stone. The gray (black) stone becomes the symbol of ancient knowledge and the mystery transitioned by girls and young women from one generation to another; in return they lose their beauty and youth and may receive wisdom. Insanity caused by the ownership of the stone, attempts to get rid of it, exclusivity - these and other themes are at the core of the female characters who turned out to be the owners of this artifact. Anna, the female owner of this stone, has difficult times. “The truth” escapes her, but she is waiting for the miracle which fails to come. The author gives a hint that common sense and humility will help her survive and decipher the centuries-old terrifying mystery. The intercultural links of the text strengthen the effect of a riddle and the ways of guessing it. The associations and culturally relevant knowledge provided in the text enable readers to decode the secret.