Archetypes of Space in Mari Folklore
The article reveals and analyses Mari ethnic archetypes of space. They are defined with the help of a system of techniques and stratagems applied to Mari folklore texts of different genres. One difficulty in the analysis lies in the absence of parameters by which one can assess and interpret spatial images and archetypes. In the article an approach that allows a solution to this problem has been offered: psychological space perception factors are introduced quantitatively showing their ranking. In the hierarchy of perception factors three out of six psychological parameters give the space a dual evaluation. As a result of investigation there is a ranked classification of space types which have the paramount importance for the ethnos.