Research Information System
Наукові записки Бердянського державного педагогічного університету. Філологічні науки., no.23, pp.132-139, 2025 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
The article analyses the symbolism of numbers in Ukrainian and Turkish folk tales. The study
of numbers in the tale genre has revealed cultural parallels and differences in the tale genre of two
different nations. It proves that numerical symbols are an important part of folklore heritage, as
they not only structure narratives, but also reflect the worldview, religious beliefs and moral values of society. The numbers 3, 7, 12, and 40 in different folklore systems acquire special meanings
that are transmitted through fairy tales and legends. An analysis of the frequency and role of each
of these numbers in Ukrainian and Turkish fairy tales suggests that numerical symbolism has a sacred
and communicative function. In particular, the number three in both cultures is associated with
completeness, completeness and cyclicality, but has its own cultural peculiarities: in the Ukrainian
tradition, it often denotes the completion of stages or trials, and in the Turkish tradition, it means
success after two previous attempts. The number seven in Ukrainian and Turkish folklore is also
sacred and symbolises magic and mystery, uniting the heavenly and the earthly. However, while in
Ukrainian culture it is associated with spiritual harmony, in Turkish culture it acquires the features
of divine power. The number 40 is less common in the Ukrainian fairy tale tradition, but in Turkish
folklore it occupies a special place and is associated with the process of purification and symbolises
a period of renewal. A comparative analysis shows that numerical symbolism in Ukrainian and Turkish
fairy tales, despite the similarity of certain motifs, has its own unique features due to religious
and socio-cultural influences. The symbolism of numbers in the folklore of these peoples forms a rich
world of images that serves as an important channel for preserving national identity and transmitting
cultural memory from generation to generation. The study allows us to better understand the historical,
religious and social relations between the two peoples, revealing both universal symbolic motifs
and cultural specifics.