Hero and Power Phenomena in Turkish Epopees

Epopees are unique amongst the narrative literary genres as they reflect all stages of development of a nation from its formation, and its national way of thinking. Based on the postulate that epopee texts stem from common incidents lived through by a nation, it is evident that common cultural, social, economic and traditional perspectives can be derived from the epic texts. The protagonist and power approach in Turkish epopee texts that comprise many principles related with national unity connotes important data about Turkish perception of power from centuries ago till today. Motives relating the protagonist characters encountered in Turkish epopees with god involve a concept that devotes a special place for Turkish nation in heaven. From this viewpoint, this article elaborates origin of protagonist, protagonist and god, and interaction between protagonist and power concepts with reference to Turkish epopee tradition