20-24 septembrie 2009 - Biblioteca Metropolitana Bucuresti

510 Sendenjav DulamLalar, the single eyed giant in Mongol tales is portrayed as a huge,headless creature with has single eye on its shoulder, has a mouth in thebelly and has an iron rod in its hand. (Tserensodnom 1989: 141) Merzis portrayed as a creature, which resembles a man and has single red eyeon its forehead and with two dogteeth. According to B. Tsevegdorj,local old man, there is a narrative about a strange creature with single eyeon its forehead. Moreover, he has four other Lalars working for him as aservant and bodyguard. (1989: 142) In addition there is a monstrous imageof a giant in the Mongol epics similar to Polyphemus’s. For example, in theDorvod epic “Duutai Mondor” there is a portrayal of a single eyed DungiinTsagaan monster, which is the lord of east in the middle world. (Katu1989: 8) The Mongolian word “Lalar” took its root from Sanskrit word“lalātanetra” which means single eye on the forehead. This word, in turn,derived from the name of Indian god Maveśvari (śiva). Mongolians used touse this word to rebuke someone. They say “khar lalar” when rebuking badpeople. (Sukhbaatar 1997: 121) Mongolians also use the word “Lal”for Islam religion, meaning that is a religion with wrong teachings. We cansuggest that this may be derived from the word “Lalar” meaning ’heretical’religion against Buddhism.I could not find possible meaning for the word Merz. According tothe view of Central Khalkh ethnic group there is a single eyed, invisiblemonster, who sits on the top of a yurt (ger) and rejoices when people argue.In everyday life, old people rebuke arguing man or woman and say, “Don’tmake Merz happy!” We can not find clear meaning of the Merz, but itis obvious that this word signifies single-eyed monster. To conclude, wecan state that all single-eyed giants in Mongol tales, except Duva Sohorin the Secret History of the Mongols, have a common image of a monster.Polyphemus, single-eyed monster in the Greek tales reminds us Mongolianlifestyle because he herds sheep, collects milk products and herds sheep.(Kun 1989: 378)In the following, I will compare motifs in the Greek and Mongol myths.