COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVES ON THE HERO IMAGE IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK FOLK TRADITIONS

The concept of the hero occupies a central place in the folklore of every nation, reflecting its historical experience, cultural values, and collective worldview. English and Uzbek folk traditions, despite emerging from distinct geographical and socio-cultural contexts, share remarkable similarities in their portrayal of heroic figures while also exhibiting significant differences shaped by their unique historical developments. This article presents a comparative analysis of the hero image in English and Uzbek folk traditions by examining representative epics, legends, and ballads. The study investigates the moral qualities, social functions, symbolic meanings, and narrative structures associated with heroes in both traditions. Comparative literary analysis reveals that English folk heroes often emphasize individual bravery, justice, and resistance against tyranny, whereas Uzbek folk heroes embody collective responsibility, patriotism, loyalty, and the protection of family and homeland. The findings demonstrate that hero images function not only as literary characters but also as cultural symbols that preserve national identity and ethical ideals across generations. The research contributes to comparative folklore studies by highlighting universal heroic archetypes alongside culturally specific characteristics.