BADIK CHANT – A MAGICAL INCANTATION

This article examines badik, a magical chant performed during Uzbek shamanic healing rituals, and discusses its generic characteristics. Badik is traditionally recited when a patient develops skin eruptions, especially sores or rashes. The study reviews the opinions of folklorists and ethnologists concerning this ritual practice. It also analyzes the archaic mythological concepts reflected in the content of badik chants and identifies their mythopoetic nature.