The article explores the formulaic nature of epic repetition in the oral tradition of the Kazakh Zhyrau XV–XVIII centuries. It manifests itself in its two main functions – expressive and pictorial. The main purpose of the article is to reveal the aesthetic and functional nature of epic repetition, to identify its features as a technical acceptance, and to trace its initial origins – rhythmed spells, suggestive magical realities, and its primary transformations. In the course of the research, we used historical-genetic, structural-semantic, hermeneutic methods and the method of the oral theory of Parry-Lord (oral tradition). The theoretical value of the methods used lies in the fact that they made it possible to reveal the genetic nature of epic repetition and the peculiarities of its functioning in traditional poetic art. The formulaic and stylistic patterns of various types of sound repetition – anaphora, verbal rhyme, monorym, rediff, etc. – were studied for the first time on the material of the individual author's oral poetry of Zhyrau of the XV–XVIII centuries. The practical value of the article and its justification lies in the writing of the monograph "The Poetic word in myth, ritual and ritual" and the preparation of a "Poetic Dictionary of the frequency of formulaic units" within the framework of the scientific project "Research of the artistic-determinative system, "formulaic stylistics" and grammar of poetry of Zhyrau XV–XVIII centuries. Frequency dictionary" (under the Program of grant financing of scientific and scientific-technical projects for 2021-2023 by the MSHE RK, IRN AP09261377).

The article tells about the mythical archetypes of Kazakh literature at the beginning of the 20th century, reunited with the new principles of human culture. These works are clearly demonstrated on the basis of the analysis of Abay’s poems “Iskander(Eskendir)”, “Masgut(Masғұt)”, “Conversation of Azim(Әзім әңгімесі)”. The positive influence of ancient Kazakh mythology on the works of that period is analyzed from the point of view of today and such qualities as transformations of the meaning of the word are noted. It is proved that the true novelty in the works of Abay is associated with a new content, moreover, relying on tradition, he became the beginning of a new source.Also, the authors of the article tried to convey to the public that the literary material of the diversity that connects the past of the people with today is the current events and conflicts on the basis of mythological parallels. The differences between the image of Iskander created by Abai, from other eastern dastans and from historical facts are shown. The artistic skill of creating an image from a mythological point of view is separately affected, and based on the poet’s work, results are obtained that prove that a person has good character traits from upbringing and education. Importance is given to the features of using elements of mythical symbolism in Kazakh literature at the beginning of the 20th century.