Literature

             The Ainu people traditionally lacked a written alphabet, instead relying on an oral tradition to pass down tales, legends, life experiences, and moral lessons from one generation to the next. Among their oral literature, "Yukar" stands out as heroic tales. Depending on the region, these tales also go by names like "yayerap," "sakorpe," "haw," and in Sakhalin, "hawki." The stories often revolve around a central orphaned hero, known by different names such as "Poiyaunpe," "Pon-shinutapkaunkur," "Pon-otasamunkur," and "Yayresupo."

             When narrating a Yukar, the storyteller sits by the fire, recounting the young hero's adventures throughout the night while rhythmically tapping a stick, known as "repni," against the fireside. Some tales feature human heroes, while others spotlight gods who resemble men. In the latter, gods like "Aeoynakamuy," "Ainurakkur," and "Okikurmi" venture from the heavens to the human realm, where they encounter various captivating events with mankind. In areas like lburi and Hidaka, these stories are termed "oyna." However, in other regions, they fall under the broader category of "kamuy yukar." When the heroes of these tales are "natural" gods, often animals, they are distinctly called "kamuy yukar." The narrator weaves these tales, detailing the animal gods' experiences and interspersing moral lessons with a recurring phrase known as "sakehe."

             The Ainu's oral literature isn't limited to the aforementioned styles. There's also the "narrative uepeker," typically translated as "an old tale," which in certain regions is named "tuitak" or "uchashkuma" in Sakhalin. While "uepeker" suggests an old fictional tale, it often recounts genuine experiences of individuals from bygone times. Stories labeled "ikopepka" or "upashkuma" bear a closer resemblance to legends compared to the "old tales." Another significant part of Ainu oral tradition is "Yaysama," wherein a woman delivers an impromptu song expressing her feelings. Many of these words and phrases have been preserved and passed down, solidifying their status as oral literature.