Erlik Han in Tengrism

The Lord of the Underworld

In Tengrism, the ancient spiritual belief system of the Turkic and peoples, Erlik Han is a central figure associated with the underworld, darkness, and death. He is both feared and respected, as he governs the realm of the dead while also serving as a necessary counterbalance to Tengri, the supreme deity. Erlik Han plays a crucial role in the cosmic balance, embodying the duality of life and death.

Origins and Mythological Role

Erlik Han appears in various myths and legends of the Turkic and tribes, often depicted as a powerful deity who rules the underworld. According to Tengrist cosmology, Erlik was originally one of Tengri’s creations, but due to his arrogance and desire for greater power, he was cast down into the underworld, where he became the ruler of the dead.

In some versions of the myth, Erlik Han played a role in the creation of humanity. He is said to have interfered with Tengri’s process of forming the first human, adding impurities and thus introducing mortality and suffering into the world. As a result, he was banished to the lower realms, where he became the master of darkness, disease, and misfortune.

Attributes and Symbolism

Erlik Han is often depicted as a fearsome and mighty figure, with distinct characteristics that emphasize his dark nature:

• A long black beard – Symbolizing wisdom, power, and mystery.
• A fearsome, intimidating face – Representing his role as a punisher of souls.
• Riding a black bull or horse – Indicating his connection to the underworld and judgment.
• Surrounded by demons or spirits – Servants who assist him in maintaining order in the underworld.

He is not seen as entirely evil but rather as a necessary force in the universe. His role ensures that balance is maintained, as he punishes wrongdoers while also guarding the spirits of the deceased.

Erlik Han’s Realm: The Underworld

Erlik Han rules over Tamag, the underworld in Tengrism. This is where the souls of the wicked go after death. Unlike the Christian concept of Hell, Tamag is not solely a place of eternal torment but rather a realm where souls are purified through suffering before they can eventually move on.

Erlik Han’s underworld is described as a cold, dark place filled with mist, inhabited by demons and lost souls. He commands various dark spirits who serve as his minions, enforcing his rule and ensuring that those who enter Tamag are held accountable for their earthly actions.

Erlik Han and the KAM Tradition

Shamans, known as Kam, played a significant role in Tengrist societies and often acted as intermediaries between the physical world and the spiritual realms. Some powerful shamans were believed to have the ability to journey into Erlik Han’s domain to negotiate for the release of a soul or to seek guidance.

Rituals and offerings were sometimes made to appease Erlik Han, particularly when seeking protection from disease, misfortune, or death. These rituals often involved sacrifices or symbolic offerings, such as black animals, which were believed to be associated with him.

Erlik Han in Modern Culture

Although Tengrism declined with the rise of Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity among the Turkic peoples, aspects of Erlik Han’s mythology have survived in folklore and cultural traditions. In modern revivals of Tengrism, Erlik Han is often reinterpreted as a necessary force of cosmic justice rather than a purely malevolent entity.

In popular culture, Erlik Han sometimes appears in literature, films, and art as a representation of death or as a powerful, underworld-related deity. His legend continues to inspire those who seek to reconnect with their ancestral beliefs and understand the spiritual duality within Tengrism.

Conclusion

Erlik Han is a complex and essential figure in Tengrist belief, embodying both fear and respect. As the ruler of the underworld, he ensures justice by punishing the wicked and maintaining cosmic balance. His legend serves as a reminder of the natural cycle of life and death, a concept deeply embedded in the worldview of the ancient Turkic peoples.

Whether seen as a divine judge, a dark deity, or a misunderstood guardian of the afterlife, Erlik Han’s presence in Tengrist mythology underscores the importance of balance, responsibility, and respect for the unseen forces that shape existence.