A qui ressemblent-ils?

Whom do they resemble?.- An attempt at delineating the logic inherent to the epical discourse through an examination of Pierre Smith's recent theses. Attention is focused upon the fact that such a study demands a new evaluation of the guiding concepts and principles of anthropology. While P. Smith deals chiefly with African examples, the present essay makes a privileged use of Ossete legends (Northern Caucasus) and Slavic epical traditions.