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The results of a comparative analysis of the images of giants in the mythological traditions of geographically close unrelated peoples — the Ob Ugrians (Khanty and Mansi) and the Zabolotny Tatars are presented in the article. It is noted that the assimilation and leveling of the features of the giants images in original cultures did not occur, despite the fact that the myths of the West Siberian peoples were subjected to processes of mutual influence. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between the external features and the origin of mythological characters (giants) with the specifics of the geoclimatic landscapes inhabited by the peoples that form the epic. The novelty of the research is seen in the fact that for the first time the genesis, attributes and functions of the mythological heroes of unrelated peoples living in adjacent territories — the Ob Ugrians and the Zabolotny Tatars — are compared. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that the image of a giant has significant prospects in the reconstruction of an ethnic cultural space, since, being one of the most archaic characters in myths, at the same time it remains a part of modern cultural consciousness. The author’s vision of the common and unique features of giants as distinctive characters of the Ob-Ugric and Siberian Tatar mythological systems is presented in the article. The research materials were myths and legends of the peoples of Western Siberia, records of oral stories of the indigenous inhabitants of the region, collected by the authors during field expeditions.

The results of a comparative analysis of female demonic characters that exist in the myths and folklore of the peoples of Western Siberia are presented. It is noted that the total assimilation and leveling of the peculiarities of distinctive cultures did not occur, despite the fact that the rituals and myths of the West Siberian peoples were subjected to processes of mutual influence, flow and adaptation for centuries. The relevance of the study is due to the need to study the existing picture both in its integrity and in individual fragments. It is reported that the image of a female witch, a malicious old woman, is found in the myths and tales of most of the peoples living in Western Siberia. The article analyzes the etymology of the names and attributes of female demonic characters: Porne in Khanty mythology, Parne in Nenets mythology, Forest old woman and Albasty among Siberian Tatars, Baba Yaga among Slavs. The authors pay special attention to the commonality of mythological motifs, the similar structure of fairy tales, arising on the basis of demonic images of the feminine type. The possible relationship of these images with totemic representations, common in ancient cultures, is indicated. The question of the correlation of the folklore plot “the boy and the witch” with the ritualism of the West Siberian peoples, in particular, with the rites of birth, initiation, and fire worship, is examined. By comparing the traditions of neighboring cultures, the archetypal nature of the initiation scenario while maintaining its ethnospatial specificity is proved.

The urgency of methodical provision of planning of foundations for buildings erected next to existing ones is сonsidered. It is based on studying the causes of extension of deformations of structures in conditions of dense city building system. Some recommendations providing safety of buildings are given.