Abstract
The purpose of the article is to analyze the functions of love motif in the plot structure of Kazakh legends and systematize the texts according to the degree of its expression and plot-forming function. Using eight texts as an example, historical legends with a rudimentary and expanded love theme are separated, the specificity of a romance conflict and its role in oral narrative are defined. The national system of values is described. A conclusion is made about the integration of interethnic communication in historical legends, genre and content originality of modern Kazakh legends.