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To understand folktales you must first understand folklore. According to Webster's Comprehensive Dictionary definition folklore is the traditions, beliefs, customs, sayings, stories, etc. preserved among the common people. In Russia there is a wide and vast number of nationalities making the folklore numerous and different.
Folktales are considered one of the major types of folklore. A folktale is not an original story but the retelling of a well-known tale. Folktales are generally classified into three types: fairytales, hero legends, and local legends. This week I would like to help you see the way that folktales helped shaped Russian literature, one way is to actually read the numerous traditions and tales.
Fairytales are a popular folktale amongst all but particularly among the young. The setting of fairytales are unreal worlds filled with magic. They take you far away to a land filled with fun. Amongst European fairytales they seem to be very similar yet remain unique and different. Perhaps a similar story line but the interesting part is in where they are different. Each fairytales incorporates part of their culture into it.
Another classification of folktales is what is known as Hero legends. Some prominent non-Russian examples that come to my mind are Johnny Appleseed and Paul Bunyan. A hero legend is a series of adventures by the same hero or groups of heroes. A common character in folktales is a Cock and animals.
The last classification is local legends. To me this is one of the most interesting to study and read. A local legend is used to explain a local occurrence or feature. I think the story that I heard growing up about the Rocky Mountains and the Grand Canyon - that of Paul Bunyan. This type of folktale incorporates the most culture into it because it explains the everyday local things like a hill, valley or special place.
It was the use of folklore and folktales that shaped the minds of Great Russian literary figures. The history, the future, the culture and the traditions were passed down through the use of folktales. Many Russian folktales do not have known authors but their message and power are still felt to this day.
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