Russian Fairy Tales by Aleksandr Afanasev
Readers are introduced to both common fairy-tale figures and distinctively Russian figures like Koshchey the Deathless, Baba Yaga, the Swan Maiden, and the magnificent Firebird in this comprehensive anthology. The more than 175 tales taken from the famed Russian ethnographer Aleksandr Afanas’ev’s monumental multi-volume collection portray a vibrant, rich realm of imagination.
Russian Fairy Tales by Aleksandr Afanasev
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Fairy tales and other fictitious stories based on regional folklore have long played a significant role in Russian culture. These rich and varied tales, which were very popular throughout Russian history, were mainly passed down orally from generation to generation because the vast majority of Russians were illiterate. These tales, nevertheless, weren’t simply for the underprivileged and serfs of Russia. These tales were liked by both the Czars and the wealthy. As an illustration, it was reported that Czar Ivan IV (the Terrible) had “three old blind men [following] each other at his bedside, recounting fairy tales before he slept.” Numerous of these fairy tales are gathered and translated into one work in the book Russian Fairy Tales, which was compiled by Aleksandr Afanas’ev and translated by Norbert Guterman.
The book itself is made up of numerous anecdotes that are followed by a folkloristic remark at the end. The stories appear to be haphazardly scattered and lack any discernible sequence. The majority of the stories are really brief, with only a few pages on average. Alexander Alexeieff’s beautiful illustrations throughout the book are done in a manner reminiscent of wood carvings, perfectly capturing the tone and aesthetic of the stories. Roman Jokobson, a Russian linguist, wrote a commentary at the end of the book that goes into great detail regarding the history of Russian folklore and how these tales were transmitted. It offers insight into the creation and cultural foundation of these legends and is very well-written, instructive, and engaging.
