A fairy tale is an entertaining oral history that tells an incredible but instructive story.

Fairy tales are different. In some, the main characters are animals (sometimes they are opposed by humans). These are tales about animals.

In others, the main characters are people and fantastic creatures; animals here are most often - good helpers Main character. In these tales we're talking about about the amazing adventures of Ivan the Tsarevich or Ivan the Fool, necessarily connected with magic. These are fairy tales.

And finally, there are fairy tales whose main characters are also people, but, unlike fairy tales, where the heroes win thanks to magic, in them the heroes become winners thanks to their intelligence, ingenuity, courage, and cunning. These are social and everyday tales.

Speaking about the differences between fairy tales, it is interesting to pay attention to the origins of their fiction, fantasy. Why do animals in fairy tales talk like people, why does a dead father reward his youngest son, why does a comb thrown back turn into a forest? These and many other questions will remain unanswered if we do not turn to that era in human life when there were no fairy tales yet, but there were oral stories about people’s faith in all kinds of miracles.

Ancient man was far from a correct understanding of natural phenomena. The wind that uprooted trees, black clouds that spilled streams of water onto the ground, deafening thunder and dazzling lightning that fell on a defenseless man, animals that lay in wait for him in dense forests and deep ravines - all this filled him with fear and made him think about that in nature everything lives, moves, and has its own mind. And man identified himself and nature. He believed that animals could talk to each other, trees could move; he thought that the sun, moon, clouds, streams and rivers were living beings. And if so, it means that they could bring him both harm and benefit. Being powerless before nature, he began to worship water, fire, the sun, trees, and animals that seemed alive to him. Feeling like a part of nature, so formidable and omnipotent, he sought its protection and sought to protect himself from it.

Ancient man also worshiped his dead ancestors. Death was inexplicable to him, a mystery. It was believed that a person does not die, but only moves (he or his soul) to another world. Therefore, a deceased person, in the view of the ancients, is a living person, but possessing supernatural power due to the unusual nature of his condition. Thus arose the cult of ancestors, which demanded the worship of the dead.

All of the above explains to us why animals talk in fairy tales, why in the fairy tale “Sivka-Burka” the deceased father talks with his youngest son. Scientists have also established that the Serpent and Gorynych in fairy tales are the personification of fire, the images of Koshchei the Immortal are associated with the cult of ancestors, etc.

But all this speaks only about the origins of the fantasy of fairy tales and their implausible content. It is impossible not to pay attention to the fact that fairy tales are not about a person’s belief in the supernatural nature of objects and natural phenomena, but, first of all, about the most pressing, vitally important real problems for a person. The formation of human faith in supernatural beings and natural phenomena was facilitated by other oral stories, which in their content had nothing in common with fairy tales. These stories taught how to honor the beast, how to treat it kindly and attentively, etc.

In Russian folklore there is a fairy tale reminiscent of such ancient stories. It's called "The Bear on a Lime Leg." Scary tale! The old man, at the request of the old woman, cut off the bear's paw, and the bear takes revenge for this: he turns the old woman into a bear. Probably, in ancient times, our ancestors told young people such horror stories for edification: this is what will happen to those who raise their hands against the beast, which is worshiped by their clan and tribe! But time passed, man learned about nature, and the terrible became funny; previously terrible stories turned into heroic ones. The same story about a bear whose paw was cut off is also written with a different ending: the bear, who came to the village to take revenge for the evil done to him, dies at the hands of an old man and an old woman... And many fairy tales show us the victory of man over animals. Read, for example, the fairy tales “Old Bread and Salt is Forgotten” or “The Man, the Bear and the Fox,” and you will see this.”

So, fantasy, the improbability of events spoken of in fairy tales, appeared on the basis of ancient stories about the miraculous, supernatural, magical in nature. But fairy tales themselves are a later phenomenon. Using the fiction of stories ancient man, the storytellers, in essence, spoke not about nature, not about man’s relationship with it, but about man’s life in society, about himself. And if we take a closer look at the fairy tales, then without much effort we will recognize the signs of a very specific era.

Sources:
Kruglov Yu. G. Russian folk tales: Book. for self reading. 4 - 6 grades Compiled, author of the preface, notes, dictionary by Yu. G. Kruglov. - M.: Education, 1983. - 320 p., ill. - (School library).

When asked how long ago folk tales appeared, folklorists do not give an exact answer and argue that the historicism of folklore is not equal to a direct reflection of history. Nevertheless, both historians and folklorists are able to approximately determine, based on a number of signs, the time of occurrence of some fairy tales.

Morozko and Baba Yaga

These characters came to Russian folklore almost from primitive times. Experts see signs in Baba Yaga ancient goddess, which combines the features of the mistress of the kingdom of the dead and the mistress of beasts. She has a bone leg. For many Indo-European peoples, such lameness is a sign of belonging both to this world and to the otherworldly kingdom. The image of Baba Yaga is characterized by dualism - she can be both an evil witch and a good helper, which is also a reflection of ancient ideas about the spirits of nature.
Visit to the witch young hero(girls-stepdaughters, Ivanushka, etc.) are interpreted by folklorists as echoes of the most ancient rite of initiation, the transition from a child to an adult. Baba Yaga puts the hero on a shovel and threatens to send him into the oven to eat him later. According to the beliefs of many peoples, initiation is the death of a child who must be reborn into an adult. Folklorists, including S. Agranovich, interpret the story about Morozko as an “ice” version of the “fiery” death of a teenager in an oven. The father takes turns taking his daughters to winter forest and leaves it there all night without fire. The girl’s task is to endure the cold ordeal and survive in the forest. The one who succeeds receives a dowry, that is, the opportunity to get married as an adult. The other one, who turns out to be not so persistent, does not receive a dowry. In the most archaic version of the tale, the evil sister dies in the forest.

Subjects related to the bear

Among the most common stories related to the bear is the tale about a girl who found herself in a bear’s den, but managed to outwit the beast, forcing him to carry her home (“Masha and the Bear”). The second famous plot is “The Bear is a Lime Leg.” In many ways, the bear can be interpreted as an ancient totem animal of the Slavs. This is evidenced by the fact that even in ancient times our ancestors were careful not to call the bear by its true name, resorting to the allegory: “knowing honey.” The real name of this beast is probably akin to the German “ber”, hence the word “berloga” - “ber’s lair”. The plot about a girl who finds herself in a den can be seen as echoes of ancient sacrifices to the owner of the forest.
The story of an old man and an old woman is devoid of a happy ending - this is one of the most terrible Russian fairy tales with which our Slavic ancestors used to scare each other on dark nights. The old man was guarding the garden and managed to cut off the paw of a bear who had gotten into the habit of stealing turnips, which he brought home. The old woman began to boil the beast's paw in a cauldron. And the bear made himself a paw from a linden hemp and went to the old people's house. He sings an eerie song about an old woman who “sits on his skin, spins his wool, cooks his meat.” The old man rushes to close the door, but it’s too late - the bear is on the threshold! Folklorists see here a motive for insulting the totem animal and punishing such sacrilege. Totemism, sacrifices - all this takes us back to primitive communal times.

Serpent fighting motif

Our folklore knows a lot of fairy tales, the main plot of which is the motive of a battle with a snake or other monster. These stories also have ancient origins. Linguist Toporov traces the motif of snake fighting, which appears in the fairy tales of many peoples, to the main myth that emerged in that era when the Indo-Europeans were still a single people. The myth tells of the struggle between the thunder hero and the chthonic serpent. Since the division of the Indo-Europeans into separate peoples began around the 3rd millennium BC, we can date the origins of tales about snake fighters to around this time.
However, another theory dates their plot to a closer time, to the era of the first clashes of the Proto-Slavs with the steppe nomads. Academician Rybakov dates this event to approximately the 3rd-2nd centuries BC. Clashes with the Cimmerians, Sarmatians, Alans, then with the Pechenegs and Cumans gave rise to stories about battles with a snake (sometimes the enemy is called Miracle Yudo). At the same time, dating is simplified by the fact that sometimes the winner of the monster is not a warrior, but a wonderful blacksmith. The appearance of blacksmithing was considered by our ancestors as a kind of witchcraft, and the blacksmiths themselves were considered powerful sorcerers. These ideas date back to the dawn of the development of metallurgy among our ancestors, that is, around the same time. The blacksmith defeats the serpent, throws a yoke on it and plows furrows, which will later receive the name “Serpentine Shafts”. They can be seen in Ukraine even now. If the theory is correct that these ramparts are associated with the name of the Roman emperor Trajan (another name for them is “Trajan’s Ramparts”), then this speaks of the 3rd-2nd centuries BC.

We all know a huge number of fairy tales, but have never thought about their origin story! Although this is very interesting and informative information!

The creation of fairy tales has ancient history. Fairy tales appeared in such ancient times that it is very difficult to accurately determine the time of their birth. We also know little about their first authors. Most likely, the fairy tales were composed by the same peasants and shepherds who often acted as the main characters of the story.
They passed on fairy tales from mouth to mouth, from generation to generation, changing them along the way and adding new details. Tales were told by adults and - contrary to our current understanding - not only by children, but also by adults. Fairy tales taught us how to get out of difficult situations, overcome trials with honor, conquer fear - and every fairy tale ended with a happy ending. Some scientists believe that the origins of fairy tales lie in primitive rituals. The rituals themselves were forgotten, but the stories were preserved as treasures of useful and instructive knowledge.

The word "fairy tale" is attested in written sources no earlier than the 17th century. From the word "to say". What mattered was: a list, a list, an exact description. It acquires modern significance from the 17th-19th centuries. Previously the word "fable" was used. The word “fairy tale” suggests that they will learn about it, “what it is” and find out “what” it, a fairy tale, is needed for. Fairy tale intended purpose is needed to subconsciously or consciously teach a child in the family the rules and purpose of life, the need to protect one’s “area” and a worthy attitude towards other communities. It is noteworthy that both the saga and the fairy tale carry a colossal information component, passed on from generation to generation, the belief in which is based on respect for one’s ancestors.

Folklore tales come from the totemic myths of primitive communal society (primitive peoples of North Asia, America, Africa, Australia and Oceania). Primary, archaic tales are called archaic or mythological. The bearers of archaic folklore themselves distinguish them from the mythological narrative. Usually, two forms are distinguished: pynyl and lymnyl - among the Chukchi, hvenoho and heho - among the Fon (Benin), liliu and kukwanebu - among the Kirivna in Melanesia, etc. These two main forms roughly correspond to myth and fairy tale. The difference between them expresses the opposition of the sacred and the profane; the profane is often the result of deritualization and loss of esoteric character. A structural difference was not necessary between the two forms; it might not exist at all. Very often, the same or similar text could be interpreted by one tribe as a real myth, and by another as a fairy-tale narrative excluded from the ritual-sacral system. One can define archaic tales as loose myths, given that they include mythological ideas. F. Boas notes that the archaic tale from the myth of the Indians North America the only difference is that the cultural hero obtains benefits for himself, and not for the collective. The lax authenticity of an archaic fairy tale entails the predominance of the aesthetic function over the informative one (the purpose of the archaic fairy tale is entertainment). Thus an exoteric myth, told to the uninitiated for the purpose of general entertainment, is on the way to transforming a myth into a fairy tale.

In Europe, the first collector of fairy-tale folklore was the French poet and literary critic Charles Perrault (1628-1703), who published the collection “Tales of Mother Goose” in 1697. In 1704-1717, an abridged edition of the Arabian tales "One Thousand and One Nights", prepared by Antoine Galland for King Louis XIV, was published in Paris. However, the beginning of the systematic collection of fairy-tale folklore was laid by representatives of the German mythological school in folklore studies, primarily by members of the circle of Heidelberg romantics, the Brothers Grimm. It was after they published the collection “Home and Family German Tales” in 1812-1814, which sold in large quantities, that writers and scientists from other European countries showed interest in their native folklore. However, the Brothers Grimm had predecessors in Germany itself. For example, back in 1782-1786, the German writer Johann Karl August Muzeus (died in 1787) compiled a five-volume collection "Folk Tales of the Germans", but it was published only in 1811 by his friend the poet Wieland. In Russia, the founder of collecting Russians folk tales Russian ethnographer Alexander Nikolaevich Afanasyev appeared. The collection "Russian Children's Fairy Tales" prepared by him was published in Moscow in 1870. Personalities such as Avdeeva and Dal made a great contribution to the collection and organization of children's folklore. The ethnographer-collector Shane also left a noticeable mark on the history of collecting children's folklore. He singled out children's folklore as a special field of science. The Ukrainian poet Malkovich also contributed to the popularization and collecting of fairy tales.

The history of the emergence of Russian folk tales (Children's folk tales)

So, a fairy tale is an entertaining oral narrative that tells an incredible but instructive story.

Fairy tales are different. In some, the main characters are animals (sometimes they are opposed by humans). These are tales about animals.

In others, the main characters are people and fantastic creatures; Animals here are more often than not good helpers of the main character. These tales are about the amazing adventures of Ivan the Tsarevich or Ivan the Fool, necessarily associated with magic. These are fairy tales.

And finally, there are fairy tales in which the main characters are also people, but, unlike fairy tales, where the heroes win thanks to magic, in them the heroes become winners thanks to their intelligence, ingenuity, courage, and cunning. These are social fairy tales.

Speaking about the differences between fairy tales, it is interesting to pay attention to the origins of their fiction, fantasy. Why do animals in fairy tales talk like people, why does a deceased father reward his youngest son with a Sivka Burka, why does a comb thrown back turn into a forest? These and many other questions will remain unanswered if we do not turn to that era in human life when there were no fairy tales yet, but there were oral stories about people’s faith in all kinds of miracles.

Ancient man was far from a correct understanding of natural phenomena. ( This material will help you prepare and pass the Unified State Exam 2012 in literature and the Russian language, as well as competently write an essay on the topic and topic of the History of the emergence of Russian folk tales. Summary(Children's folk tales) does not make it possible to understand the full meaning of the work, so this material will be useful for a deep understanding of the work of writers and poets, as well as their novels, stories, stories, plays, poems.) The wind that uprooted trees, black clouds that spilled streams of water onto the ground, deafening thunder and dazzling lightning that fell on a defenseless man, animals that lay in wait for him in dense forests and deep ravines - all this instilled fear in him, made him think about that in nature everything lives, moves, and has its own mind. And man identified himself and nature. He believed that animals could talk to each other, trees could move; he thought that the sun, moon, clouds, streams and rivers were living beings. And if so, it means that they could bring him both harm and benefit. Being powerless before nature, he began to worship water, fire, the sun, trees, and animals that seemed alive to him. Feeling like a part of nature, so formidable and omnipotent, he sought its protection and sought to protect himself from it.

Ancient man also worshiped his dead ancestors. Death was inexplicable to him, a mystery. It was believed that a person does not die, but only moves (he or his soul) to another world. Therefore, a deceased person, in the minds of the ancients, is a living person, but possessing supernatural power due to the unusual nature of his condition. Thus arose the cult of ancestors, which demanded the worship of the dead.

All of the above explains to us why animals talk in fairy tales, why in the fairy tale “Sivka-Burka” the deceased father talks with his youngest son. Scientists have also established that the Serpent, Gorynych in fairy tales is the personification of fire, the images of Baba Yaga and Koshchei the Immortal are associated with cult of ancestors, etc.

But all this speaks only about the origins of the fantasy of fairy tales and their implausible content. It is impossible not to pay attention to the fact that fairy tales are not about a person’s belief in the supernatural nature of objects and natural phenomena, but, first of all, about the most pressing, vitally important real problems for a person. The formation of human faith in supernatural beings and natural phenomena was facilitated by other oral stories, which in their content had nothing in common with fairy tales. These stories taught how to honor the beast, how to treat it kindly and attentively, etc.

In Russian folklore there is a fairy tale reminiscent of such ancient stories. It is called “The Bear on a Linden Leg.” A terrible story! The old man, at the request of the old woman, cut off the bear’s paw, and the bear takes revenge for this: he turns the old woman into a bear. Probably, in ancient times, our ancestors told young people such terrible stories as an edification: this is what will happen with the one who raises his hand against the beast, which is worshiped by the clan, tribe! But time passed, man learned about nature, and the terrible became funny, previously terrible stories turned into heroic ones. The same story about a bear whose paw was cut off was recorded with another end: who came to the village to avenge the causethe evil bear that was inflicted on him dies at the hands of an old man and an old woman... And many fairy tales show us the victory of man ind animals. Read, for example, the fairy tales “Old Bread and Salt is Forgotten” or “The Man, the Bear and the Fox” and you will see this.”

"People's Theatre" - People's Theatre. Some dramas were historical in nature. Booths. Nativity scene. They were usually located in market squares, near places of folk festivals. Folk drama. IN AND. Dahl. “Every buffoon has his own honk”, “The buffoon’s wife is always cheerful”, Separate satirical scenes were presented at the Petrushka Theater.

“Folk Holidays” - Among the instruments ancient origin include kugikly. The last sheaf was decorated and carried into the house. Folklore. The name comes from the form of execution. Ivan Kupala - June 24. Gudok is an oval-shaped string instrument. Holy evenings - from December 25 to January 1. Calendar cycle. Christmastide - “bright evenings”.

“Folk Art” - For the first time in the Belgorod region, Count Sheremetyev’s serf Alekseevets D.S. Bokarev opened production sunflower oil. Borisovka became famous for its icon painting and pottery crafts. In order to improve the skill of icon painters, the provincial zemstvo attempted to create a drawing school. Large villages and settlements became centers of many crafts.

“Folk costume” - Tambov folk costume with a top. Tula folk costume. Oryol folk costume with a poneva and a red apron. Kursk folk costume. Nizhny Novgorod folk costume. Voronezh folk costume with poneva.

“Folk Crafts” - Russian Doll. What is arts and crafts? Where can the manufactured products be used? Not far from Moscow is the village of Zhostovo. Find answers to questions. The Russian doll is considered one of the most mysterious symbols of Russia. Folk crafts of Russia: Zhostovo trays. What types of folk crafts do you know?

“Russian folk songs” - The audience resembles the decoration of a Russian hut. Ensemble Rosinka. Serve the pie, serve the nickel. Equipment: Oh Lyolya, Lyolya, the winter is cold, a carol has come to visit you.” Where did Russian music originate from? Genre features: Educational - learning new information. The recorded song is “Carol”. Folk instruments.