Russian Folktales · Chapter
Midnight Dance. General Notes to This Story explained
This chapter provides extensive general notes and commentary on various figures, motifs, and cultural references found in Russian folklore, including explanations of Sorrow, St.
What happens
This chapter provides extensive general notes and commentary on various figures, motifs, and cultural references found in Russian folklore, including explanations of Sorrow, St. Nicholas, Svyatogór, the Swan Maiden, Koshchéy the Deathless, the Nightingale Robber, and the mythical Isle of Buyán, as well as a charm for a soldier going to war.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Divine Justice
The figure of Sorrow as an ancient hag pursuing mankind and the moral lesson against overindulgence reflect themes of fate and divine justice.
Magic and Transformation
The underworld as the home of magic, the charm involving a fiery serpent and a seven pud key, and the transformation of the Swan Maiden illustrate magical and transformative elements.
Trickery and Cunning
Sorrow can be cheated into nonexistence like an ordinary devil, and the story of Svyatogór's bride involves cunning actions such as purchasing freedom and striking with a sword.
Characters to notice
- Sorrow
Described as an ancient hag who pursues mankind, with pale face, low stature, hare's blood in her veins, and poppy-red cheeks; she entices men to drink away their sorrow and can be cheated into nonexistence.
- St. Nicholas
Noted as the most popular miracle worker among saints in Russia, with a beneficent character shown in the story of St. Nicholas and St. Elias.
- Svyatogór
Eponymous of geography, possibly from 'svyátyya góry' (sacred mountains); a story is recounted of his bride, whom he finds lying in dung, purchases her freedom, and later marries after recognizing a scar.
- Koshchéy
The Deathless; name derived from ancient meanings including a warrior of the Pólovtsy, a slave, and a fearful enchanter whose soul is hidden in an egg; epithet 'deathless' means he can only be slain in an extraordinary manner.
- The Nightingale Robber
A gigantic bird whose nest spreads over seven oaks; uses a dreadful whistle to fell walls, beasts, and men; conquered by Ilyá Múromets.
- Ilyá Múromets
His conquest of the Nightingale Robber is his most notable feat; associated with the village of Karachárovo near Múrom.
Key passages
“Sorrow. This picture of Sorrow as an ancient hag who pursues mankind throughout life is peculiarly Russian and is the theme of very many beautiful ballads.”
Sorrow is depicted as an old crone that chases people all their lives, a uniquely Russian concept found in many ballads.
Explains the cultural significance of Sorrow in Russian folklore.
“Koshchéy the Deathless. The meaning of this name is very hard to determine. There are at least three disparate ideas involved.”
The name Koshchéy the Deathless has at least three different possible origins, making its meaning difficult to pin down.
Highlights the complexity of Koshchéy's etymology.
“Buyán is a kind of fairy hill like the Tír n’an óg of the Irish folktales, the land of youth, and cannot probably be assigned to any physical geography.”
Buyán is a mythical fairy hill similar to the Irish Tír na nÓg, a land of youth, and likely has no real-world location.
Compares Buyán to Irish mythology and emphasizes its mythical nature.