Russian Folktales · Chapter
The Dream explained
This chapter provides extensive notes on Russian folklore, including descriptions of the traditional izbá (hut) and its features, explanations of various folk figures such as Ilyá Múromets and Egóri Khrábry, and discussions of personificati
What happens
This chapter provides extensive notes on Russian folklore, including descriptions of the traditional izbá (hut) and its features, explanations of various folk figures such as Ilyá Múromets and Egóri Khrábry, and discussions of personifications and allegories in common acts of life. It also touches on the attributes of saints like Elijah and Nicholas, and the symbolism of animals like the hawk and crow.
Themes in this chapter
Heroic Quest and Transformation
Ilyá Múromets exemplifies the heroic quest, deriving strength from mystical sources and slaying the Nightingale Robber, bridging the gap between earthborn titans and human champions.
Good vs. Evil
The contrast between the heroic Ilyá Múromets and the malign crow, as well as the symbolic battle against the Nightingale Robber, reflects the struggle between good and evil.
Trickery and Cunning
The notes on personifications and allegorizings of common acts, along with tales like 'The Devil in the Dough-Pan,' suggest themes of cunning and moral lessons.
Characters to notice
- Ilyá Múromets
Described as a hero of the Kíev cycle who derives strength from Mother Earth and is known for slaying the Nightingale Robber; intermediate between elder bogatyrí and human champions of Vladímir's court.
- The Nightingale Robber
Mentioned as the foe slain by Ilyá Múromets.
- Iván the Terrible
Referenced as a popular figure in Russian ballads, one of two Tsars named Iván Vasíl'evich who enlarged Moscow's domain and curbed noble power.
- Elijah the Prophet
Noted as inheriting attributes of the pagan god Perún, associated with thunder and fiery chariot; name-days on July 20th.
- St. Nicholas
Mentioned alongside Elijah the Prophet; name-day on December 6th.
- The Crow
Described as a common but generally malign being in Russian folklore, often appearing as a son in tales.
- The Hawk
Referenced as a common metaphor in folklore, particularly the 'clear-eyed hawk'; can appear as a son in tales.
Key passages
“Ilyá Múromets is one of the heroes of the Kíev cycle; he derives his strength from mystical sources of Mother Earth, and his great feat is the slaying of the Nightingale Robber.”
Ilyá Múromets, a hero from the Kíev cycle, gains his power from mystical earthly sources and is famous for killing the Nightingale Robber.
Highlights the origin and key achievement of Ilyá Múromets.
“The izbá , or hut, always has a dvor or courtyard, access to which is gained through double gates as well as through a postern.”
The traditional Russian hut (izbá) includes a courtyard (dvor) that can be entered through double gates or a small side door.
Describes the layout of a typical Russian peasant home.
“Perún was the God of Thunder in pagan Slavdom, and his attributes have been transferred to Elijah who is represented as driven up to Heaven in a fiery chariot darting fiery rays, drawn by four winged horses, and surrounded by clouds and flames.”
The pagan thunder god Perún's characteristics were later assigned to Elijah the Prophet, who is depicted riding a fiery chariot with winged horses, surrounded by clouds and flames.
Explains the syncretism between pagan and Christian figures in Russian folklore.
