Customer Reviews

Myths and Folk Tales of the Russians, Western Slavs, and Magyars

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am an individual who's learning about Russia (from the ancient times to the Soviet Era). I've already finished "The Early Slavs" by P.M. Barford and "Land of the Firebird" by Suzanne Massie. And now I'm done with Jeremiah Curtin's "Myths and Folk-Tales of the Russians, Western Slavs, and Magyars", and I've had an enthusiastic time reading these collections of Russian, Czech, and Hungarian tales. Almost all of the stories have a formulaic plot (boy sets out to search for an animal or a princess, boy is betrayed by a close friend or relative, I won't go on from there because you'll have to read it all yourself to see what happens next) and a formulaic obstacle (the colors bronze, silver, and gold are shown as a daring choice). Talking animals are common, and men with Godlike powers have enemies that are far more puwerful than them. You'll sometimes be disappointed with the stereotypical happy endings, but the stories overall will give you continuous pleasure. Recommended for any who are interested in Russia's mythology and folklore, or any who are looking for a short story to read during your thirty-minute lunch break at work.