The Legends of the Caucasus
A unique collection of myths and tales from diverse tribes
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Saqi Books
Published:10th Apr '12
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This anthology, The Legends of the Caucasus, brings together a unique collection of myths and tales from various ethnic groups, celebrating their rich cultural heritage.
In The Legends of the Caucasus, readers are introduced to a rich tapestry of folklore that encapsulates the vibrant cultures of various tribes in the Caucasus region. This collection features one hundred and one legends, each reflecting the unique perspectives and experiences of fourteen distinct ethnic groups. The tales encompass themes of survival, familial bonds, and the struggles faced by these communities against external threats and the harshness of their environment. Through myths, anecdotes, and proverbs, the book reveals the deep-rooted traditions that have shaped the lives of these tribes.
The narratives in The Legends of the Caucasus are steeped in an oral tradition, showcasing the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural identity. As these legends were passed down through generations, they served not only as entertainment but also as a means of imparting wisdom and values. However, with the advent of written language, the oral history that once thrived is now at risk of disappearing, making this collection all the more significant. The book offers a glimpse into a world that is swiftly fading, capturing the essence of a way of life that is intimately connected to the land and its people.
Authored by David Hunt, a noted expert in Caucasus folk literature, this anthology represents a groundbreaking effort to bring these stories to an English-speaking audience for the first time. Hunt's dedication to preserving this invaluable cultural heritage is evident, and his work serves as both an academic reference and a source of inspiration for general readers interested in the rich folklore of the Caucasus region.
'David Hunt's book has brought into the light some of the hidden treasures of the Caucasus, a region that has been largely unknown in the West except for its recent turmoil and wars. Hunt has given translations of a wide selection of folklore, representing every part of this complex and diverse region. He has given us tales of great wealth and variety, all in fluid prose. This is a major contribution not only to the study of the Caucasus, but also to world folklore.' John Colarusso, Professor Anthropology, and Linguistics and Languages, McMaster University, Canada 'The Caucasus is where European and Asian folklore both originate and interact: David Hunt's anthology is the first time that this remarkable world of pagan heroics and primeval myths has been opened to the English-speaking reader. The translations are both inventive and meticulous (sourced from Russian-language versions) in rendering the extraordinary folk poetry of the many nations of the Caucasus. Essential reading not only for folklorists, but for anyone seeking an insight into the cultures of the Caucasus.' Donald Rayfield, Queen Mary University of London 'A wonderfully rich collection ... A worthy contribution to our understanding of the Caucasus, and his introduction and glossary of deserving of particular praise.' --Andre Naffis-Sahely, Times Literary Supplement 'David Hunt's collection of legends allows a wider readership to come in contact with a rich, regional tradition of oral poetry.The book is a rich collection of folk poetry of a region long misunderstood as a space of feuds, bloody wars, and political unrest which could captivate not only academic readers.' The Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute 'Outstanding - an indispensable undertaking - Hunt's anthology is a major contribution to the study of the folklore of the Caucasus and a worthy continuation [to] Caucasian ethnography and folklore - Hunt [is] a gifted storyteller, able to represent in a fascinating manner a wide selection of captivating narratives coming from the ancient cultures of Caucasia.' Folklore
ISBN: 9780863564734
Dimensions: 210mm x 135mm x 30mm
Weight: 544g
350 pages