Story Traditions with James Spring 2010 Edition

The discussion on Russian folklore continues with "Ivan the Firebird and the Gray Wolf. An in depth analysis of this fairytale is facilitated by the formulae wrought out by Vladimir Propp in "The Morphology of the Folktale". Emphasis is placed on wondertale motifs, themes that imply individual development. As I read the story, musical accompaniment is provided by Stravinsky (Firebird). Lastly, I provide an introduction to Russian bylanies, which are songs and poems about epic heroes. These stories tend to discuss the creation of Russia from Keiv to the Tartar Yoke. Enjoy!

The series contiues with the role Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible) played in Russian civilization. Emphasis is placed on his contributions, which included the collection and distribution of folklore. A discussion on his epithet "Ivan the Terrible" is also provided. I was surprised to find that although Ivan IV carried out several wicked acts, he was nonetheless praised as a good ruler. His character and reign marked the beginning of a type of rule that will come to dominate Russia. His interest in folklore provides the basis for collection and distribution of Russian folklore. Special attention is given to this subject in this episode. For a better understanding of Russian folklore, I turn to Vladimir Propp, author of "The Morphology of Folklore". Enjoy!

The Russian bathhouse or Bania is a communal bath, consisting of many individuals at any time. To the average Westerner, this may seem strange, but for the Russian this is a proper bath. It does not merely entail soaping and rinsing, but flogging as well. The water is thrown on stones atop stove (Kamenka) that is so hot that it brings out profuse sweat in the bathers. In addition to that the naked bathers flail each other with a bundle of birth twigs...This episode highlights this unique form of bathing, its meaning, and how it can be interpreted. Daniel Rancour Laferriere argues that the Bania may reveal a masochistic ritual practiced by the Russians. This is addressed in this episode. Lastly this episode concludes with an introduction into early Russian ideology, which not only serves as early forms of prophecy, but also a neccessary form of control, and means of molding a Russian identity. Enjoy!

This episode highlights "The Blinding of Vasilko". This is a tragic story dealing with the struggles between princes, who may be brothers or cousins. In this story from the chronicles, Sviatopolk and David plot against their cousin Vasilko, who reigned over Voynia and Galicia in western Russia. This story is told to the chronicler by the priest Vasily. The discussion includes my thoughts on the story and the role fratricidal feudal played in early Russian Civilization. The topic above provides us with a wonderful transition into the next story discussed during this show, namely "The Lay of Igor's Campaign". This Russian epic clearly demonstrates the kind of catastrophic fall a country may face when devided. This epic describes the unsuccessful raid by Russian princes against the Turkic nomadic tribe of Kuman. Prior to reading the story, I provide information on the epic and bylanies. Music is also provide. Enjoy

This episode continues the discussion on the role of religion in early Kieven Rus. Attention is paid to Vladimir I

Welcome to the show. This episode provides a backdrop into what I will be discussing throughout the semester.