Legends of the Caucasus
David Hunt (Compiler, Translator)
"The Caucasus has an extremely rich folk literature, almost unknown among English speakers, which includes myths, legends, magical tales and proverbs. The one hundred legends included in this volume reflect the cultures of fourteen ethnic groups - their dynamism and the matters that concerned them: survival against external dangers, the risk of starvation and the persistence of the family or clan as a coordinated group. Descended from an oral tradition, much of their knowledge was retained in memories and passed down the generations. Yet, with the introduction of the alphabet, the way of life they portray is rapidly becoming extinct. An incomparable collection, Legends of the Caucasus conveys the poetry and romance of these swiftly vanishing tribes."--Publisher's website
374 pages ; 24 cm
9780863564734, 0863564739
756580447
Historical-political legends
Resistance to foreign invaders
Resistance to feudal oppression
Rustling, stealing of animals
Warriors, including blood revenge
Hunting
Legends about shepherds, including cyclops legends
Abundance
Family and personal honour
Relations within the family
Religion and relations with the dead
Prometheus legends