Legends of the CaucasusThe Caucasus has an extremely rich folk literature, almost unknown among English speakers, which includes myths, legends, magical tales, anecdotes and proverbs. The one hundred and one legends included in this book reflect the cultures of fourteen different 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. 'This book has brought into light some of the hidden treasures of the Caucasus ... A major contribution not only to the study of the Caucasus, but also to world folklore.' John Colarusso, McMaster University, Canada 'Inventive and meticulous in rendering the extraordinary folk poetry of the many nations of the Caucasus ... [This is] essential reading for anyone seeking an insight into the cultures of the Caucasus.' Donald Rayfield, Queen Mary University of London, UK |
Contents
The Ditch of Temir the Lame Ingush | |
RESISTANCE TO FOREIGN INVADERS | |
Shamil Dargva | |
The Battle of the Gorges Georgian | |
RUSTLING STEALING OF ANIMALS | |
WARRIORS INCLUDING BLOOD REVENGE | |
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Common terms and phrases
Abkhaz Abrskil Adiyukh Adyge Adyif Akhlo Amirani Anakopia army asked Azhveypsh Balkar Barkim beauty began bird Biyneger blood bogatyr brother Byatar Caucasus Chechen chechentsev Cherkess Chyuerdi crag Daghestan daughter E. B. Virsaladze Edige emegen enemy father fire flock fortress geguakos Georgian legend giant girl give golden Golden Horde Gorge Gruzinskie guest head herd hero honour horse hunter hunting Ingush ingushey Karachays Khan Tokhtamysh khan’s Khevsureti Khevsurs Khunzakh killed Koloy Koloy Kant Kumukh Kursha Kyagua land legend was recorded lived Moscow mother motif mountain Narts Nasran Nauka night Nogay Nogay Horde Nuradin origin of Kubugul Orkhustoys Patima Pkharmat prince published in E. B. riding river rode sabre Sela Seska Solsa sheep shepherd shouted sister snow leopard song Soska Sosuruk stone Svaneti sword Tatar Tbilisi Temir Terek Tokhtamysh told took Ubykh village warriors wife woman words Yanbay young