Stories of Russian Folk-Life

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Stories of Russian Folk-Life

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Donald A. Mackenzie presents a rich blend of Russian legends and peasant life before the revolution. This collection offers folklore tales, mythic sagas, and cultural history, exploring the geography, history, and diverse peoples of Russia through engaging stories of magic, monarchy, and social change.

Summary up to 500 words

Donald A. Mackenzie's *Stories of Russian Folk-Life* offers a rich tapestry of pre-revolutionary Russia, blending geographical exposition, historical narrative, and traditional folklore. The text opens by depicting the vast, flat landscapes of the nation, characterized by immense forests, marshes, and mighty rivers like the Volga. It outlines the diverse population, comprising Great, White, and Little Russians, alongside Lithuanians, Finns, and Tartars. The historical arc traces the nation from the Norse Varangians and the founding of the first dynasty by Rurik, through the Mongol invasions and the eventual rise of Moscow as a center of resistance, to the Romanov dynasty and the reign of Peter the Great, who modernized the country and introduced the Julian Calendar. The collection features several legendary tales. In 'How Little Ivan Became a Tsar,' a poor boy named Little Ivan discovers a magical duck that lays golden eggs. Greed and the deceit of a clerk lead to the duck's destruction and the family's ruin. Banished by his father, Little Ivan travels to Moscow, where he is hailed as a savior and crowned Tsar. He eventually reunites with his parents, securing peace between their kingdoms. Another significant story, 'The Man Who Fought the Wolves,' addresses the abolition of serfdom in 1861. Nicholas Ivanovitch, a landowner, faces unrest among his peasants following the Tsar's decree freeing the serfs. While agitators stir trouble, the narrative highlights the loyalty of faithful servants, particularly the deaf Paul and his wife Maria. Nicholas ultimately chooses to retain his loyal tenants as free tenants rather than sell them or drive them away. This decision fosters a new era of justice and cooperation under the village assembly, with Paul serving as the first chairman. The book concludes with notes on the history of serfdom and its abolition, illustrating the transition from an old order of feudal dependency to a new system of free tenancy and civic responsibility.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/donald-alexander-mackenzie_stories-of-russian-folk-life.epub

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Categories

• Folklore
• Mythology