The Key of Gold 23 Czech Folk Tales

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, New Age, History, Fiction & Literature
Cover of the book The Key of Gold 23 Czech Folk Tales by Josef Baudis, Library of Alexandria
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Josef Baudis ISBN: 9781465576767
Publisher: Library of Alexandria Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Josef Baudis
ISBN: 9781465576767
Publisher: Library of Alexandria
Publication: March 8, 2015
Imprint:
Language: English
THE present collection is intended to exemplify the spirit of the Czech race. It may perhaps be objected that folk-tale themes are part of a common stock belonging to all European races, and even to many primitive peoples: but though this is perfectly true, it is also no less certain that the spirit of the nation manifests itself in the manner of their telling. The selection has been made from all sorts of folk tales, artistic and primitive alike; and yet two things are common to all of them: the moral tendency and a sense of humour. By this I do not mean morality in the vulgar sense of retribution for evil, or of filial devotion, or the sentimental insistence upon "every one living happily ever afterwards," and above all upon Jack marrying his Molly. I mean that higher sort of morality which was the mainspring of Protestantism. It is often supposed that Protestantism is very unfavourable to the development and preservation of folk tales; but those of Bohemia are certainly an exception to this rule. The Czech nation was the first to adopt the Protestant faith, and even to-day is still Protestant at heart, though the Habsburgs forced it back into the Catholic fold. The Czechs, then, have preserved their love for folk tales, adapting them to the higher morality and to the national sentiment, and discarding many of their supernatural features, or where the supernatural was allowed to remain for a moment, reverting very soon to the strict limits of probability. It is the very same method which, for example, Mr. Wells employs in some of his novels. That the Slav nations have a certain tendency to lay stress upon the ethical side in their folk tales has already been pointed out by the Czech poet Erben, whose tales have been translated into English in Wratislaw's Collection.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
THE present collection is intended to exemplify the spirit of the Czech race. It may perhaps be objected that folk-tale themes are part of a common stock belonging to all European races, and even to many primitive peoples: but though this is perfectly true, it is also no less certain that the spirit of the nation manifests itself in the manner of their telling. The selection has been made from all sorts of folk tales, artistic and primitive alike; and yet two things are common to all of them: the moral tendency and a sense of humour. By this I do not mean morality in the vulgar sense of retribution for evil, or of filial devotion, or the sentimental insistence upon "every one living happily ever afterwards," and above all upon Jack marrying his Molly. I mean that higher sort of morality which was the mainspring of Protestantism. It is often supposed that Protestantism is very unfavourable to the development and preservation of folk tales; but those of Bohemia are certainly an exception to this rule. The Czech nation was the first to adopt the Protestant faith, and even to-day is still Protestant at heart, though the Habsburgs forced it back into the Catholic fold. The Czechs, then, have preserved their love for folk tales, adapting them to the higher morality and to the national sentiment, and discarding many of their supernatural features, or where the supernatural was allowed to remain for a moment, reverting very soon to the strict limits of probability. It is the very same method which, for example, Mr. Wells employs in some of his novels. That the Slav nations have a certain tendency to lay stress upon the ethical side in their folk tales has already been pointed out by the Czech poet Erben, whose tales have been translated into English in Wratislaw's Collection.

More books from Library of Alexandria

Cover of the book William Shakespeare by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book Le Mari de Madame de Solange by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book The Drama of Love and Death: A Study of Human Evolution and Transfiguration by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book Cattle-Ranch to College: The True Tales of A Boy's Adventures in the Far West by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book Ballad Book by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book St. Peter: His Name and His Office as Set Forth in Holy Scripture by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book The Adventures of Alphonso and Marina: An Interesting Spanish Tale by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book Werwolves by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book A History of the Philippines by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book The Gates of Dawn by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book Testimony of the Sonnets as to the Authorship of the Shakespearean Plays and Poems by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book The Young Berringtons: The Boy Explorers by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book The Adventurous Life of a Versatile Artist: Houdini by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book Bizarre by Josef Baudis
Cover of the book Le Blé Qui Lève by Josef Baudis
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy