SLAV 512, October 21, 2003
INCANTATIONS AND CHARMS
Zaklinaniia on Minyonok video
Egg ceremony
Mark, if we have time.
Finish proverbs
Continue with analysis of Good fences make good neighbors
This is not a straight forward statement
Seems like universal, basic truth
Rather, universal and basic conundrum
2 proverbs one in opposition to the other
Out of sight - out of mind
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
What sort of circumstance, behavior would prompt the saying of these proverbs?
Has to be questionable behavior
He who hesitates is lost
Look before you leap
These explain an upsetting circumstance through traditional wisdom
Proof/confirmation of traditional outlook
Riddles we did
TALES
Hand out list of texts
What are they?
What belongs in this category?
Basic - animal
Magic
Everyday life
On to legends/fabulates/memorates
Are tales still told?
In US?
Elsewhere ?
Compare airline poop legend and snake husband tale in terms of function
Both narrate things that cannot be said
They say them in a round-about way
Tale-like narratives on TV, in movies
So - tale like narratives always exist in some form
Oral or other, but mass audience
Why - historical past or individual past
Basic need for self-exploration
Basic need for validation - in tales, things turn out as they should
What is the purpose of those tales where things don't turn out as they should
Not for kids, fine
But why would adults like to listen to these?