The Russian Grandmother S Wonder Tales

The stories which the Russian grandmother told will be found, with many others, in a German collection of “Tales and Legends of South Slavonia,” put forth in Vienna some twenty years ago by Dr. Friedrich Kraus, an ardent student of folk-lore. I have sketched in a slight background of peasant village life as it still exists in some parts of Southern Russia, because this is the proper setting of these stories; and I have been careful to clothe them as nearly as I might in the simple language in which they are told to-day by many a village fireside in South Slavonia. I frankly confess to having received from Mr. Joel Chandler Harris the suggestion which I have thus carried out. It was an unerring literary instinct which impelled him to put upon the lips of Uncle Remus and in the environment of a Southern country home of half a century ago the stories which he had found among the colored people of the South. Folk-tales, of whatever character, speak the more directly home to the hearts of children, whatever their own intellectual environment, in proportion as their setting is most nearly that which naturally belongs to them. Just as the highest value of the Homeric poems is their revelation of the heart of man, showing that in all ages and under all conditions heart answers to heart as face answers to face in water, so the folk-tales of all peoples in their native form have a higher function than simply to amuse, a higher than mere literary value; they are the child’s best introduction to the study of human nature. The children will not be the less interested in the stories which the Russian grandmother told to the little peasant boy if they discover in her wonder-tales some analogies with stories that they already know. The adventures ofMaster Reinecke and Mrs. Petz, of Isegrim and Lampe, will surely remind them of the Uncle Remus tales; they will find some suggestion of Kamer-es-zaman and the Princess Budoor in the story of “The Beg and the Fox,” a hint of the “City of Brass,” in that of “The Vila in Muhlenberg,” a faint reflection of the “Arabian Nights” story of theFisherman in the tale of the “Three Eels,” and they will be especially pleased to recognize their old friend—andSindbad the Sailor’s—the roc, in the bird Kumrikusha. The transformations which are so enchanting a feature of the “Arabian Nights” are here suggested in the story of “Steelpacha,” while the dress of feathers, most universal of folk-fancies, found among every people in the world, and most perfectly developed in the Arabian “Story of Hassan of Bassora,” here appears in the tale of “The Golden Apple-tree and the Nine Pea-hens.”

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A collection of old Russian tales for children, first published in this edition in 1906.

The Russian Grandmother's Wonder Tales" by Louise Seymour Houghton is a charming collection of traditional Russian folktales that transport readers to a world of magic, folklore, and imagination. These timeless stories are passed down through generations and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Russia. The book features a variety of enchanting tales, each with its own unique characters and adventures. These stories often revolve around themes of kindness, cleverness, bravery, and the triumph of good over evil. Some of the tales may feature talking animals, magical creatures, or even encounters with powerful sorcerers. Louise Seymour Houghton's retellings of these Russian folktales capture the essence of the original narratives, preserving their cultural significance while making them accessible to a broader audience. The stories are filled with vivid descriptions, evoking the landscapes and settings of Russia, from dense forests to charming villages. Readers will meet a cast of memorable characters, including brave heroes, clever heroines, and mischievous tricksters. These characters embark on quests, solve riddles, and face various challenges that test their wit and resolve. Along the way, they encounter magical beings and explore the wonders of the natural world. Throughout the tales, readers will find valuable lessons and moral messages that reflect the values and wisdom of Russian culture. These stories often emphasize the importance of kindness, generosity, and the belief that good deeds are rewarded. "The Russian Grandmother's Wonder Tales" is not only a delightful collection of stories for readers of all ages but also a window into the cultural heritage of Russia. It allows readers to immerse themselves in the magic of Russian folklore and appreciate the timeless appeal of these age-old narratives.

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This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.