Russian folk tales are strange and compelling
Categories: That's Entertainment
As you can see, my last name is odd and long. People who I've not met in person tend to think I'm Greek, then change their minds when they see me as "giant" and "blond" doesn't fit in with the whole Greek thing. My last name (which keeps phone solicitors far, far away from my phone, thank you Dad) is actually Lithuanian. I've met exactly one other Lithuanian in my entire life, but I've always been fascinated with the culture of that country and of the area near it. I plan to take Nolan there one day, but until then, I think I will absorb some of the oddly compelling culture of the neighboring countries.
I just stumbled upon this website full of Russian Folk Tales - strange little stories about buns taking off down the road and boys appearing out of sticks. They're certainly not Jack and Jill, but they're endlessly fascinating. The site calls them glorious and magnificent, and though I'm not entirely convinced of that, I do think they're a break from the everyday.
I just stumbled upon this website full of Russian Folk Tales - strange little stories about buns taking off down the road and boys appearing out of sticks. They're certainly not Jack and Jill, but they're endlessly fascinating. The site calls them glorious and magnificent, and though I'm not entirely convinced of that, I do think they're a break from the everyday.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Eva 9-30-2007 @ 6:40PM
Hey, I'M Lithuanian! My maiden name is also very weird, even with the Anglicization.
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Tamyu 9-30-2007 @ 9:45PM
That is a great link.
I didn`t read all of them, but in just a random sampling, I found several which seemed like localized versions of Japanese folktales. Or maybe it`s the other way around? I think it`s fascinating how the main themes are very similar in folk tales the world over. It always makes me wonder if they just sprung up independently, or if they spread out from a specific source.
It`s really a shame that a lot of the more interesting folk tales of the past have faded away in favor of the Disneyesque versions.
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Denzylle 10-01-2007 @ 9:13AM
I recognised your name as Lithuanian the first time I read it (on your first blog), altho' the name you use is the male version. If you were a female in Lithuania, it would be Darguzaite.
I've spent time in Lithuania and learned some of the language before I went. I loved it and thoroughly recommend a visit.
BTW, there are many tall, blonde females there.
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