Subject
Folklore -- Hungary Books
Best books
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The Folk-Tales of the Magyars Collected by Kriza, Erdélyi, Pap, and Others
"The Folk-Tales of the Magyars" by Jones, Erdélyi, Kriza, Pap, and Kropf is a collection of folklore written in the late 19th century. This work serves as an anthology of traditional Hungarian folk tales, translating the rich narrative heritage of the Magyar people for English-speaking audiences. The aim is to deepen the understanding of Magyar culture and stories, showcasing their connection to broader folklore traditions across Europe. The opening of this collection sets the stage for an exploration of Hungarian history as it relates to its folk tales. It delves into the origins of the Magyars, highlighting the struggle and incorporation of various tribes in ancient Hungary. The introduction provides insight into the significant cultural influences that shaped these tales, and mentions the role of the Székely people. Themes of giants, fairies, and witches are teased, with descriptions of their characteristics and their presence within Hungarian folklore. This foundation prepares readers for an intriguing journey into the fantastical world of Magyar storytelling.
Arnold Ipolyi
Ipolyi Arnold népmesegyüjteménye; Magyar népköltési gyüjtemény 13. kötet
"Ipolyi Arnold népmesegyüjteménye; Magyar népköltési gyüjtemény 13. kötet" by Ipolyi is a collection of Hungarian folk tales compiled in the early 20th century. The work serves as an anthology of traditional narratives, drawing upon the rich reservoir of Hungarian folklore, including myths and fables that reflect the cultural values and beliefs of the time. This compilation is part of a broader movement to preserve national literature and heritage during a period of growing interest in folklore studies. At the start of the collection, the reader is introduced to a variety of folk stories, beginning with the tale of "Csonkatehén fija," which follows the journey of a character born of a unique mother. This narrative illustrates themes of strength, friendship, and adventure as the protagonist encounters various figures like the Fagörbítő (Wood Bender) and engages in contests of strength. The opening reveals a focus on collective narratives where characters unite to confront challenges, showcasing the values of camaraderie and collective effort within Hungarian folklore. Through these stories, the rich tapestry of mythical beings, trials, and moral lessons emerge, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the tales that follow.
Unknown
Elegyes gyüjtések Magyarország és Erdély különböző részeiből; Magyar népköltési gyüjtemény 1. kötet
"Elegyes gyüjtések Magyarország és Erdély különböző részeiből" by Arany and Gyulai is a collection of Hungarian folk poetry compiled in the late 19th century. The work serves as an anthology of folk traditions, drawing on various regional texts and contributions from collectors who aimed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Hungary and Transylvania. The book likely includes a range of narratives, ballads, and songs that reflect the oral storytelling traditions of these regions. The opening of this collection provides insight into its editorial process, as the authors recount the establishment of their project by the Kisfaludy Society and the collaborative efforts with various contributors. It highlights the challenges faced in gathering and publishing folk materials, alongside the commitment of the editors to maintain the authenticity of the original works while also providing some context and annotations. The inaugural volume appears to include a diverse array of genres, setting the stage for a rich exploration of Hungarian folklore and cultural identity as expressed through poetry and storytelling.
János Kriza
Székelyföldi gyüjtés; Magyar népköltési gyüjtemény 3. kötet
"Székelyföldi gyüjtés; Magyar népköltési gyüjtemény 3. kötet" by János Kriza et al. is a collection of traditional Hungarian folk poetry and tales written in the late 19th century. This volume is the third in a series published under the auspices of the Kisfaludy Society and consists mainly of folk ballads, songs, and stories gathered from various contributors, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Székely region. The book likely appeals to readers interested in Hungarian folklore, history, and cultural traditions. The opening of the collection includes a foreword that introduces the compilation's purpose and the contributors involved in its creation. It explains that the material has been curated from the works of notable folk collectors like János Kriza, Balázs Orbán, and Elek Benedek, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating folk traditions. The foreword sets a tone of gratitude and enthusiasm for the contributions of both the collectors and the readers, inviting the appreciation of Hungarian folk literature. It also notes the inclusion of various thematic elements within the collection, such as ballads of love and heroism, setting the stage for the rich tapestry of stories and songs that follow.
Lajos Kálmány
Hagyományok (2. kötet)
"Hagyományok (2. kötet)" by Lajos Kálmány is a collection of folktales written in the early 20th century. This work features a rich assembly of Hungarian folk narratives, reflecting traditional stories and local legends. The main theme revolves around the folklore of Hungary, introducing various characters and their adventures. At the start of the collection, the author recounts his experience in gathering stories from a skilled storyteller named Borbély Mihály, who demonstrated remarkable storytelling abilities over an extended period. The introduction details the importance of preserving these traditions and highlights the author's anticipation for compiling Mihály's tales into a dedicated volume. Following the introduction, the first story unfolds, depicting a shepherd and his challenges involving a black sheep and the trials of loyalty and strength. As the tales progress, they weave intricate lessons on courage, cleverness, and familial bonds through fantastical elements and vibrant characters.
Lajos Kálmány
Hagyományok (1. kötet)
"Hagyományok (1. kötet)" by Lajos Kálmány is a collection of folk tales and related narratives written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on Hungarian cultural traditions and folk stories, exploring various characters and themes from folklore, likely through the lens of local history and customs. The opening of this work introduces readers to a series of folk tales, starting with a story about three brothers, each named after different grains. The narrative follows their journeys, exploring themes of bravery, strength, and identity, as they engage in various quests and face familial challenges. The dialogue-heavy storytelling captures the essence of folk traditions, emphasizing the oral storytelling style, and sets the stage for a collection that intertwines humor, lessons, and the supernatural characteristic of folk tales.
Elek Benedek
A magyar népköltés gyöngyei: A legszebb népdalok gyüjteménye
"A magyar népköltés gyöngyei: A legszebb népdalok gyüjteménye" by Elek Benedek is a collection of Hungarian folk songs written in the late 19th century. This work gathers some of the most beautiful and significant pieces of Hungarian folk poetry, aiming to present the rich cultural heritage of the Hungarian people to a broader audience. The author’s goal is to make these folk gems accessible and appreciated, especially for those who may not be well-versed in their origins or artistry. The opening portion introduces the author's intentions and rationale for compiling this collection. Elek Benedek expresses concern over the limited recognition of Hungarian folk poetry among educated individuals and the general public, despite its richness. He explains how he carefully selected songs showcasing true poetic value, which evoke strong emotions and connections to the reader. The author specifically notes the significance of themes like love and longing throughout the songs, illustrating the emotional landscape these works traverse. In addition, he highlights the inclusion of various modified versions of the songs, ensuring that readers receive the most powerful iterations of these folk treasures.
János Berze Nagy
Népmesék Heves- és Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok-megyéből; Magyar népköltési gyüjtemény 9. kötet
"Népmesék Heves- és Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok-megyéből; Magyar népköltési gyüjtemény" is a collection of Hungarian folk tales edited by Vargha Gyula, published in the early 20th century. This anthology contains traditional stories primarily gathered from the region of Heves County, focusing on a village called Besenyőtelek, and highlights the narrative techniques and cultural significance of these folk tales. The book aims to preserve and celebrate the rich oral storytelling tradition of the Hungarian people, providing both entertainment and insight into their cultural heritage. At the start of the collection, the preface details the unique qualities of the stories, focusing on the abundance of folk tales collected from a single village, which was uncommon in previous collections. The opening portion introduces several tales featuring common folklore motifs, such as heroes facing mythical creatures, often involving three brothers and various magical challenges. In particular, the first story outlines the journey of three brothers as they embark on a quest, encountering magical beings and overcoming obstacles in their pursuit of love and heroism, embodying the classic structure of Hungarian folk narratives where cunning and bravery prevail.
János Erdélyi
Magyar népmesék Képes kiadás
"Magyar népmesék" by János Erdélyi is a collection of Hungarian folk tales written in the mid-19th century. This compilation gathers various narratives rich with cultural heritage, including legends, traditional stories, proverbs, and folklore elements. The tales within are likely to feature familiar motifs such as good and evil, the trials of heroes, and magical transformations, which are common in folk literature. The opening of the collection sets the stage with an overview of its purpose and significance in preserving Hungarian folk traditions. It emphasizes the importance of storytelling in the cultural fabric of Hungary and introduces a selection of tales, starting with "A liliomleány," which presents a good king on a quest to find a worthy bride, aided by a mystical friend and encounters with enchanted creatures. The narrative promises a blend of adventure, romance, and the supernatural, capturing the essence of folklore that seeks to entertain while imparting moral lessons and cultural wisdom.
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