Rachel Harriette Busk
Roman Legends: A collection of the fables and folk-lore of Rome
"Roman Legends: A collection of the fables and folk-lore of Rome" by R. H. Busk is a collection of traditional stories and folk tales from Rome, written in the late 19th century. The book captures the rich tapestry of Roman mythology and folk traditions, presenting a multitude of tales that explore themes of morality, transformation, and the supernatural. Throughout these stories, characters often grapple with magical entities and moral lessons that reflect the culture and values of the time. The opening of this collection consists of the preface, where Busk outlines his quest to uncover and document the oral traditions and folklore of modern Italy, countering the belief that contemporary Italian culture lacks its own mythology. Through a series of interviews and inquiries, he shares his experiences in gathering these stories, emphasizing the challenges of convincing narrators to share tales that they regarded as mere childish nonsense. He categorizes the collected stories into four main types: fables, ghost stories, fairy tales, and trivial anecdotes, hinting at the depth and variety of the material he presents in the full collection. This introduction sets the stage for the enchanting stories to come, inviting readers into a world where folklore and tradition intertwine.