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These folk-tales were told by simple people--vine-dressers, farm-laborers, millers--and were preserved by word of mouth, to be repeated for entertainment in the coffee-house, or at home during the long, hard winters. There are fables here, too, selected from the collections of medieval scholars and philosophers, while the expressive and often humorous proverbs show the ways of the world through shrewd Armenian eyes.
This collection gathers traditional Armenian narratives that reflect the cultural values, humor, and social observations of a people preserved through oral transmission. These stories originate from the daily lives of laborers, millers, and farmers, serving as a primary source of entertainment during harsh winters or social gatherings. The narrative framework relies on the oral tradition, capturing the cadence of storytelling passed down through generations. The protagonist roles vary across the collection, ranging from clever peasants to mythical figures, all navigating the logical constraints of a world governed by folk wisdom and moral consequence.
Readers frequently highlight the accessibility of these tales, noting that the prose maintains a conversational tone suitable for all ages. Discussion often centers on the cultural authenticity preserved in the translation, which captures the specific humor and shrewdness of the original proverbs. Critics observe that the balance between lighthearted fables and more serious folk-tales provides a comprehensive view of the region's literary heritage. The collection is often praised for its ability to transport the reader into the social environment of historical Armenia without requiring extensive academic background.
Page Count:
240
Publication Date:
1993-10-21
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192741551
ISBN-13:
9780192741554
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