The Shamanic Themes in Georgian Folktales
Title | The Shamanic Themes in Georgian Folktales PDF eBook |
Author | Elliot D. Cohen |
Publisher | Cambridge Scholars Publishing |
Pages | 125 |
Release | 2009-03-26 |
Genre | Social Science |
ISBN | 1443808164 |
“In Marxist anthropological theory, shamanism represented one of the early forms of religion that later gave rise to more sophisticated beliefs in the course of human advancement … The premise of Marxism was that eventually, at the highest levels of civilization, the sacred and religion would eventually die out” (Znamenski, 2007, p.322). Though history has of course since disproved this, the theory clearly had a great bearing on what was written in the former Soviet Union about shamanism, and also on people’s attitudes in the former Soviet Republics towards such practices. On the other hand, it has been suggested that “all intellectuals driven by nationalist sentiments directly or indirectly are always preoccupied with searching for the most ancient roots of their budding nations in order to ground their compatriots in particular soil and to make them more indigenous” (Znamenski, 2007, p.28). Although this might apply to searching for the roots of Christianity in Georgia, when it comes to searching for the roots of pagan practices, interest on the part of the people of Georgia is generally speaking not so forthcoming. This impasse, coupled with the effects of the repressions against religions, including shamanism, unleashed by the Soviet government between the 1930s and 1950s, along with the recent surge of interest in the Georgian Orthodox church, a backlash to the seventy years of officially sanctioned atheism, makes research into the subject no easy business. However, hopefully this study will at least in some small way help to set the process in motion.
The Shamanic Themes in Chechen Folktales
Title | The Shamanic Themes in Chechen Folktales PDF eBook |
Author | Michael Berman |
Publisher | Cambridge Scholars Publishing |
Pages | 120 |
Release | 2009-03-26 |
Genre | Religion |
ISBN | 1443806196 |
All intellectuals driven by nationalist sentiments directly or indirectly are always preoccupied with searching for the most ancient roots of their budding nations in order to ground their compatriots in particular soil and to make them more indigenous (Znamenski, 2007, p.28). In Chechnya, as in the neighbouring countries of Georgia and Armenia, these roots lie in shamanism and the stories in this collection clearly show this to be the case. The history of the Nokhchii (the name the Chechens have given themselves), and their land, is filled with rich and colourful stories, which have survived for thousands of years through oral traditions that have been passed down generation by generation through clan elders. However, legends have blended with actual events so that the true history is difficult to write. The 1994-1996 war destroyed most of Chechnya's treasured archaeological and historical sites, though fortunately ancient burial sites, architectural monuments and several prehistoric cave petroglyphs still remain in the mountains. These valuable relics, coupled with the histories and stories of the elders, provide the people with virtually the only remaining evidence of who their ancient ancestors were. This book contains both the texts of some of the tales and commentaries on them, focusing in particular on their shamanic elements.
The Shamanic Themes in Armenian Folktales
Title | The Shamanic Themes in Armenian Folktales PDF eBook |
Author | Michael Berman |
Publisher | Cambridge Scholars Publishing |
Pages | 100 |
Release | 2009-03-26 |
Genre | Social Science |
ISBN | 1443806927 |
“In Marxist anthropological theory, shamanism represented one of the early forms of religion that later gave rise to more sophisticated beliefs in the course of human advancement … The premise of Marxism was that eventually, at the highest levels of civilization, the sacred and religion would eventually die out” (Znamenski, 2007, p.322). Though history has of course since disproved this, the theory clearly had a great bearing on what was written in the former Soviet Union about shamanism, and also on people’s attitudes in the former Soviet Republics towards such practices. On the other hand, it has been suggested that “all intellectuals driven by nationalist sentiments directly or indirectly are always preoccupied with searching for the most ancient roots of their budding nations in order to ground their compatriots in particular soil and to make them more indigenous” (Znamenski, 2007, p.28). Although this might apply to searching for the roots of Christianity in Armenia, when it comes to searching for the roots of pagan practices, interest on the part of the people of Armenia is generally speaking not so forthcoming. This impasse, coupled with the effects of the repressions against religions, including shamanism, unleashed by the Soviet government between the 1930s and 1950s, along with the recent surge of interest in the Armenian Orthodox church, a backlash to the seventy years of officially sanctioned atheism, makes research into the subject no easy business. However, hopefully this study will at least in some small way help to set the process in motion.
Georgia Through Its Folktales
Title | Georgia Through Its Folktales PDF eBook |
Author | Michael Berman |
Publisher | John Hunt Publishing |
Pages | 160 |
Release | 2010 |
Genre | Fiction |
ISBN | 1846942799 |
Full of third sons, talking birds, enchanted places, beautiful women and impossible journeys, these charmingly illustrated stories have a magic-realist, almost absurd quality, and they are told and translated with enough shamanstvo to keep you reading. In his introduction and extensive accompanying gloss, Michael Berman skilfully locates them in their historical, religious, storytelling and shamanic contexts with a scholarship that is both thorough and accessible, making it complementary to the reader's enjoyment. A nice collection. David Ronder
Shamanic Journeys Through the Caucasus
Title | Shamanic Journeys Through the Caucasus PDF eBook |
Author | Michael Berman |
Publisher | John Hunt Publishing |
Pages | 239 |
Release | 2009-12-01 |
Genre | Body, Mind & Spirit |
ISBN | 1846942535 |
What were the religious beliefs and practices of the early inhabitants of the Caucasus? Some of the answers can be found by looking at the folktales from the region, which is what this book does.
The British National Bibliography
Title | The British National Bibliography PDF eBook |
Author | Arthur James Wells |
Publisher | |
Pages | 2744 |
Release | 2009 |
Genre | Bibliography, National |
ISBN |
Georgian Folk Tales
Title | Georgian Folk Tales PDF eBook |
Author | Anonymous |
Publisher | Good Press |
Pages | 230 |
Release | 2019-11-25 |
Genre | Social Science |
ISBN |
Georgian Folk Tales by the anonymous author is a captivating collection of traditional stories passed down through generations in the region of Georgia. The book is filled with enchanting tales of mythical creatures, brave heroes, and supernatural events, offering readers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Georgian people. The author's storytelling style is engaging and filled with vivid imagery, making the tales come to life on the pages. This book is a valuable resource for those interested in folklore and the oral traditions of the Caucasus region, providing insights into the beliefs and values of the Georgian people. Georgian Folk Tales is a literary gem that showcases the creativity and imagination of anonymous storytellers from the past. It serves as a window into a world of magic and wonder, inviting readers to explore the unique cultural landscape of Georgia through its timeless stories.