LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS IN THE FOLKLORE OF THE LIAKHVI GORGE

Abstract

Historical folklore holds a distinctive place within the oral traditions of the Liakhvi Gorge. Given the limited corpus of recorded folklore from this region, it can be asserted that historical legends and traditions constitute a significant portion of the preserved material.

It is evident that, amid the multitude of events shaping human experience, only those of particular historical or cultural significance capture attention and are subsequently woven into the fabric of legend and tradition. These narratives, by their very nature, often emerge from pivotal conflicts. Like all oral traditions, tales of this genre have undergone transformations over time. Notably, legends surrounding historical figures and their deeds have enjoyed enduring popularity.

As is characteristic of Georgian folklore at large, the oral traditions documented in the Liakhvi Gorge during the 19th century frequently reference Queen Tamar. It is not uncommon to find various historical edifices, geographic landmarks, and settlements attributed to her, with their origins and nomenclature linked to her legacy.

A defining feature of historical folklore is the embellishment and magnification of events and the actions of prominent figures. Chronological inconsistencies, factual distortions, and conflations of dates are prevalent. Most of these tales are recounted in a succinct manner, often lacking intricate artistic embellishment.

Beyond their historical essence, scholars distinguish additional categories of folklore, including customary, ethnonymic, and social narratives, among others. The classification of these tales is primarily determined by their thematic content and underlying motifs.

Key words: Liakhvi Gorge, oral tradition, legends, traditions, folk customs, Aleksandre Machabeli.