COMPOSITION OF UNIVERSALS IN THE FOLKLORE OF THE LIAKHVI GORGE

Abstract

A fairy tale is a form of verbal artistry rooted in fiction. Throughout the centuries, it has remained ever-relevant to successive generations, possessing a unique ability to evolve, enrich itself, and adapt to the shifting demands and aspirations of new eras. The characters within fairy tales embody diverse archetypes and serve distinct purposes. Protagonists, as agents of virtue, strive to vanquish evil, overcome moral corruption, and restore harmony between goodness, beauty, and malevolence, all in pursuit of a brighter future.

Among the many forms of fairy tales, alongside animal fables and domestic narratives, the magical fairy tales stand as one of the most prevalent and enduring genres.

In shaping the “composition of a magical fairy tale, a pivotal role is played by rich, formulaic structures—referred to in contemporary scholarship as “universals”. These universal elements encompass verbal formulas, the distinctive properties of enchanted objects, and clusters of semantically interconnected motifs. Rather than belonging to any single fairy tale, they are intrinsic to the entire fairy-tale tradition. Beyond these universals, the construction of a fairy tale is supported by numerous components, each varying in content and function. These elements, though relatively independent and self-contained, cannot individually form a cohesive narrative. A tale achieves its wholeness only through the internal interconnection of these elements, wherein the logical progression of events is meticulously maintained. Regarding the essence of composition, it is ultimately defined by the dynamic interplay of its components, ensuring both artistic depth and informational completeness”.

It is evident that these universals are also present in the folklore of the Liakhvi Gorge. Let us examine them in sequence. For illustration, we will present several fairy tales recorded by Aleksandre Machabeli in the villages of the Liakhvi Gorge during the latter half of the 19th century. These tales were published in the same period in “Akaki’s Monthly Collection”.

Key words: Liakhvi Gorge, oral tradition, Aleksandre Machabeli, universals, "Akaki's Monthly Collection", a magical fairy tale.