 | The epic songs of Russia |  |
PREFACE
Thorough study of the epic poems of Russia
(bylinas), as of other branches of folk-lore, is not
to be thought of at the present day without the
aid of the comparative method, which must begin
in the circle of the other Slavic literatures, Bulgarian,
Servian, etc.
It has not seemed to me advisable to enter upon
so vast a subject in this volume, which is intended
for popular reading. I hope that the brief notes
in the Appendix will suffice to give a general idea
of the historical foundation of the bylinas, and of
the relationship which exists between them and
the epic poems of other nations.
As it is extremely improbable that a complete
translation of these Songs will ever be published, a
word of explanation is necessary with regard to
the method I have pursued.—Of each Song many
versions exist, varying in number from three to
three dozen or more. Some of these, though mere
fragments, contain important facts. Others are
rendered inordinately long by the repetition of
speeches, the multiplication of details, or the interpolation
of passages from other songs. In very
few instances is the story complete; and when
complete, many characteristic details are lacking.
Literal rendering of such a vast and puzzling mass
of poems, which are numbered by the hundred,
and in their printed form cover thousands of
pages, is manifestly impossible. Eclecticism is the
method conveys no adequate idea of either style
or story. I have consulted all the variants. The
style I have preserved as nearly as possible, deeming
the action sufficiently rapid and forcible to
sustain the old-fashioned language. I venture to
think that the result would satisfy the peasant-minstrels
themselves.
I have simplified the spelling of the proper names
as much as possible, and of the very few Russian
words employed.
The theory that the epic songs are of purely
legendary origin, and not nature myths, is gaining
ground. If this view is accepted, the very slight
distinction between the Elder and the Younger
heroes immediately disappears. It has seemed
best, however, to retain that division, since it is
customary in Russia and necessary to the proper
understanding of any reference to the subject.
The mythological explanation will be found interesting
from its ingenuity, whichever view may
eventually prevail.
For the bylinas I am indebted to the Collections
of Kirsha Danilef, Sakarof, Rybnikof, Kiryeevsky,
Bezonof, Hilferding, and the Ethnographical Bulletin
of the Natural History Society of Moscow
University; for my notes, to works on these Songs
by Orest Miller, Schepping, Maikof, Buslaef,
Galakof, and other recognized Russian authorities.
| The epic songs of Russia | |