Feb 23 • 06:30 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

"Re:Check": Deputy Čulkova Lies About Fairy Tales for Stability

The article discusses Deputy Čulkova's allegations regarding Latvian fairy tales originating from Russian fables, highlighting the argument that such stories are rooted in broader folkloric traditions, including those of Aesop.

The article investigates claims made by Deputy Čulkova regarding the origins of Latvian fairy tales, suggesting they are derived from Russian fabulist Krilov's works. This assertion is challenged by experts, including philologist Angelika Juško-Štekele, who explains that stories involving foxes and crows are part of many cultures' folklore traditions, tracing their roots back to ancient Greek fables attributed to Aesop. Juško-Štekele asserts that discussing authorship in contemporary terms is not applicable when it comes to such folkloric narratives.

Additionally, folklorist Guntis Pakalns emphasizes the extensive cultural history connected to the fox figure across European literature, describing it as a symbol of cleverness found in ancient poetry, epics, and numerous folk tales. He references the story of the crow and the fox, which has been embedded in Latvian culture since the works of Old Stenders, illustrating the continuity of storytelling practices through generations.

The implications of these arguments not only highlight the shared heritage of folklore across cultures but also raise questions about cultural appropriation and the politics of language in Latvia, particularly regarding the representation and promotion of Latvian narratives in contrast to their Russian counterparts.

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