Chapter II russian folklore: forms of russian folklore

CONCLUSION
As Russian folklore is a vast and complex subject, it is difficult to provide a comprehensive summary within the limit of 9000 words. Therefore, this summary aims to provide a brief overview of the key themes and motifs that are commonly found in Russian folklore.
Russian folklore is characterized by its diversity and rich oral traditions. It can be traced back to the pre-Christian era and incorporates elements of pagan, Christian, and Soviet ideologies. Russian folklore includes a wide range of legends, fairy tales, songs, and proverbs. It reflects the values, beliefs, and customs of the Russian people and serves as a means of preserving and passing on their cultural heritage from generation to generation. One of the most prominent themes in Russian folklore is the struggle between good and evil. This theme is often represented in the form of fairy tales, where the protagonist overcomes various obstacles and challenges to achieve their goals. For example, in the fairy tale of "The Frog Princess," a prince must complete a series of tasks to win the hand of a princess who has been transformed into a frog. The story portrays the battle between good and evil, where the prince must overcome the evil spell that has been cast upon the princess and defeat the wicked sorcerer. Another common theme in Russian folklore is the importance of family and community. This theme is often depicted in the form of folk songs and proverbs that emphasize the value of kinship and communal harmony. For example, the folk song "Kalinka" celebrates the beauty of nature and the importance of togetherness, while the proverb "Better to have a hundred friends than a hundred rubles" emphasizes the value of social relationships over material wealth.
The supernatural and mystical also play a significant role in Russian folklore. Folk tales often feature creatures such as witches, wizards, and magical animals. For example, Baba Yaga, a witch who lives in a house on chicken legs, is a popular character in many Russian folk tales. She is known for her wisdom and cunning, and often helps or hinders the protagonist of the story. Religion and spirituality are also themes that feature prominently in Russian folklore. The introduction of Christianity to Russia in the 10th century brought with it a new set of religious beliefs and practices that were incorporated into existing folklore traditions. This resulted in a fusion of pagan and Christian motifs in many stories and songs. For example, the feast of Ivan Kupala, which celebrates the summer solstice, incorporates elements of both pagan and Christian traditions.
Russian folklore is a complex and diverse subject that reflects the values, beliefs, and customs of the Russian people. The themes and motifs found in Russian folklore are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of this country and serve as a means of preserving and passing on that heritage from generation to generation.