Khalilova Rukhsora Kurolbek kizi Master degree student of Navoi State Pedagogical Institute

Khalilova Rukhsora Kurolbek kizi
Master degree student of Navoi State Pedagogical Institute
Origins of the concept of motif in folklore; Theories about the journey motif and its expression in English folklore
Abstract: This article provides information about the origins of the concept of motif in folklore, different theories about the journey motif and its expression in the English folklore.
Key words: folklore, motif, fairy tale, theory, journey motif
Folklore motifs refer to the recurring themes, patterns, and symbols that are found in various folk tales, legends, myths, and songs. These motifs have been passed down through generations and have been an important part of oral traditions in different cultures around the world. We can divide the history of folklore motifs into four periods:

1. 
   Origins of Folklore Motifs: The origins of folklore motifs can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These cultures had a rich tradition of storytelling and their myths and legends often included recurring themes and symbols. Many of these stories were transmitted orally and were used to explain various aspects of nature and human behavior.
   
2. 
   Medieval Period: During the Middle Ages, folklore motifs continued to flourish in Europe. Stories were told by troubadours and minstrels, and many tales were written down in the form of ballads and songs. The stories of heroes and villains, magical creatures, and supernatural powers were common during this time.
   
3. 
   Renaissance and Enlightenment: In the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, there was a renewed interest in folklore motifs. Scholars and writers studied and collected folk legends and myths, leading to a new appreciation for the rich oral traditions of different cultures. Many famous writers, such as the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault, and Hans Christian Andersen, collected and retold folklore tales, helping to preserve them for future generations.
   
4. 
   20th Century: In the 20th century, folklore motifs continued to be an important part of popular culture. The rise of the film and television industries helped take folk tales to new audiences around the world. Many famous movies and TV shows, such as The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones, have been inspired by folklore motifs.
   

Overall, folklore motifs have a rich history that spans across cultures and time periods. They have been an important part of human storytelling and continue to influence popular culture today.
The journey motif refers to a recurrent narrative pattern in literature, mythology, and folklore that involves a character or group of characters embarking on a physical or metaphorical journey, often as a means of personal transformation, discovery, or accomplishment. The journey motif can be found in various literary genres, including adventure stories, epic poems, quests, and bildungsroman (coming-of-age) narratives.
There are several theories that attempt to explain the significance and function of the journey motif in literature and other forms of storytelling. Some of the most influential theories are:

1. 
   The Hero's Journey: Developed by Joseph Campbell in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces", this theory posits that the journey motif reflects a universal pattern of human experience and psychological development. According to Campbell, the journey begins when a hero receives a call to adventure and crosses a threshold into a realm of unknown or supernatural forces. The hero must then face a series of trials, gain allies and enemies, and receive supernatural aid before confronting a decisive ordeal that leads to a transformative victory. Finally, the hero returns home, bringing back a boon or gift that benefits the community.
   
2. 
   The Journey as Metaphor: This theory emphasizes the symbolic or allegorical significance of the journey motif, interpreting it as a metaphor for various aspects of human life, such as individualism, self-discovery, growth, spirituality, and social change. The journey may represent a quest for identity, a search for meaning, or a challenge to the status quo. In this view, the journey motif allows writers and readers to explore complex themes and ideas through a concrete and relatable narrative.
   
3. 
   The Journey as Narrative Structure: This theory regards the journey motif as a structural element of storytelling, rather than a symbol or archetype. According to this view, the journey provides a natural framework for a narrative, dividing it into distinct stages or phases that create suspense, tension, and resolution. The journey may also serve as a framework for character development, allowing readers to see how a protagonist changes and evolves over time.
   
4. 
   The Journey as Cultural Myth: This theory looks at the journey motif as a reflection of cultural myths and traditions. The journey may draw from real-world expeditions and explorations, such as the travels of Marco Polo or Christopher Columbus. Alternatively, the journey may be rooted in mythological or folkloric motifs, such as the underworld journey, the quest for the holy grail, or the hero's confrontation with a dragon. In this way, the journey motif can help to preserve and transmit cultural values, beliefs, and practices.
   

Overall, the journey motif is a versatile and enduring narrative device that has been used in a variety of literary contexts and cultural traditions. Whether interpreted as a psychological, metaphoric, structural, or mythic element, the journey provides a powerful framework for exploring the human condition and for creating compelling stories that capture readers' imaginations.
If we analyze the expressions of journey motif in English folklore, we can find a number of examples used like:

• 
  The hero's journey in the Arthurian legends, where King Arthur and his knights go on a quest to find the Holy Grail.
  
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  The journey of Beowulf, who travels to Denmark to fight the monster Grendel.
  
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  The journey of Robin Hood, who robs from the rich and gives to the poor, and who goes into the forest to escape the law.
  
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  The journey of Jack and the Beanstalk, where Jack climbs a magic beanstalk and reaches a land of giants.
  
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  The journey of Little Red Riding Hood, who travels through the forest to visit her grandmother, but is waylaid by the Big Bad Wolf.
  
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  The journey of Saint George, who goes on a quest to slay the dragon that terrorizes the town.
  
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  The journey of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, who leads the rats and the children out of the town by playing his pipe.
  
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  The journey of Sir Gawain, who accepts a challenge to find the Green Knight and to exchange blows with him.
  
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  The journey of the Three Bears, who leave their home for a walk while Goldilocks visits and breaks into their house.
  
• 
  The journey of Cinderella, who travels to the ball to meet the prince, who eventually becomes her husband.
  

Here are some examples of English folk lyrics and ritual songs that feature the journey motif:

• 
  "The Raggle Taggle Gypsy" - This well-known ballad tells the story of an aristocratic woman who runs away with a group of gypsies, traveling across the countryside and encountering various obstacles along the way.
  
• 
  "John Barleycorn" - This traditional English folk song portrays the life cycle of barley, from planting to harvesting and brewing into beer. The journey of the barley grain is used as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death.
  
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  "The Jolly Beggarman" - This lively song features a traveling beggar who charms his way into the hearts of various women, with each encounter described as a mini-journey.
  
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  "The Weaver and the Factory Maid" - This ballad tells the story of a weaver who falls in love with a factory worker, and they run away together on a journey filled with adventure and danger.
  
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  "All Around My Hat" - This well-known folk song features a woman who sets out on a journey to find her lost love, traveling through various landscapes and encountering different people along the way.
  
• 
  "Green Grow the Rushes, O" - This ritual song features a series of verses, each one representing an important element or concept in Celtic mythology. The verses are arranged in a circular pattern, symbolizing the cycle of life and the journey of the soul.
  
• 
  "The Golden Vanity" - This ballad tells the story of a young sailor who sets out on a journey to seek his fortune, only to be betrayed and left to drown by his fellow crew members.
  

These are just a few examples of the many English folk lyrics and ritual songs that feature the journey motif. Each one offers a unique perspective on the human experience of travel and transformation.
References:

1. 
   Office of resources for International and Area Studies. “Monomyth home”. History through literature project. University of California, Berkeley. January 18, 2010.
   
2. 
   Robinson Wright. “English folklore”. 1725, pp 5-9.
   
3. 
   Mat Williams. “A collection of Traditional British Folk songs” (album). 2012
   
4. 
   “English fairy tales collected by Joseph Jacobs” The Pennsylvania State University, 2005.