Jesus-patterns in Folktales. “How Would He Not Be Faithful in Heart, When I am His Saviour!” (I) Cover Image

Jézus-mintázatok a népmesékben. „Hogyne vóna hű szívű, mikor én vagyok a mögváltója!” (I)
Jesus-patterns in Folktales. “How Would He Not Be Faithful in Heart, When I am His Saviour!” (I)

Author(s): Péter Bálint
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Cultural history, Customs / Folklore, Oral history, Biblical studies
Published by: Erdélyi Református Egyházkerület
Keywords: folktale; Jesus-pattern; source criticism; vernacular faith and language; historical authenticity; narrated identity;

Summary/Abstract: Folklorists remain indebted to this day for exploring the possible occurrences of Jesus-patterns in folktales: this is a gap that I aim to fill in this study. The storytellers of the Carpathian Basin were fond of creating parallels between the life and deeds of the fairy-tale hero and Jesus. The narration of the miraculous birth, the divine origin, the hidden childhood, the healing activity, the crucifixion, the underworld passage, and the resurrection as parabolic narratives are presented in plentiful variants. The similarities and differences show that in peasant communities Jesus was imagined as an ordinary man, a teacher, and a helper of the poor. The image of Jesus in the tale narratives sheds light on the mindset and vernacular language of local religious communities.

  • Issue Year: 115/2022
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 281-328
  • Page Count: 48
  • Language: Hungarian