“A fairy tale is a lie, but a hint in it, a lesson for good fellows,” we all remember this saying from our childhood. These simple words contain a deep meaning, once encrypted by our ancestors in small instructive stories passed on from mouth to mouth for several centuries. Few people know what a saying is and why it is needed, but meanwhile, in this short introduction, the clue of the characters and plots of Russian fairy tales is often hidden.
Definition
There are several well-known interpretations of the word. So, the poetic dictionary calls the saying “a kind of Russian jokes”, which can be located in different parts of the fairy tale. The literary encyclopedia in its own way interprets what a saying is: this is a special genre of very small fairy tales, used in the introduction to the main text.
The definitions agree that this element is extrabudgetary, repeated in different texts and necessary in order to set up the reader for the subsequent story. Most often it has a somewhat ironic, playful form with an old Russian color: "Oh, as in the far-away kingdom-state ...".
Despite the apparent simplicity of the structure, such prefaces have a very complex semantic and rhythmic structure. The narrator must evoke strong emotions in his listener, therefore phrases are built on the principle from strong to weak syllables.
Meaning
Reading our favorite fairy tale, we don’t even think about what it is - a saying, about the message of these lines. Russian fairy tales are a reflection of the centuries-old history of our country, with their help our grandmothers taught their children and grandchildren morality, honor and love for their native land. The stories of ancient knights and the great victories of our people, adapted for children, were passed from generation to generation.
Almost all linguists, when asked about what a saying is, say: the main purpose is to prepare and set up the listener to perceive the text. The foreword always has a special rhythm: “It was on the sea, on the ocean, on the island of Khitan ...”. After these words, the narrator usually says: “This is not a fairy tale, but a saying, a fairy tale ahead ...”. Such a preface has no direct connection with the thought of folklore tradition itself.
But if this element is after the main one, then it is already directly connected with the meaning of the tale. This may be a hint of some thought, summing up or moralizing for the reader: "A fairy tale is a lie, but there is a hint in it ..".
Reasons
Of particular importance are the small beginnings accepted in both folk and author's tales, they are also part of the saying. What is the beginning, everyone remembers: “Once upon a time,” “In a certain kingdom, in a certain state.” There are similar endings: “they began to live and live, and to make good things,” “and whoever listened is well done” and others. They are also found in the middle of the text, this is a kind of lyrical digression, designed to indicate the narrator: "How long it will be short ...", "Forests are dense, swamps are extinct ...", etc.
Sometimes a saying or conception takes the form of a proverb, a well-known phraseological unit, or even a riddle. They differ from ordinary use in that they can be found in several texts, and here they acquire a special fabulous meaning, sometimes not the same as the original.
Examples
What is a saying in a fairy tale? Special mood or necessary entry? Folk tales were born from ancient legends about gods and monsters, they were told at general gatherings, holidays, they introduced young people to the traditions of their ancestors. Therefore, a melodic and bright beginning was required, which would emphasize the solemnity and importance of the narrator's speech. But over time, the saying has outgrown its original meaning, it began to predict the plot in many respects or to explain it.
Some well-known writers adopted the style of using sayings from Russian folk tales and used them in their works. For example, A.S. Pushkin in the "Golden Cockerel" sounds such a rush: "In the kingdom of the Far Far Away, in the thirtieth state ...".