THE MAIN ISSUES OF THE PLOT OF A MAGICAL FAIRY TALE IN THE FOLKLORE OF THE LIAKHVI GORGE

Abstract

A magical fairy tale, by its very nature, unfolds a narrative that defies the confines of reality. It transports readers to an extraordinary realm inhabited by wondrous beings, where the timeless battle between good and evil unfolds. Within this enchanted world, characters embark on ceaseless quests, driven by the pursuit of a brighter future, striving to reshape their own destinies and transform the world for the better.

A particularly intriguing aspect of the fairy tale lies in its depiction of the relationship between humans and natural phenomena, as well as the so-called forces of nature. By examining these details, one can uncover subtle remnants of an ancient worldview woven into the narrative. Specifically, even in its early forms, the archaic fairy tale illustrates humanity's powerlessness in the face of both the natural world and its inhabitants. This reflects a time when humans, still intimately connected to their surroundings, sought to understand, escape, or strike a bargain with the forces shaping their environment. In later periods, as a response to this inherent helplessness, the hero often attempts, initially unconsciously and later with intention, to challenge these forces. With the progression of time, the fairy tale hero begins to explore and comprehend the world, wielding human intellect and willpower to confront the stronger forces of nature, even endeavoring to win their favor or affection.

Our current discussion focuses on several examples of fairy tales recorded in the villages of the Liakhvi Gorge in the second half of the 19th century, which we will classify as magical tales.

Key words: Folklore, Liakhvi Gorge, Aleksandre Machabeli, plot of magical fairy tale, epic of Georgian fairy tale, character types.