Russia an its folklore

From: Organizational Dynamics, Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 211–220, 2008

Russia: A Work in Progress - Transcending the Fifth ‘‘Time of Troubles’’
MANFRED KETS DE VRIES, KONSTANTIN KOROTOV, STANISLAV SHEKSHNIA


Russian folk tales are all infused with the rich and varied cultural identity of Russia and the historic events of its past. One of the most enduring images found in Russian folklore is the symbol of the Firebird (0aD BH4Pa, zhar-ptitsa, from BH4Pa bird Old Russian 0aD fire), a magical bird from a faraway land. During the centuries, the Firebird has been an icon for Russian peasants, revered as the herald of both blessing and doom for its captor. The Firebird is always depicted with majestic red, orange and yellow plumage, glowing like a fire after the first turbulent flames die down. The Firebird resembles the Phoenix and, like that bird, is heavy with symbolism representing the rising and setting sun.

In Russian folklore, the Firebird is the object of a difficult quest that the hero must undertake, and plays a role in determining his eventual fate. The quest is usually initiated by the hero finding one of the Firebird’s tail feathers, upon which he sets out to capture the live bird, sometimes of his own accord, but usually on the bidding of a father or king. These Firebird tales follow the classic scheme of fairy tales, with the feather serving as a premonition of a hard journey, magical helpersmet on the way, and returning from a far-off land with the prize. It is a tale of a hero overcoming impossible odds. The most popular version of the Firebird is in the tale Ivan Tsarevich and the Grey Wolf. The composer Igor Stravinsky first found international fame with his composition of a ballet called The Firebird for Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes.

In many ways, the Firebird can be seen as representing the mystery of the Russian soul. The Firebird is the symbol of Russia; it is a representation of its people’s resilience; it is an icon of rebirth, resurrection, and transfiguration. The Russian people have always had a remarkable capacity to rise from the ashes
of their history. As the tales of the Firebird suggest, they are tough; they are not easily defeated; they have always been a very strong and resourceful people. In spite of all the hardships Russians have been exposed to throughout the ages, they have been able to succeed due to their incredible stamina, a quality that distinguishes them from many other people and nations. In spite of chaos, misery and hardship, they have always been able to overcome times of trouble.