| Abstrakt: |
Abstract: Etymological legends are an important component of verbal folklore, making it possible for us to interpret the names of a variety of geographic objects. In addition to having an anonymous author and being passed orally from generation to generation, an etymological legend is characterized by being primarily associated with rural environments. This study addresses etymological legends associated with Kovářova rokle (EN: Blacksmith’s Ravine) situated in Bromouvské stěny (EN: Broumov Walls), a nature reserve in the northeast of Bohemia. It analyses legends created by both the Czech and German population of the area while looking at differences and drawing parallels between them ‒ the most significant difference being the very reason for giving the ravine the name it bears. According to Czech etymological legends, the ravine is presumed to have been named after a blacksmith that had built a forge in a cave there to work in. In contrast, German legends believe the ravine was the hideout of a robber called Schmied (German for “blacksmith”). Therefore, if the ravine were to be named after him, it would be Schmied’s Ravine. |
