| Abstrakt: |
The author studies the motif of hand regeneration in a fairy tale “Bezruchka” (A Girl without hands) and the popular Christian legend of the icon Trojeručica (“Three Handed Virgin”). In most cases, in Russian folk tradition, the lack of limbs is a punishment for wrong behavior and a sinful act (the deceit, the destruction of the Church, drunkenness, etc.). Such violators of behavioral norms are unable to restore their original state. In the tale and legend under discussion, the lack of hands is not a punishment. The heroine does not violate any prescribed rules of society. Moreover, the legendary texts do not use the motif of cutting the limb off, so the motif of regeneration can be presented in two ways: as a return to the normal state and as a sign of exceptional chosenness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
