Nart Sagas from the Caucasus Myths and Legends from the Circassians, Abazas, Abkhaz, and Ubykhs

Princeton. 2002. Princeton University Press. 1st American Edition. Very Good In Dustjacket. 560 pages. hardcover. 0691026475. keywords: Nart Sagas Caucasus Mythology Legends [more]

Princeton. 2002. Princeton University Press. 1st American Edition. Very Good In Dustjacket. 560 pages. hardcover. 0691026475. keywords: Nart Sagas Caucasus Mythology Legends Circassians Abazas Abkhaz Ubykhs. inventory # 35062. FROM THE PUBLISHER-The Nart sagas are to the Caucasus what Greek mythology is to Western civilization. This book presents, for the first time in the West, a wide selection of these fascinating myths preserved among four related peoples whose ancient cultures today survive by a thread. In ninety-two straightforward tales populated by extraordinary characters and exploits, by giants who humble haughty Narts, by horses and sorceresses, Nart Sagas from the Caucasus brings these cultures to life in a powerful epos. In these colorful tales, women, not least the beautiful temptress Satanaya, the mother of all Narts, are not only fertility figures but also pillars of authority and wisdom. In one variation on a recurring theme, a shepherd, overcome with passion on observing Satanaya bathing alone, shoots a ?bolt of lust' that strikes a rock?a rock that gives birth to the Achilles-like Sawseruquo, or Sosruquo. With steely skin but tender knees, Sawseruquo is a man the Narts come to love and hate. Despite a tragic history, the Circassians, Abazas, Abkhaz, and Ubykhs have retained the Nart sagas as a living tradition. The memory of their elaborate warrior culture, so richly expressed by these tales, helped them resist Tsarist imperialism in the nineteenth century, Stalinist suppression in the twentieth, and has bolstered their ongoing cultural journey into the post-Soviet future. Because these peoples were at the crossroads of Eurasia for millennia, their myths exhibit striking parallels with the lore of ancient India, classical Greece, and pagan Scandinavia. The Nart sagas may also have formed a crucial component of the Arthurian cycle. Notes after each tale reveal these parallels; an appendix offers extensive linguistic commentary. With this book, no longer will the analysis of ancient Eurasian myth be possible without a close look at the Nart sagas. And no longer will the lover of myth be satisfied without the pleasure of having read them.[less]

038 Supplements unopened if applicable. Book may have minimal writing/marks. Dust jacket present if applicable. Moderate handling wear. Connecting readers with great books sin [more]

038 Supplements unopened if applicable. Book may have minimal writing/marks. Dust jacket present if applicable. Moderate handling wear. Connecting readers with great books since 1972. We care about our customers. [less]

Hardcover 1st Printing in dust jacket AS NEW, no remainder or other markings, an as new unmarked copy w/quiet crease jacket rear flap, else Fine (dj in mylar); 8vo; xxiv + 55 [more]

Hardcover 1st Printing in dust jacket AS NEW, no remainder or other markings, an as new unmarked copy w/quiet crease jacket rear flap, else Fine (dj in mylar); 8vo; xxiv + 552pp.[less]