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Cover of Hungarian Folktales

Hungarian Folktales

by Zsuzsanna Palkó

Book Details

Publisher:Univ. Press of Mississippi
Published:1996
Pages:412
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

About This Book

Magical narratives from one of the world's best known storytellers

Our Review

This collection brings together enchanting magical narratives from one of Europe's richest storytelling traditions, offering readers a direct connection to Hungarian cultural heritage through its most celebrated folktales. Zsuzsanna Palkó masterfully preserves the authentic voice and structure of these traditional stories while making them accessible to contemporary audiences. The book features a diverse range of characters from clever peasants and talking animals to mythical creatures and magical beings, all navigating worlds where wonder and wisdom intersect. These narratives maintain the classic folktale rhythm while exploring universal themes of justice, cleverness, and transformation that transcend cultural boundaries.

What makes this compilation particularly valuable is how it captures the distinctive flavor of Central European storytelling, where practical wisdom often emerges from magical circumstances. Readers who appreciate the Brothers Grimm or Slavic fairy tales will find fascinating parallels and unique variations in these Hungarian narratives. The stories balance darkness and light with skillful pacing, making them equally suitable for independent reading or shared storytelling experiences. This collection serves as both cultural preservation and pure entertainment, reminding us why these traditional tales continue to resonate across generations and borders.

Themes

Fiction

Subjects

Fiction