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Alexander Afanasyev - Biography

Biography of Afanasyev: Life and Creativity of the Outstanding Russian Folklorist

Alexander (1826-1871) is a name that will forever remain associated with the study and preservation of Russian folk culture and folklore. This outstanding folklorist and ethnographer made a trip to the very soul of the Russian people, collecting and systematizing thousands of folk tales, legends and myths. In this biography, we look at the life and work of Alexander and learn how his work influenced Russian literature and culture.

Alexander was born on July 23, 1826 in the city of Borovichi, in the Tver province, Russian Empire. His family was not wealthy, and in his youth he faced difficulties in getting an education. However, his passion for Russian folk culture and literature led him to self-education, and he began to study folklore and ethnography.

Afanasyev entered Moscow University, where he studied philosophy and history. His educational path was unusual, since he was interested not only in formal sciences, but also in the study of Russian culture in its folk manifestation. His dissertation on "Slavic Folk Songs" was the beginning of his career as a folklorist and ethnographer.

Alexander's main contribution to Russian culture and literature is related to his work in collecting and studying Russian folk tales, legends and myths. He made many expeditions to different regions of Russia, recording oral histories and collecting folk traditions.

Afanasyev systematized and published his collection "Russian Folk Tales" in 1855. This was a large-scale work, which included more than 600 fairy tales and legends, as well as comments and analyzes. His collection became a fundamental source for the study of the Russian folklore tradition and became the basis for many literary works.