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Publication Detailed Description
Iberian seventh-born children, werewolves, and the dragon slayer: a case study in the comparative interpretation of symbolic praxis and fairytales
Journal Title
Folklore
Year (definitive publication)
2003
Language
English
Country
United Kingdom
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Abstract
This article examines an obscure custom found in Iberian ethnography: that of having one’s eldest children serve as godparents for their own youngest siblings, starting with the seventh. The paper’s main working hypothesis is that this custom is to be understood in the context of underlying conceptions that fairytales convey in a symbolical guise. The argument highlights the relationship of examined notions with the “Dragon Slayer” theme, to bring out stable themata concerning ontological complexity and metamorphosis, in the light of which the Iberian custom is interpreted.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
Werewolves,Seventh children,Dragons,Folklore — Portugal,Compadrazco,Fairy tales
Fields of Science and Technology Classification
- Sociology - Social Sciences
- History and Archeology - Humanities
