Function as the genre-forming category of the traditional Russian folklore

The article deals with the functional basis of the traditional folklore genre. There are considered three leading functions, having influence on the creation of the genre system of the folk culture - utilitarian, magical and aesthetic. The author gives the examples of their reflection in the specific verbal forms. It is demonstrated that the artistic world of the verbal work and its poetics are developed under the influence of the functional focus of the text and world perception of its barrier.