The genre content of folk legends in literary interpretation by E. N. Opochinin

The article offers the analysis of genre and subject features of literary interpretations of the folk legends put together by E. N. Opochinin in Rybinsk County of Yaroslavl province (1909-1916). These legends have not yet been introduced for scientific use that makes the research challenging. The comparison of the legends with the those written down by A. N. Afanasyev allows expanding the idea about spiritual and moral values of Russian people. The legend as a genre is a tool of maintenance of subject elements of mythology. The axiological functions of its motives appear in the plot. Legends can be divided into those which refer to the violation of a divine order, and those which touch upon its restoration. Legends reveal the particularities of Christian outlook: via a prayer, veneration of Saints and their images, respecting for the family and social hierarchy, work, honesty, sobriety, mercy and mutual aid, responsibility for words and deeds, belief in Divine Providence. The “Memory of a genre” of a legend can be traced in literary works. The Violation of the Divine Order in legend and literary works results in the loss of humility and a sense of proportion, the lack of faith, offense against one's property. The broken order is restored thanks to the protection of Saints and virtuous children for sinners.