Семантика и сюжетно-композиционные функции яблока и яблони в сказочном фольклоре

Abstract

The aim of this article is to describe the meanings and compositional as well as plot-related functions of an apple and an apple tree in Polish folktales. The analysis of the texts leads to the conclusion that both an apple tree and the fruit it bears are most frequently connected with the symbolism of love and marriage. Such a conclusion can be drawn especially on the basis of stories in which the hero is required to undertake a long and exhausting journey to obtain the golden apple. The hero is also supposed to fight against the opponents who guard such fruit. The protagonist’s endeavours bring unexpected results and end in his marrying the princess. Apart from that, an apple tree and apples fulfil many other functions. By way of illustration, they can indicate a person’s moral attitude; convey information about the ensuing event or a character’s life situation; take the form in which folktale protagonists, or their helpers, exist; are the means of identification of the hero or of confirmation of his new social-cultural status, and the means of special transformation as well as of the physical or biological transformation of a human being.