Article

Name: Is Barzaz Breiz a fake or a true folk poetry?

Authors: A. R. Muradova

Institute of Linguistics, Russian Academy of Sciences

Abstract: One of the dramatic moments of the history of Breton literature is the publication of the «Barzaz Breiz» («Breton ballads») by Theodore Hersart de la Villearque. His main work is an adaptations of folk songs and ballads. Barzaz Breiz was published in 1839 and had a great success, but the doubt about the authenticity appeared soon: the author was accused of creating a literary forgery. Only in the second half of the twentieth century, it was found out that de la Villemarke personally recorded Breton songs and ballads, but changed their style giving them an epic flavor. However, due to the so-called «scandal of Barzaz Breiz» this book being undoubtedly a talented work partly discredited subsequent collectors Breton folklore.

Keywords: Breton language, Breton literature, folk poetry

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