The Shamanic Themes in Chechen Folktales

The history of Chechnya has been obscured by centuries of invasion, conversion and destruction. In his search for the beliefs and culture of the original Chechnians, shamanistic expert Berman looks at Chechen folktales. He searches for elements in them that are both universal and particular to Chechen stories. The search for a cure for disease and old age is a common one. The help of talking animals or people who shape shift is also a core myth. Berman notes the shamanistic nature of these tales especially the quest mode, often through an underworld from which only the shaman can return. The importance of the horse in Chechen culture is different enough to be worthy of note. Folklorists have commented on the similarity of folktales themes throughout the world. A study for individual differences is more unusual. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Michael Berman BA, MPhil, PhD (Alternative Medicines) works as a teacher, a writer, and Core Shamanic Counsellor. Publications include A Multiple Intelligences Road to an ELT Classroom and The Power of Metaphor for Crown House, and Tell us a Story for Brian Friendly Publications. Books published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing include The Nature of Shamanism and the Shamanic Story (2007), Soul Loss and the Shamanic Story (2008) and Divination and the Shamanic Story (2008). Michael has been involved in teaching and teacher training for over thirty years, has given presentations at Conferences in more than twenty countries, and hopes to have the opportunity to visit many more yet.