Marriage is Not Required: A Ukrainian Tale about ‘The Mare’s Head’ and Customary Law in Tale Type ATU 480 D*

Abstract

This article applies customary law to the interpretation of Ukrainian variants of ‘The Kind and the Unkind Girls’ tale type (ATU 480) that are called ‘The Mare’s Head’ (ATU 480 D*). In light of Ukrainian customary law, property matters may be understood as the focus of the tale, especially regarding actions that occur prior to marriage and serve as a guarantee of a profitable husband. This article identifies the stepmother’s hatred and property conflict as the primary causes of the heroine’s journey. Matrilineal inheritance, dowry, and the right to own property are central points in this study. The analysis reveals how local customs might influence both the reward and the motivation of the heroine’s journey.