The role of object code in the structure of mythological text (straw in Polish mythological legends and folk beliefs about zmora)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the relationships of different types of cultural codes in Slavic folk culture, and focuses on object, character, and verbal codes. This problem is considered in the article on the example of straw as a special element of object code in the mythological text about zmora and in the context of its functioning. The article investigates mythological motifs and plots associated with zmora, which include straw; the place of these motifs and plots in the structure of the mythological text about zmora; the problem of their mapping; reflection of traces of folklore notions in which zmora is connected with straw in other folklore genres; different ways to protect yourself against zmora using straw; the functions of straw as an element of material culture, which are related to the problem under study, as well as parallels to the above in the folk culture of other Western Slavs. The article draws conclusions about a significant role of straw in Polish beliefs and legends about zmora. It is also suggested that the repeated mentions of straw in the Polish mythological text about zmora can be considered as related fragments that emerged as a result of the disintegration of a whole mythopoetic folk worldview.