[320] Bogodanny (bog = God; dat’, davat’ = to give). One of the Russian equivalents for our hideous “father-in-law” is “god-given father” (bogodanny otets), and for “mother-in-law,” bogodanny mat’ or “God-given mother.” (Dahl.)
[321] Four lines are omitted here. See A. de Gubernatis, “Zool. Mythology,” i. 181, where a solar explanation of the whole story will be found.
[322] These ejaculations belong to the story-teller.
[323] Literally, “Seemed to her as small as a lamb.”
[324] Kolòdez, a word connected with kolòda a log, trough, &c.
[325] Afanasief, viii. No. 23 a.
[326] To this episode a striking parallel is offered by that of Gunther’s wedding night in the “Nibelungenlied,” in which Brynhild flings her husband Gunther across the room, kneels on his chest, and finally binds him hand and foot, and suspends him from a nail till daybreak. The next night Siegfried takes his place, and wrestles with the mighty maiden. After a long struggle he flings her on the floor and forces her to submit. Then he leaves the room and Gunther returns. A summary of the story will be found in the “Tales of the Teutonic Lands,” by G. W. Cox and E. H. Jones, pp. 94-5.
[327] Khudyakof, i. No. 19. pp. 73-7.
[328] Erlenvein, No. 19, pp. 95-7. For a Little-Russian version see Kulish, ii. pp. 59-82.
[329] Afanasief, vi. No. 26. From the Kursk Government.