"Echoes of Enchantment: Structuralist Insights into Albanian Fairy Tales"

Echoes Of Enchantment: Structuralist Insights into Albanian Fairy Tales Name Institutional Affiliation Instructor Course Date Abstract Fairy tales have long been engrained in the culture of the Albanian people. These tales are based on daily life, using fantasy and mythical strategies to deliver sensitive and educative lessons when entertaining readers. Fairy tales are created mainly for children, but the lessons and moral guidance are suitable for people of different age groups. This article will analyze the structural elements in Albanian fairy tales. The research will look into the everyday aspects of these narrations regarding how the story is told, such as traditional and linear structure, character formation, and plot lines. The article will apply Vladimir Propp's structuralism theory to further deepen the Albanian people's collective imagination and cultural heritage understanding. The analysis will dig deeper into the symbols, motifs, and story structures and how they determine themes and lessons among these people. It will also focus on how these themes are applicable at the universal levels, connecting Albanian culture to others. The article will analyze several Albanian fairy tales, including "The Enchanted Prince, The Three Friends and the Earthly Beauty, The Shoes, The Girl Who Became a Boy, The Stirrup Moor, The Bear and the Dervish, Half Rooster” Keywords Albanian folklore, Fairy tales, Structuralist Narratology, Vladimir Propp, Symbols, Motifs, Narrative structures, Cultural significance, Universal themes, Enchantment Introduction Fairy stories have long been used to deliver messages in a sensitive way from the old days. They symbolize the cultural heritage and shared fantasy of the Albanian nation, and part of Albanian folklore culture. According to Lamçja (2022), these fascinating narratives, retold since time immemorial, reflect the various traditions, ethics, and ideas that resulted from the influence of geographical factors and historical events during the formation of these people. This study aims to unravel the intricate web of images, symbols, and structural unity of tales of Albanian folklore through the lens of the structuralist narrative theory (Jim III, 2022). The analysis explains how these themes can be applied at the universal level. The analysis is based on the structural elements of Vladimir Propp, which unearths the hidden aspects of the Albanian folk tales (Prošić-Santovac, 2012). The structure looks at how the narrative is provided and the different themes, ideas, and lessons people can draw from these narratives. Structural analysis highlights the ancient truths and the universal implications of these tales that remain despite changes in culture and time by looking for the underlying motives and motifs. This article will make people more acquainted with Albanian folklore, awaken them with magical country storytelling, and help draw lessons they can apply in daily life.  Theoretical Framework Overview of Structuralist Narratology A literary theory subgroup named structuralist narratology, grounded in structuralism, is employed by narratologists as a deconstruction and criticism tool for narrative works. Lamcja (2022) notes that structuralism sees a continuity between the parts, rather than content alone, of a literary work in an attempt to discover the patterns and structures that cause human minds to express themselves in this way. The method is a tool within the study of narratology, which means analyzing the formal components of stories, such as plot, character, and theme, to find patterned themes and symbolic motifs. According to Nika (2023), one of the central themes in structuralist narratology is the idea of a narrative structure. It signifies how the elements occurring within the narrative text are composed and ordered. Theorists within the structuralist school of thought, including Vladimir Propp and Claude Levi-Strauss, who maintained that narratives consisted of a few narrative functions or units, are a case in point (Dogra, 2017). These groups of narrative functions are then merged into a single sequence, which is systematically altered to obtain different narrative sequences. Functions such as action, occurrence, or transformation of the characters are used to propel the story forward and eventually result in the overall meaning of the whole narrative (Quý & Phương, 2023). Working out the narrative structure becomes the academician's means of revealing the law of constructing and uncovering recurring patterns across different texts. Narrative syntax, or narrative structure, is another capital term in structuralist narratology. This principle is a mechanism for the management and arrangement of parts that build up a story in a structured way (Dahal & Bhatta, 2021). Stories often employ a linear, circular, or episodic format, like syntax. Such features lead the reader to a particular interpretation and understanding of the text. Reading experts find out how the syntax of a particular narrative can help create a specific reader's experience and perception of the story by structuring the narrative. The structuralist narratological method emphasizes two components of grammar and syntax and the functions and roles of narratives in different expositions (Zipes, 1994). Structuralist theorists gained recognition by exploring the different narrative functions or roles that characters have in the narrative. Characters in these narrations have roles and functions ranging from the hero to the villain to the donor. These theorists derived from the theory of Vladimir Propp for the study of folktales. They were able to identify these specific functions and roles. The convergence of these functions in many writings within different cultures creates an archetypal story pattern. These functions provide a basis for creating stories (Rokotnitz, 2018). Academics provide the functions and roles that help them scrutinize the underlying rules that make up the narratives and recognize patterns in different texts. Vladimir Propp’s Structuralist Viewpoint Vladimir Propp presented his structuralism in his work "Morphology of the Folktale" in 1928. It revolutionized narrative studies by offering a systematic and universal system to compare folk narratives based on common structural elements (Monin et al., 2019). This framework has made clear and significant progress in the invention of the field of narrative studies. Propp defended his argument based on the application of similar patterns in different fairy tales with similar functions. He held that these functions are the most fundamental elements of folklore, and they appear in a myriad of other combinations in almost every kind of story and many varied cultures (Zipes, 1988). Propp's structuralist approach is based on the idea of the narrative function, which means the act performed by the character whose significance lies in its contribution to the entire action. He identified thirty-one distinct narrative functions by examining Russian folk tales. These functions convey specific actions or events that make the story progress smoothly. The hero's departure, the villain's trickery, and the hero's return are all instances of these functions (Fatima & Gaurav, 2024). Complementary to his structuralist stance, Propp also pays attention to the influence of character types, usually termed "dramatis personae", on storytelling in the folk tradition. Propp argues that the folktale characters are further reduced to an archetypal symbolic role, each having its particular function or meaning within the narrative. Based on the plot, these roles carry the names of heroes, villains, altruists, and dispatchers (Fayzulloevna, 2024). The essential characters play specific roles in the story structure. By analyzing the contacts between the characters of these different types, Propp felt to find out the universal narrative plots that spawn and rule folk storytelling. Propp's structuralist concept of the plot structure sequence is characterized by a specific combination and arrangement of narrative functions inside the story (Maraatussoaliha, 2023). Propp found some patterns, especially in the stories known as "dramatic scenarios, " which apply to several folk tales. The avoidance–approach–avoidance pattern, which is characteristic of hero journey stories usually, and the conflict–supremacy–consequence pattern, which is typical of the stories that involve the struggle between heroes and villains, occur in the scenes described (Tursunmurotovich et al., 2020). From folkloristics to literary theory and other scholarly fields, Propp's structuralist approach has been a source of influence, significantly impacting the study of narratives. The theory has been used by other scholars in structuring and crafting their narratives. (Ben-Amos, 2020). Vladimir Propp’s structuralist approach provides universal and systematic methods to analyze traditional narratives. The analysis is based on three factors which make up a short story. These are the character development and depiction, sequence, how the plot flows and follows, and the importance of a specific community and larger culture. Propp's study of narrative structure has been an influential and long-lasting contribution to narrative studies across all disciplines. They explored the aspects of narration that contribute to the fundamental laws of storytelling (Saleh & Ahmed, 2023). Analysis of Albanian Fairy Tales The Albanian people's cultural heritage and creative spirit are illustrated by various symbols, motifs, and narrative forms (Marina, 2022). These are discovered when fairy tales are examined through structuralist narrative analysis. By applying Vladimir Propp's structuralist standpoint, it is possible to note these common themes and archetypal motives appearing across stories beyond the individual narrative. Fairy tales such as "The Enchanted Prince" and "The Golden Apples" shed light on Albanian culture as they give a different twist to the recurring themes of transformation, love, and redemption. Through the awareness of these stories, notable aspects such as the character's struggles to escape magic, that kind of magically appearing creatures, and, ultimately, that love conquers all kinds of misfortunes are illuminated (Chamalah et al., 2019). Moreover, by examining the language structure and character elements in Albanian fairy tales, one can discover the cultural importance and the common themes relating to the daily lives of these people (Jim III, 2022). These plots consist of heroes confronting supernatural phenomena, getting magical items or wisdom, and resolving conflicts using courage or selfless acts.  "The Enchanted Prince" Summary "The Enchanted Prince" is a narration of a young prince cast under a powerful spell by an evil magician. This transformation of him into a monstrous being is an outcome of the spell that binds him to a castle buried deep inside a dense forest. Though he is in harsh conditions, the prince still preserves his generous and kind nature. The spell can only be broken if the beast is loved by a woman of a pure heart who looks past his wretched looks (Coover, n.d.). The prince meets a courageous, understanding girl who loves his generous and kind heart. The prince had to undergo several trials and eventually won the battle. This led to breaking the curse and transforming him back into human form.  Identification of Key Symbols and Motifs "The Enchanted Prince" has several symbols and themes contributing to its complexity and universal nature. The most significant and noteworthy symbol is the fantastic castle hidden in the deep, dark forest. It embodies the prince's doom, imprisonment, and outcasting. Furthermore, the castle invokes the prince's alienation from reality, and at the same time, it functions as a symbol of his captivity by the curse. It shows themes of captivity, solitude, and the fight for escape, and it encourages the readers to engage with the nature of the individual and universal jail through their meanings (Prošić-Santovac, 2012). Another essential story symbolism is the prince's transformation into a hideous creature. This transition portrays the metaphor concerning the harmony between the inner world's beauty and the outward world's attractiveness (Aguirre, 2011). Despite the curse, which has caused many changes in the prince, his virtues, such as his true nobility, kindness, and empathy, are intact. The unflinching point of this change is that the beauty of redemption is discovered in the character rather than in the physical features. Traditional views on beauty and personal identities are challenged in the fairy tale. It encourages people to reconsider judging others before they can better understand their lives.  The theme of love is central to "The Enchanted Prince." The love that the maiden has for the prince starts the process that ends with the breaking of the curse and the prince being restored to his human form. The woman was able to move past the monstrous surface of the prince and fall in love with him for who he truly is, which becomes a hallmark of how love can be transformational, overcoming superficial limitations (Propp, 1970). This motif symbolizes the ever-present power of the human factor. It serves as a reminder of the overall narrative themes, such as redemption, acceptance, and the ultimate victory of love over hardship. Examination of Narrative Structures The story has a traditional structure with different stages. Each stage progresses the plot and helps the characters develop. The stage starts with the curse on the prince, his transformation, struggles, and isolation as a monster till the curse is broken. The narration develops by introducing key characters and themes such as the magical chateau, the dark forest, and the prince's curse (Dushi, 2019). Using memorable images and expressive words, the author plunges readers into the magical realm of the story and creates the appropriate mood for each action. The hero concept is presented when the prince quests to reverse the spell and resumes his natural state. This section of the narrative is presented as the hero who goes through several moral tests that end with personal development and positive change (Mazza, 2004). The prince's dealings with enchantment beings, supernatural creatures, and otherworldly phenomena not only drive the plot forward but also deepen the sense of awe in the audience's imagination. The fairy tale climaxes with the prince's transformation back into his proper form through the maiden's love, which ends the conflict and offers a resolution (Haase et al., 2012). This dramatic turning point indicates the fulfillment of the young maiden's virtuous compassion, the end of the prince's long journey, and the attainment of his most cherished dreams. The story accomplishes this through the resolution of the curse, showing us the power of love and good prevailing over evil. The fairy tale engages readers and teaches them about resilience, optimism, and the power of love. Cultural Significance and Universal Themes In Albanian folklore, "Enhanced Prince" characters are especially noteworthy because they give the themes passed from one generation to another and beyond cultural boundaries. The central theme in this fairy tale is humanity and the importance of benevolence and empathy, which is universal. The narration emphasizes that physical appearance cannot define true beauty, which lies in the heart and mind. Albanian writing had an outstanding influence on the relatively provider morals of integrity, kindness, and generosity; it had more effect on the public spirit in the society (Afsari & Royanian, 2015). The short story is a touching reflection on identity and the triumph of love, bypassing shallow stereotypes. “The Enchanted Prince” addresses the symbolic character of love as far as it moves past temporal, spatial, and situational restrictions. The story emphasizes that no matter what kinship someone has with this world, love can still set them free from everything that ties them down to the world, mend broken hearts, and bring broken lives back into unison. This topic manifests the shared cultural notions about the spiritual profundity of love, which, among others, demonstrates the power to bind people together and support them when adversity arises (Orr, 1983). The concept of love underpins everything, from regenerative powers to positions of great power to helping and giving hope in times of hardships in every culture known.  “The Three Friends and the Earthly Beauty” Summary The story "Three Friends and the Search for Earthly Beauty" narrates the adventure of three best friends who embark on a journey searching for the supposed Earthly Beauty. It is a mythical treasure believed to possess the power of granting fortune and unlimited wealth to whoever finds it. With their iron will and comradeship on trial with each new step through dangerous territories and the challenges they meet, they are challenged on multiple levels (Elsie, n.d.). In the outcome, they realized that the most significant treasures in life are not those of the world but rather those of friendship and nature. Throughout their adventure, they acquire valuable life lessons like loyalty, bravery, and the actual reality of the concept of beauty. The fairy tale is a marvellous piece with enchanting, inexhaustible ideas on the meaning of friendship, serenity, and individuality.  Identification of Key Symbols and Motifs  The story is enhanced by using themes and symbols that give the audience richer and more profound meaning. One of the most famous symbols is Earthly Beauty, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the pursuit of happiness and satisfaction or as a tangible object of desire. The youths are allured by the Earthly Beauty, the symbol of attraction to worldly success and material fortune, which promises wealth and prosperity (Maraatussoaliha, 2023). However, the course of Earthly Beauty is the same as the ephemeral nature of material goods and the deceptive appearance of outer beauty. On their way to Earthly Beauty, the three friends discover that real happiness comes from their relationships, not pursuing material wealth. In the fairy tale, the travel motif is another central theme of the play, symbolizing the heroes' search for enlightenment and personal development. The three friends undergo a personal transformation process on their way to Earthly Beauty. They encounter obstacles that test their determination and strengthen their bonds of friendship. Through their trip experiences, the characters learn about commitment, stick-to-itiveness, and the true sense of beauty about themselves and others around them (Dahal & Bhatta, 2021). With this, the voyage metaphor equally represents the human quest for kno...