Book Description

“Ho Menousis” is arguably the sole traditional Greek folk song – with the possible exception of migration songs – with such wide dissemination in countless variations over the years, hence a challenge for research. In view of the fact that the song does not really seek to narrate a particular story nor glorify a particular heroic figure with an account of his deeds – the content is arguably inconsistent with its popularity – the challenge for the researcher consists in pinpointing the elements that keep it alive down to our days and in seeking out its “ideo-type”, which refers to the position of woman in traditional society and her relationship with man, the defender and protector of her honour. The book includes a selection of one hundred variations collected from the whole of Greece as well as from regions with Greek populations outside Greece.