FANTASTICAL CHARACTERS IN FOLK TALES AND THEIR EDUCATIONAL FUNCTION

Аннотация

This article analyzes the essence and significance of fantastical characters commonly found in folk tales—such as dragons, demons, fairies, magicians, heroes, and other mythical beings—as well as their impact on children’s consciousness and their moral and educational functions. The study highlights how these fantastical elements help children distinguish between good and evil and foster qualities such as courage, honesty, and patience. Furthermore, the pedagogical potential ofsymbolic characters isevaluated from alinguoculturological perspective. Keywords: folk tale, fantastical character, education, symbolic meaning, positive and negative hero, oral folk literature, linguoculturology.