Volume 03 Issue 11-2023
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American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
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SJIF
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OCLC
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1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This article informs about the concept of “treasure” in English folklore and some common themes and examples
associated with the concept of treasure in English folklore. It also gives examples of expression of the concept of
treasure in Robin Hood stories and “Jack and the Beanstalk” fairy tale in English literature. The concept of treasure in
English folklore is multifaceted, reflecting the cultural, historical, and imaginative aspects of the communities that
created and passed down these stories. Whether the focus is on material wealth, magical artifacts, or symbolic
treasures, these tales continue to captivate audiences and contribute to the rich cultural heritage of England.
KEYWORDS
Treasure, English folklore
, “Jack and the Beanstalk”, buried treasure, hidden treasure, legendary outlaw, Robin Hood,
“English Fairy Tales”.
INTRODUCTION
The concept of “treasure” in English folklore often
revolves around myths, legends, and stories of hidden
riches, precious artifacts, or valuable items guarded by
mystical beings or protected by elaborate traps. These
tales have been passed down through generations,
contributing to the rich tapestry of English folklore.
Here are some common themes and examples
associated with the concept of treasure in English
folklore:
Many English folk tales involve the idea of buried
treasure, often hidden by pirates, robbers, or
Research Article
THE CONCEPT OF “TREASURE” IN ENGLISH FOLKLORE
Submission Date:
November 20, 2023,
Accepted Date:
November 25, 2023,
Published Date:
November 30, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajps/Volume03Issue11-09
Parmonova Nasiba Amriddin Qizi
Jizzakh Branch Of The National University Of Uzbekistan
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajps
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 11-2023
54
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
11
P
AGES
:
53-56
SJIF
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MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
555
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
legendary figures. The notion of hidden wealth waiting
to be discovered adds an element of mystery and
adventure to these stories [3].
Treasure in English folklore is frequently guarded by
supernatural beings, mythical creatures, or magical
entities. These guardians might include dragons,
ghosts, or other creatures that pose challenges to
those seeking the treasure [3].
Certain locations in England are associated with tales
of hidden treasure. For example, the idea of treasure
hidden in the mysterious Oak Island or the legend of
the Knights Templar hiding treasures in various
locations have captured the imagination of
storytellers.
Folk heroes and legendary outlaws, such as Robin
Hood, are often connected to the concept of treasure.
These figures are portrayed as protectors of the poor
who amass wealth and hide it in secret locations.
English folklore is replete with stories of magical
objects that are considered treasures. These could
include items like enchanted swords, mystical jewels,
or other artifacts with supernatural properties.
Many treasure stories involve curses or dire
consequences for those who seek the hidden riches
without meeting specific conditions or overcoming
challenges. This adds an element of caution and drama
to the tales.
The pursuit of treasure often serves as a central theme
in quests and adventures. Characters embark on
perilous journeys, facing obstacles and solving puzzles
to reach the coveted treasure.
The legend of the Holy Grail is an integral part of
English folklore, with stories connecting this sacred
object to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round
Table. The quest for the Holy Grail is a classic tale of
seeking a transcendent and invaluable treasure.
In “The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood”,
expressions related to the concept of “treasure” are
less about literal treasure and more about the moral
value placed on wealth and its redistribution. Here are
some instances:
The outlaws vow to despoil their oppressors, taking
what was wrung from the poor by unjust means and
returning it to them. This reflects a treasure of justice
they seek to restore.
Robin Hood justifies taking from the Bishop of
Hereford to aid Sir Richard of Lea, viewi
ng the church’s
excess gains as a treasure that could be better used to
support those wronged by the church.
Robin Hood, after defeating beggars who feigned
ailments, decides their ill-gotten gains would serve
better as treasure for charity and the benefit of his
band rather than enriching deceitful individuals [2].
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Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
These examples illustrate the nuanced portrayal of
“treasure” in the narrative, which is not about
hoarding wealth but about correcting injustices and
supporting communal welfare.
In the lore surrounding Robin Hood, the notion of
“treasure” often
transcends physical wealth,
symbolizing justice, restitution, and the righting of
wrongs. Here are additional examples related to the
concept of “treasure” in Robin Hood stories:
There’s a tale involving
Robin Hood and the Fifteen
Foresters, where the “treasure” is not gold but the fair
play in a wager over archery skills, ending in a grim
manner with the foresters buried in a row in
Nottingham.
An article from 1796 recounts the discovery of
skeletons believed to be the foresters killed by Robin
Hood, hinting at a “treasure” of historical truth buried
beneath the ground, symbolizing the tangible remains
of the legend.
St Anne's Well in Nottingham, also known as
“Robynhode's Well”, was considered a site of
buried
“treasure”, associated with artifacts such as Robin
Hood’s bow and arrows, suggesting a treasure of
healing and charity linked to the legend.
A story claims that a hideout containing relics of Robin
Hood’s and Friar Tuck’s existence was found, then
lost
to a cave-in, representing a treasure trove of the
legend's history waiting to be rediscovered.
The tale of Little John's longbow, a physical "treasure"
associated with strength and loyalty, represents the
enduring legacy of the characters surrounding Robin
Hood. The bow's disappearance adds to the mystique
of the legend's artifacts.
These accounts convey that in the world of Robin
Hood, “treasure” is not solely about material riches but
encompasses moral victories, historical artifacts, and
the legend
ary hero’s enduring fight for justice.
“English Fairy Tales” by Joseph Jacobs is a collection of
traditional folk tales that includes various themes,
including those related to treasure. While specific tales
may vary in their details, “Jack and the Beanstalk” from
the collection is an example among the stories involve
the concept of treasure.
“Jack and the Beanstalk” is a classic English fairy tale
about a poor boy named Jack who trades his family’s
cow for a handful of magic beans. These beans grow
into a gigantic beanstalk overnight, reaching the sky.
Jack climbs the beanstalk and discovers a land
inhabited by a giant. In the giant’s castle, he finds
various treasures, including a magical harp and a hen
that lays golden eggs. Jack manages to acquire these
treasures and escape the giant [1].
Volume 03 Issue 11-2023
56
American Journal Of Philological Sciences
(ISSN
–
2771-2273)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
11
P
AGES
:
53-56
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2022:
5.
445
)
(2023:
6.
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)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
The treasures in this tale include the magical harp and
the hen that lays golden eggs, both of which Jack
acquires from the giant’s castle in the sky. These
treasures become a source of wealth and prosperity
for Jack and his family.
This is just one example from Jacobs’ collection, and
“English Fairy Tales” features numerous stories with
various expressions of the treasure concept, including
hidden riches, magical objects, and valuable rewards
obtained through quests and challenges. The
collection reflects the richness and diversity of English
folklore, showcasing the cultural significance of
treasure in traditional tales.
Overall, these folklore elements contribute to the
enduring allure of treasure in English culture, inspiring
countless stories, poems, and adaptations in various
forms of literature and entertainment. The concept of
treasure in English folklore encapsulates the timeless
themes of adventure, mystery, and the eternal quest
for the extraordinary.
REFERENCES
1.
“Jack and the Beanstalk”, Joseph Jacobs, 1890
2.
“The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood”,
Howard Pyle, 1883
3.
Пармонова, Н. (2023). Cultural characteristics
of the concept “xazina, treasure” in uzbek and
english
languages.
Информатика
и
инженерные технологии, 1(2), 614–
617.
извлечено
от
https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/computer-
engineering/article/view/25730
4.
Nasib, P., & Iroda, K. (2022). COMPARATIVE
ANALYSIS OF WORDS WITH THE MEANING OF
CARE IN UZBEKI AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES.
Education News: Research for the 21st Century
, 1 (5), 424-426.
