The Evolution of the Image of Ivan in the Context of Folkloric Cyclization

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of folkloric cyclization in Russian folk tales centered on the figure of Ivan—a character of complex artistic nature. The relevance of the study stems from the lack of a comprehensive analysis of the main types of Ivan within the framework of genre, poetic, and sociocultural dynamics. The research is based on 768 Russian fairy tales from the 19th-20th centuries and employs historical typological, structural-semantic, and motif analysis methods. Its aim is to identify the artistic concept of Ivan and his variants, as well as to analyze the cyclization of plots involving him, determining its causes, mechanisms, and characteristics. The author systematizes the plots about Ivan and substantiates the existence of a stable mechanism of folkloric cyclization. As a result, five key types of Ivan and four principles of cyclization are identified. The evolution of Ivan’s image is shown to be shaped by the transformation of collective consciousness—from totemic worldviews to social and patriarchal models. The study demonstrates that Ivan functions as a nominative center integrating various plot groups, and that the cyclization of plots reflects the genre evolution of the fairy tale, accompanied by the transformation of the hero’s image—from an epic figure
to an adventurer. It is argued that the enduring popularity and narrative stability of Ivan arise from his ability to adapt to changing historical and social contexts while maintaining a central role in the tale.