Illustrated Montenegrin folk tales published by Matica Crnogorska

Matica Crnogorska has published illustrated folk tales “Tica đevojka” and “Vrag i zla žena”, which are available in Montenegrin and English. The publications represent a continuation of the project of popularizing Montenegrin oral literature and bringing it closer to the youngest readers, but also to the international audience. This is a continuation of the project of publishing Montenegrin folk prose that Matica Crnogorska started last year with the second edition of the famous anthologies “Vilina gora”, “Potopno vrijeme”, “Kad je sve zborilo” and “Vatra samotvora” which were edited by prominent Montenegrin writers They are happy i Danilo Radojevic.

Folk tales were illustrated by graduates of the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Montenegro. Andrija Martinović for "Tica đevojka" and Paulina Kandibovic for the fairy tale "The Devil and the Evil Woman". The literary adaptation was done by the writer and theater scholar Milovan Radojevic, and the art editor is a professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Montenegro Suzana PajovićThe English translation, titled “The Bird Girl” and “The Devil and the Evil Woman”, was done by a professor at the Faculty of Philology, University of Montenegro. Marija Krivokapic. The editor of the issue is Ivan Ivanovic, general secretary of Matica Montenegrin.

“Tica đevojka” tells the story of a king’s son who, after an unsuccessful search for a bride, embarks on a dangerous adventure and frees an enchanted girl who has been transformed into a bird. On the way, he overcomes numerous obstacles, frees the petrified young men and, with the help of a miraculous staff, reaches a happy ending. The fairy tale inherits motifs characteristic of the Mediterranean oral tradition – temptations, magic, courage and the victory of good.

The fairy tale "The Devil and the Evil Woman" tells the story of a peasant who, faced with a wicked and stubborn wife, through a series of unusual circumstances comes to the devil, from whom he receives the gift of healing people. The story, filled with humor, irony and supernatural motifs, speaks through folk storytelling about human ingenuity, resourcefulness and the relationship between good and evil.

This publishing project is significant because it preserves and presents the valuable heritage of Montenegrin oral literature in a contemporary and visually appealing way. Literary adaptations and illustrations bring traditional stories closer to today's generations, especially the youngest, while bilingual editions contribute to their international promotion and presentation of Montenegrin cultural heritage outside of national boundaries. In this way, Matica Crnogorska continues to nurture and affirm folk literature as an important part of cultural and national identity.

During the year, three more illustrated Montenegrin fairy tales will be published, followed by the publication of illustrated Montenegrin folk legends, stories and fables. A selection of Montenegrin folk prose, following the Montenegrin recently published in English and Spanish.