Spring Man: A Belief Legend between Folklore and Popular Culture

Spring Man: A Belief Legend between Folklore and Popular Culture explores the origins and cultural significance of the Spring Man phenomenon, deconstructing the nationalistic myth created after the Second World War and revealing his ambiguous ghostly presence in oral culture. The author analyzes the archetypal character, social context, and international origins of the tales, drawing parallels with similar urban phantom narratives in various parts of the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Spring Man: A Belief Legend between Folklore and Popular Culture

Deconstructing the Nationalistic Myth of Spring Man

In the aftermath of the Second World War, a nationalistic myth emerged in visual culture and literature: the figure of Spring Man. This enigmatic character was purported to be a symbol of resilience and unity, emerging from the ashes of war to inspire hope and pride in the hearts of people. However, Spring Man: A Belief Legend between Folklore and Popular Culture takes a different approach.

Petr Janeček, the author of this captivating book, delves into the origins and evolution of Spring Man. Through meticulous analysis and a wealth of accounts provided by period eyewitnesses, oral narratives, and other sources, Janeček unravels the true nature of this fascinating phenomenon.

What emerges is a deconstruction of the nationalistic myth that had been constructed around Spring Man. Instead, Janeček presents him as an ambiguous ghostly denizen of oral culture, a creature that transcends the boundaries of national identity and cultural boundaries.

The book explores the archetypal character of Spring Man, examining his social context and cultural significance. Janeček draws on a wide range of sources to shed light on the phenomenon, including dozens of accounts provided by period eyewitnesses. These accounts offer a firsthand glimpse into the experiences and beliefs of those who encountered Spring Man during his various appearances.

In addition to analyzing the character and social context of Spring Man, Janeček also delves into the international origin of the tales associated with him. The book traces the roots of the originally British migratory legend of Spring-heeled Jack back to the second third of the 19th century. It draws parallels between the Czech myth of spring man and similar urban phantom narratives popular in the 1910s Russia, 1940s U.S., and Slovakia, 1950s Germany, as well as other parts of the world.

Through his comprehensive analysis, Janeček sheds light on the global interconnectedness of folklore and popular culture. He demonstrates how the myth of Spring Man, while initially rooted in a specific national context, has transcended borders and been embraced by different cultures across time.

Spring Man: A Belief Legend between Folklore and Popular Culture is a thought-provoking and enlightening book that challenges our assumptions about national identity and cultural heritage. It offers a fresh perspective on the origins and evolution of Spring Man, and provides a deeper understanding of the role of folklore and popular culture in shaping our beliefs and perceptions.

Whether you are a scholar of folklore, cultural studies, or simply someone interested in the mysteries of the human psyche, this book is a must-read. It will captivate your imagination and inspire you to explore the rich tapestry of folklore and popular culture in a new and exciting way.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666913750