Tales

Cumulative and chain tales

Repeated links, a growing cast and a rhythmic sequence. The text makes clear what repeats and what changes at each step.

Cumulative tale

Pulling Up the Turnip

A complete retelling of a Lithuanian cumulative tale recorded in 1930: a giant turnip, ten helpers with counting names and an unusual ending.

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Cumulative tale

The Choking Rooster

A complete Lithuanian cumulative tale about a hen fetching water for a choking rooster, with the full chain of exchanges and its sung passages explained.

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Cumulative tale

The Needle

A complete Lithuanian cumulative tale about a seamstress, a needle and a chain of reluctant helpers, following a version recorded around 1931.

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Cumulative tale

The Mugwort and the Sparrow

A complete Lithuanian cumulative tale about a sparrow demanding a swing, a growing chain of threats and an ironic ending, recorded in 1901.

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