Comparative Studies of German and Kuki Fairytales

Abstract: This study attempts to analyze two different cultures of fairy tales—German fairy tales and Kuki tribal tales. Comparisons between the fairy tales of other countries and communities are valuable. Fairy tales, by their nature, celebrate diversity. By experiencing stories from different cultures, one can discover valuable insights into another culture’s values, beliefs, history, practices, and customs, which have been used in everyday life as communication, learning, and entertainment tools. They reveal the gap between truth and falsehood in our society. The study aims to extend folklore studies in Germany and India, particularly focusing on the “peripheral” literature from the Kuki community in the Northeastern region of India. It explores the similarities and differences in motifs, characters, mysticism, and various cultural connotations about both cultural groups. Since these two cultural groups are not historically related, a comparative study will be useful in understanding which motives are culturally determined and which are universal.