La figura del bandolero en la literatura oral eslovaca y catalanaparalelos folclórico-literarios

Resumen

The idea for this thesis stemmed from the notion, often stated but not so far proved, that bandits in Catalonia were popular heroes, as well-known as their Slovak counterparts. In my research work I intended to find out whether there is any truth in such a view, or it is otherwise unfounded. My thesis focuses on the character of the bandit in oral culture, that is, in popular songs, prose and dramatic genres. I specifically compare Catalan romances with Slovak ballads, and also Catalan and Slovak legends, plays, and dances related to bandits. Before analysing these subjects I carried out a historical study of banditry in Slovakia and in Catalonia, from the Middle Ages to the early decades of the XXth century, as well as biographical summaries of some of the better-known bandits. After separately analysing banditry and the way it is portrayed in Catalan and Slovak oral traditions, comparisons were made between all these elements. First, a historical comparison of banditry; then, a comparison of bandits as they appear in oral literature, and, at the same time, the way they are reflected in both learned and the so-called semi-learned literature. Attention was especially focused on the traditions around two emblematic figures, Juraj Jánoík in Slovakia and Joan de Serrallonga in Catalonia. Such a comparative study led to interesting conclusions: in the first place, I took into account two different kinds of bandits, common folk and noblemen, something which has not been paid much attention to, especially in Slovak historiography. I also consider the hypothesis that there might be a link between the oldest bandit-inspired songs in Catalan and Slovak literature.The thesis is supplemented with comprehensive anthologies of bandit songs and legends. It has to be added that two complete versions of the thesis were made. In the Slovak version, Catalan texts are given in translation; in the Spanish version, Slovak texts have been translated, but Catalan texts are of course given in the original. The thesis is profusely illustrated with graphic material.