THE JOURNEY MOTIF AND FAIRY TALE COMPOSITION

This article examines the role, function, and structural features of the journey motif in fairy tale composition. The relationship between motif and plot is analyzed from a folkloristic perspective, and the placement of the journey motif within the exposition, medial, and final parts of the narrative is discussed with relevant examples. Special attention is given to the dominant role of the journey motif in magical-fantastic tales, its significance in the spiritual and moral development of the hero, and the functional aspects of journeys undertaken by secondary characters.