Riddles
More about riddles
Latviešu rakstniecības vēsture
A chapter of Teodors Zeiferts' Latviešu rakstniecības vēsture focuses on the riddle in Latvian literary history. Provided by the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Latvia. LV
Mini manu mīklu
Solving riddles, called mīklas in Latvian, is a well-established part of folk culture. Riddles are both entertainment and mental exercise. In Latvian folklore, riddles can either stand alone or be parts of folk songs or stories (for example, the classic tale of the commoner who is challenged to evenly divide a goose among various odd numbers of royalty). While riddles can be offered at any time of the year, in Latvian folk culture veļu laiks — the time of the spirits in autumn and early winter — is prime for mental gymnastics, according to Pēteris Birkerts, compiler of the 1999 collection Latviešu tautas mīklas (Rīga: Jāņa Rozes apgāds, 1999). To honor the dead, joyous expression is frowned upon, according to Birkerts, so riddling replaces activities such as singing. In modern Latvian culture, riddles most often are used as entertainment or in education. We've even seen them used in television game shows.
Recent riddles
18 Dec 2005
Sviesta bļoda ezerā
The riddle “Sviesta bļoda ezerā” (A bowl of butter in a lake) calls on the powers of visualization. Imagine a…
17 Dec 2005
Balts aiziet, melns atnāk
The riddle “Balts aiziet, melns atnāk” (White departs, black arrives) is one of several about day and night. Other variations…
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