Mõistatuste kogumine Eesti Kirjameeste Seltsis aastatel 1872-1893
Riddle Collection of the Society of the Estonian Literati during 1872-1893

Summary/Abstract: The Society of the Estonian Literati (SEL) was established during the apex of the Estonian national movement in 1872 and it was active until its closing by the intervention of Russian authorities in 1893. The main aim of the society became the collection of folklore, which was considered necessary for "studying history and looking deep into the nature of the spirit of the Estonian people", as Jakob Hurt (1839-1907), the first president of SEL, put it. In the article, collection work has been categorised into two major periods according to the leaders and distribution: Collection work under the lead of Jakob Hurt at the peak of the society's activities during 1872-1881, including the establishment of the network of voluntary correspondents and the development of collection work according to the "parish principle", i.e. the recruitment of at least one collector from each parish; Collection work under the lead of Mihkel Veske and Jaan Jõgever during the decline of the society's activities in 1882-1893. The article first provides a general characterisation of the collection work of the period, and then focuses on the contribution of riddles, the characterisation of the more important materials from the aspect of quality and authenticity, and the introduction of collectors based on the scanty biographical information available. We can say with full confidence that the Society of the Estonian Literati laid the foundation for folklore collection in Estonia. Principles of folklore collection proved effective also for riddle collection: Collection work became one of the main lines of activity of a particular organisation; Organising collection work became the duty of one particular member of the society; Practical collection work was carried out by voluntary correspondents, representing as many parishes as possible, who were well acquainted with the local folkloric environment as well as the transmitters of folklore, the singers and the narrators; Local correspondents often formed a circle of collectors (e.g. Carl Allas on the Saaremaa Island, Friido Matson in the Jõelähtme parish); Collection work was initiated through public appeals, the results were reported on the meetings of the society and in the newspapers, the contact with collectors was maintained through personal correspondence, collectors were rewarded money and books. The collection of riddles was not a priority in the SEL, as the focus was on runic songs. Riddles, however, were mentioned in appeals, reports, as well as publication plans. Riddles were sent to the society by 23 collectors known by name, one was known by a pseudonym and three have remained anonymous. The collectors sent the material generally only once; Villem Mägi was the only one who contributed material more regularly and during a longer period. There were 8 schoolteachers, two peasants, a theology student, an odd-job worker among the collectors; several were members of the SEL.

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