De kloka : Samhällsmentalitet och strukturer i bondesamhället

Sammanfattning: This thesis aims to look at the folktales surrounding the Swedish cunning folk to see how these reflect the society in which they were told. By analysing these folktales I have attempted to find patterns in how people spoke of the cunning folk in different situations in life. I have also looked at how these folktales can be said to mirror the societal structures of their day. What people say about the cunning folk can show the mentality of the society in which these stories were told. This in turn can give a view in to the structures of society as these are the foundations for the collective mentality. By analysing the material I have come to the conclusion that people spoke of the cunning folk in both positive and negative ways. Their knowledge and skill were praised whilst their persons were treated with suspicion. These folktales also clearly mirror the societal structures of the day by showing where the cunning folk were needed and could thrive due to structural societal needs.