Aging and Death in Folklore
Contents Aging: realism and resignation expressed in proverbs Distrust of old people in folklore Widowhood Caring for old people Euthanasia and geronticide Sacrificing one's grandmother The old woman in the chest Disposing of the corpse: a legend that is still alive Why old people are no longer put to death Gaining care by trickery Grandchildren come to their grandparents' aid When enlightened self interest fails Inevitability of senility and death Stages of life No one wants to die Death's approach should surprise no one Attempts to trick Death Death trivialized Death as punishment Excessive grief Death as a divine release Related Links Aging: realism and resignation expressed in proverbs For most pre-industrial cultures, life's last chapter has been a bitter one. Surviving folklore reflects widespread resignation as to the inevitability of impoverishment, sexual impotence, failing health and vitality, and the loss of family and commun...