Det var en gång...
Halta-Cajsa berättade, en analys av småländska sägner
This essay is intended to illustrate the norms and values which can be deduced from the notifier Catarina Andersdotter and recorded by Gunnar-Olof Hyltén-Cavallius. Reflects the legends of the peasant culture and life during the later part of 1700´s and early 1800´s. In the background material, I have assumed the following conditions of life; faith, love, work and children. Since Hyltén-Cavallius is our filter between us and the notifier, I have examined his life and incorporated events that may be of interest of the essay. Catarina Andersdotter´s life is described in the essay to show the factors and living conditions in her life that influenced her choice of stories. The environment of the commons over time period is described for the purpose of the variables of the legends. Legends have been qualitatively and quantitatively investigated. The essay shows that most of the legends deal with mytical world and its creatures as well as the interaction with humans. People are described mainly in situation dealing with everyday task of the country. The essay shows the connection between folklore and Christian world view. To obtain deeper and more adequate pictures of the values and norms among the commons during the time period a wide range of sources need to be used.