Alexander Afanasyev

Alexander Afanasyev was a 19th-century Russian folklorist and ethnographer best known for his extensive collection of Russian folk tales. Born in 1826, he dedicated much of his life to preserving and documenting the rich oral traditions of Russian culture, publishing works such as "Russian Fairy Tales." His collections played a crucial role in the study of folklore and have influenced literature and art, including the works of notable figures like Igor Stravinsky and Sergei Prokofiev. Afanasyev's efforts helped to highlight the importance of folklore in understanding national identity and cultural heritage.