Verbal Magic by Vasyl Herasymiuk

The article is an attempt to research different means of verbal magic in poetry focusing on the theoretical and applied aspects of the subject. The author outlines the phenomenon of verbal magic.Based on the analysis of Vasyl Herasymiuks`s poetical texts the elements of magic rituals are delineated and traced by the author. Attention is paid to pointing out general structures of the ritual in the Herasymiuk`s works. The functions of “magical assistants” of the ritual are observed according to their symbolic and mythological senses. It was defined that the poet`s own books also play a role of “magical assistants”.Rituality and magical intentions of the text are accounted for the myth of the Poet which is the main component of Vasyl Herasymiuk`s poetic universe. The genesis of this myth is established; the connection with the “Hutsul text” in its cultural and metaphysical dimensions is also noted. Different means of ritualization in Herasymiuk`s works are related to the Carpathian magic folklore tradition; therefore direct or hidden quotations from Carpathian magic folklore and ancient rituals are organically intertwined in his text.Magical intentions might be supposed as the dominant characteristic of Herasymiuk`s poetry. The mystic, apocalyptic and prophetic elements of his entire works are interwoven with national and cultural themes; rituality is one of the tools to connect different levels of the text. Authenticity, aesthetic, structural and axiological integrity of Herasymiuk’s work are the foundation of verbal magic by the poet.Herasymiuk’s works may be said to embody in microcosm aspects of culture and society which continue to fascinate and frustrate: high culture turns to the popular, sacred to the profane. That’s why rituality has become the main tendency of Herasymiuk’s poetry: verbal magic has to renew and to defend the native cultural space, moreover – the space of human being.