Bagration-Mukhrans'ka K. The antinomy "history- fiction" and folklore sources in works of W.Scott and R.Berns

The research was made on the basis of the analysis of Scottish ballads and old prophesies and the explanation of the social and cultural background of the creative process of the old bards. Since Tam Lin and Thomas the Rhymer are probably one of the best known fairy tales and are one of sources of the common conception of Elves, they became the center of our attention. Both stories are well known in folk music circles, and have been the basis of a number of retellings, particularly in fantasy writing. These old Scottish ballads are about young men who are the captives of the faeries. The criteria of the old and modern outlook, the worldview and the way to communicate were analyzed in the light of the multisided understanding of folklore and historical background of Scotland.