This paper shows the relationship between written and oral literature, or in other words, aesthetic and practical functions in the novel Prosjaci i sinovi [Beggars and Sons] by Ivan Raos. Since begging is a central motif in the novel, the discourse is primarily focused on building the pragmatic functions, or to be more precise, the ways in which these professional beggars ask for alms. The main plot revolves around the protagonists who are creating their identities as heroes while revealing the secrets of their “trade”. Their inner fears about existence of various mythical creatures such as fairies, witches, werewolves, and ghosts are exposed, and the fragility of a social hierarchy comes to light as well. As other typical antiheroes, they represent their fears as their greatest accomplishments (life with fairies, the persecution of witches, etc.). The characters in the novel are just as religious as they are superstitious. No matter how hard they try to show that they are a harmonious family community, a single day without authority proves just how unstable their group is. The second part of the novel portrays social changes which occurred as a result of the generational shift. Everything old that was once the law now is an object of ridicule and everything new that was once unimaginable is now normal. Because of new, different values, characters are portrayed as heroes.