Russian Myths

A fascinating guide to the customs, beliefs and tradition of Russia. Through engaging writing, Elizabeth Warner takes us on a journey to the traditions related to life, work, witchcraft and Death. Rich in customs that still survive, aided by the lenient attitude of the Orthodox Church towards the gods of the old - in stark contrast to the persecutions and murders committed by the Catholic Church - Russian tradition demonstrates a vast wealth of myths and legends.

Myths of gods and goddesses and their influence on the way the Russian people perceived Nature and daily life, retaining a significant part of it even when Christianity reached the land. I always love reading about Maslenitsa. We learn about the sanctity with which the Elements were approached, evident in the significance of the Domovoy, the protector of the family.

But not every creature is a protector. Demonic figures like the Leshy, the Vodyanoy, and the Rusalka (another one I adore) were always there to cause terror in people's hearts. Traditions related to Death is also a major part of people's life. The spirits of our loved ones that died a peaceful death, the troubled souls of the ones whose life was cut short in a rather violent manner, the customs related to burial and the journey of the soul to Heaven or to Hell, our efforts to communicate with the Other Side have provided ample material for the birth of exciting (and rather dark) legends and myths. And it goes without saying that Witchcraft cannot be far away from every community of the past (and the present, don't let ourselves be fooled by the modern times...)

This was my first choice from The Legendary Past series and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the volumes.