Slavic Mythology

Cheryl Harrison
03/13/2012
Hum/105 World Mythology
Jeffery Skinner
Week 2 Individual Assignment

                                                                    Slavic Mythology

    Slavic mythology is characterized by the fact that it is a comprehensive creation story. It represents not a separate branch of the national representations of the world like a fantasy, or religion; but is embodied even in the home – whether it is rites, rituals, worship or agricultural calendar or demonology. Therefore, practically destroyed in past, it continues to live in images, symbols, rituals and in the language itself.
    Paganism covers the entire field of spiritual culture and much of the material culture of ancient peoples, but most of all human's relations with nature. The main focus for ancient humans was the relationship with nature. Therefore, the worship of nature can be considered as one of pagan’s most important properties. The nature’s objects such as the sun, the moon, stars, air, fire, water, animals, plants, stones, etc. are recognized as deities.
    Every mythology is the flesh and blood of people it has created. It is a mirror that reflects the character of the nation, its values and anti-values. The myth is in direct contact with the environment of the people-creators. It is very interesting to compare the mythological systems of different nations, displaying the correspondences and contrasts. “The farther you go from the Mediterranean Sea to the North the sterner spirit of mythology becomes, and the crueler gods, bloody battles, tragic conflicts and hopeless fates become. The ‘increasing drama’ reaches its height in the extreme Northern European mythology, the mythology of Scandinavians.” (Gritsanov 1312) In general, Scandinavian mythology produces severe and sublime experience. It is obvious that it belonged to the stern and courageous people who did not fear to face death. The whole course of the creation myths events leading to the destruction of... [continues]

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