SLAVIC MYTHOLOGY Meaning and
Definition
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Slavic mythology refers to the traditional beliefs, legends, and tales of the Slavic people, who inhabited regions of Eastern Europe including present-day Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, and the Balkans. It encompasses a diverse collection of polytheistic religious beliefs and supernatural folklore that were practiced and passed down through generations.
In Slavic mythology, gods and goddesses were worshipped, each being associated with specific aspects of life or natural phenomena. Deities such as Perun (god of thunder and lightning), Svarog (god of the sun and fire), and Mokosh (goddess of fertility and earth) were honored and their stories were interwoven into the daily lives of the people. There were also malevolent spirits and mythical creatures, like Baba Yaga (an old witch), Leshy (a forest guardian), and Domovoi (a household spirit).
Characterized by a close connection to nature and an animistic worldview, Slavic mythology often incorporated rituals and traditions centered around harvest, birth, death, and seasonal cycles. Folklore and mythical tales played a significant role in explaining natural phenomena, moral lessons, and cultural values.
Like many mythologies, Slavic mythology evolved and underwent changes over time with influences from neighboring cultures such as Germanic, Norse, and Turkic, as well as through the Christianization of the region. However, remnants of these ancient beliefs can still be found in certain cultural practices, folk customs, and popular folklore today.
Etymology of SLAVIC MYTHOLOGY
The word "Slavic" originates from the Slavs, a group of Indo-European peoples who historically inhabited parts of Eastern Europe. The term "Slavic" was first used in the 6th century A.D. by Byzantine historian Procopius, referring to the tribes living north of the Danube River and east of the Elbe River. The exact origin of the word "Slavic" is unclear, but it is thought to stem from the Proto-Slavic root *slavъ, meaning "glory" or "fame".
The term "mythology" comes from the Greek word mythologia, where mythos means "story" or "legend", and logos means "discourse" or "study". It refers to a collection of myths, legends, and traditional stories that are passed down within a particular culture or religious tradition.
