The Slavic Myths

Noah Charney and Svetlana Slapšak have compiled a collection of Slavic myths for an international audience, revealing the universalities that cut across cultures in the stories we tell ourselves. The book explores the myths and legends of the Slavic world, including petulant deities, demons, faeries, witches, the sinister vestica, a supreme god, and vampires and werewolves. The authors unearth the Slavic beliefs before their distortion by Christian chroniclers and 19th-century scholars and reveal links to the neighboring pantheons of Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Scandinavia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Slavic cultures, a rich tapestry of East, West, and South Slavs, are intertwined by a common heritage of myths and legends. While these tales may be less familiar to Western audiences than those of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Scandinavia, they hold profound significance within Slavic tradition. Within the realm of Slavic mythology, we encounter a diverse array of deities, demons, faeries, witches, and supernatural beings. The supreme god, capable of summoning storms and unleashing thunderbolts, stands as a central figure. Gods gather beneath the World Tree, reminiscent of Norse mythology's Yggdrasill, or gather among the clouds after the advent of Christianity. The vampire and werewolf, unique to the Slavic world, emerge from the depths of Slavic belief systems.

In their meticulous exploration and thoughtful reconstructions of the origin stories, authors Noah Charney and Svetlana Slapšak unveil the Slavic beliefs before they were distorted by Christian chroniclers and 19th-century scholars in their quest for national origin stories. Through their analysis, they reveal connections not only to the neighboring pantheons of Greece, Rome, Egypt, and Scandinavia but also to the belief systems of indigenous peoples across Australia, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. By delving into these intricate connections, Charney and Slapšak shed light on the rich tapestry of cultural heritage that spans continents and millennia.

This captivating collection of Slavic myths offers a glimpse into the depths of the Slavic world, providing a window into the beliefs, customs, and traditions of this fascinating culture. Whether you are a scholar of mythology, history, or simply seeking to expand your knowledge, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Slavic heritage.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 160 x 242 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500025017