Russian Myths
Russian Myths by Elizabeth Warner, published by University of Texas Press in July 2002, explores the intricate tapestry of mythic beliefs and customs that have shaped Russian civilization. This 80-page edition delves into the coexistence of Christian and pagan practices following the arrival of Christianity in Kievan Rus’ at the end of the tenth century, a phenomenon that led to a unique system known as “dual faith.” The book examines the veneration of natural elements, the cult of the dead, and various spirit-beings, highlighting how these traditions have persisted from pre-Christian times to the present.
Readers will find a comprehensive analysis of major themes and motifs within Russian mythology, supported by a diverse range of sources such as religious legends, epic songs, and folk tales. Elizabeth Warner’s work contextualizes these myths within the broader scope of mythology worldwide, offering insights into the enduring nature of these beliefs. The exploration of witchcraft and the relationship between sacred and imaginative narratives further enriches the understanding of Russian folklore and its significance in social science and comparative religion.
Official synopsis Publisher
The coming of Christianity to the state of Kievan Rus’ at the end of the tenth century had an enormous impact on the development of Russian civilization. Despite the abandonment of the pagan gods, both Christian and pagan practices and beliefs continued to coexist for centuries, producing a system known as “dual faith.”
Russian Myths deals with mythic beliefs, notions, and customs—concerning the veneration of earth, water, fire, and air, demons and spirit-beings in the world of nature, the cult of the dead, and witchcraft—many of which have their roots in the pre-Christian past but still survive to the present day. To illuminate the evolution of major themes and motifs and set Russian myths in the context of mythology the world over, Elizabeth Warner draws upon a rich variety of sources, including anecdotal narrative forms and religious legends, epic songs, funeral laments and folk religion, and, of course, the folktales where the sacred gives way to pure imagination in the depiction of mythic themes and characters.
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