Slavic Mythology part I: Introduction

It is the second week of 2023 and I feel positively refreshed. I have a plan for this year sorted out and can feel the weight of it on my shoulders. So much so that I love it.

But that is not why you clicked on this article. I am sure you don't care about my emotions, nor do you care about my plans. You clicked here because you must be intrigued to learn more about the unique wonders of Slavic Mythology which originates from approximately 1000 years BCE (Before the common era). So follow me as I delve deeper into the history and culture of this incredible European mythology full of folklore tales and symbolism.

The ancient Slavs believed in a supreme being and their thinking was shaped by the forests, rivers and steppes that stimulated their imagination.

Prokopios in his work Bellum Gothicum from the 6th century, mentions Slavs in this light: "They recognize one god, the creator of lightning and the lord of everything, and they sacrifice cattle and various animals to him. They know nothing about fate and do not recognize that it has any power over man. But when they are threatened with death, they promise the sick or those going into battle that if they escape, they will immediately bring a sacrifice to god for their salvation. When this happens, they sacrifice what they promised and believe that by this sacrifice they have secured their salvation. They also worship rivers and nymphs and some other demons. They make sacrifices for everyone and perform fortune-telling during the sacrifices. However, the Slavs did not worship only one god, they believed in the magical power of plants and animals and had remarkable ideas about the creation and organization of the world.

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Creatures you would not believe come from the Ancient Slavic mythology

Did you know that the word "vampire" actually comes from Slavic mythology? For ancient Slavic people, vampires (Wurdolac in Russian and Upir in Slovak) were creatures that returned from the dead to feast on the living. They were often described as having long nails, dark hair and red eyes. They believed that one who dies of unnatural causes would become a vampire. Therefore, if you are ever in Mount Sleza, Poland, make sure to not disturb the sleeping vampires!

Vampires were not the only creatures that roamed the Earth during the Slavic era. There were also werewolves, monsters, dragons, and other magical creatures. Each of these creatures had its own unique stories and symbolism.

For example, werewolves were believed to be humans who transform into wolves during a full moon. They were incredibly strong and even capable to kill the undead vampires. Monsters, on the other hand, were said to be the souls of unborn children that were never given a proper burial. Even the Greek historian Herodotus in his History mentions people in the far north who turned into wolves for a few days a year

Dragons, meanwhile, were powerful and dangerous creatures that could breathe fire and in some stories, showed to be guarding a treasure. So, if you are ever in Kraków, make sure to keep an eye on Wawel, a legendary fire-breathing dragon. This dragon resides in a castle Wawel so don't be surprised if you hear strong murmurs once in a while!

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Magical Beauty of Plants

The most revered tree of the Slavs was the oak. For example, Bulgarians prayed under it for rain and even offered it animal sacrifices. The Slavs believed in the magical power of the linden tree. They were convinced that it would never be struck by lightning and that its wood had healing properties. They also revered the birch or rowan tree, which, according to the Bulgarians, was inhabited by fairies. According to the Slavs, willow, aspen, black elder, hawthorn, blackthorn and juniper protected against vampires and sorcerers. The basis of the diet of the Slavs was grain. When a stalk with two or more spikes was produced, it was set aside for future sowing and was supposed to guarantee a good harvest. Garlic also protected the Slavs from vampires, the four-leaf clover had a magical power, and the best witches knew about the effects of plants.

Just reading about my ancestors and their closeness to mother nature is beyond beautiful or magical. It is something we can only envy from these words and hope that one day, we can also begin to appreciate its paintings of infinite beauty.

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My lovely readers and protectors of the afterlife, I can only promise you that this is just a small introduction to this truly magnificent history of ancient Slavic mythology. There will be more to come this year but for now, keep smiling and make sure to keep true to yourself always and every day!

With love,

Niki Pleva.