The most interesting theme of the entire history of Russia is the period in which the formation of Russian statehood takes place. Surprisingly, the events preceding Russia’s formation are among the least studied pages of our history. Written sources telling of the times are very meager, they are mainly found in the presentation of Byzantine chroniclers, who described the events, at times, in biased and contradictory terms. Of course, Byzantines viewed the Slavs as primarily restless, warlike neighbors and they are not particularly interested in their culture, their way of life or their customs. Therefore, to study the history of ancient Russia and paganism uses mainly archaeological and ethnographic research. Some events have shed light archaeological finds but their interpretation the sometimes given rise too many opinions and viewpoints. In a small drop of solid knowledge of accounting there is the whole ocean of assumptions and guesswork. Thus, the early history and culture of Eastern Slavs is no less enigmatic and mysterious, than the story of Atlantis. That is why I was attracted by the theme of “Myths of the ancient Slavs”.
Materials on the subject reveal that the Eastern Slavs have left us a great spiritual heritage, and, possibly, in their worship and communion with nature, they were even higher and wiser to us as the “kings” of life. Therefore, to better understand what is happening now, it is necessary to study and analyze our past ... Finds of archaeologists and records of ancient beliefs and customs can literally, bit by bit, help us to recreate a complex and original religious system of the eastern Slavs. Representations of the pagan Slavs were very complicated and confusing.
The researchers write that the unive...
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... Russia: "Refl-Book"
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Lindemans, Micha F. "Diana." Encyclopedia Mythica: Mythology, Folklore, and Religion. 3 Mar. 1997. Web. 8 Oct. 2011. .
Kiger, P. J. (2013, August 1). National Geographic. Retrieved March 30, 2014, from Romani Culture and Traditions: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/american-gypsies/articles/romani-culture-and-traditions/
With the coinciding of a revolution on the brink of eruption and the impacts of the First World War beginning to take hold of Russia, considered analysis of the factors that may have contributed to the fall of the Romanov Dynasty is imperative, as a combination of several factors were evidently lethal. With the final collapse of the 300 year old Romanov Dynasty in 1917, as well as the fall of Nicholas II, a key reality was apparent; the impact that WWI had on autocratic obliteration was undeniable. However, reflection of Russia’s critical decisions prior is essential in the assessment of the cause of the fall of the Romanov Dynasty.
One of Magliocco's main arguments is that these Neo-Pagan cults all have roots in both anthropology and folklore in their early development. Magliocco offers a detailed historical analysis and examines influences found all the way back to classical traditions. She concludes this analysis by bringing her reader back to the contemporary and offers us insight into how both the fields of anthropology and folklore have helped shape Neo-Paganism into what it has become today.
While the Trobrianders and the Azande that Bronislaw Malinowski and E.E. Evans-Pritchard describe in their respective ethnographies are miles apart in terms of physical distance, both groups place a great emphasis on magic in their society. In describing such a concept that in Western terms is associated with fiction and skepticism, Malinowski and Evans-Pritchard differ in the way they explain the role magic has in each community.
In ancient times, the Greeks had absolute and undeniable respect for their gods. They demonstrated their admiration by putting in place many rituals and celebrations to reverence the gods that they loved and feared in order to ensure harmony with them. In particular, the focus will be on the religious beliefs of the Greeks, including prayer and sacrifice, as well as on festivals and the arts, such as the ancient Olympic games and theatre. These aspects of their culture made a significant contribution to their quality of life. Moreover, these topics will be examined in relation to the twelve Olympian gods and their associates.
The Slavophile and westernizer conflict is an inherent cultural question that Russians must answer about their country. Russian thinkers have long been fragmented between the Westernizer and the Slavophile viewpoint. Both disagreed about the true nature of the country as well as its relation with the West. It is a problem that has plagued Russia for centuries, and continues to do so to this day. Adopting the mindset of recognizing this conflict is essential to better understanding Russian history as well as the motives and thought processes of Russian leaders today.
The Pagan Rus did not have a difficult time identifying and worshiping Orthodox Christianity because Orthodoxy fit their general ethical boundaries. The Rus, however, still had to find ways to make the opposing views of polytheism and monotheism culturally fit. They did this via a practice called double faith. Certain pagan rituals and stories were saved and some pagan rituals and stories were tweaked by locals to fit Christian saints and God. In this way, Russian Orthodoxy arguably adapted more to paganism and traditional folklore than vice-versa. This helped create one of the most unique cultures that permeates Russia to this day.
Thus, occurrences of cannibalisation in Greco-Roman myth represents an endangering of the rightful orders. In divine myths this is the cosmic order, while in myths concerning humans it is the human social structure that is disrupted. Specifically, the consumption of children is a threat to the social orders of succession and the family unit, which in turn is a microcosm for all of society. Therefore, the motif of the cannibalisation of children in Greco-Roman myth functions didactically to remind society of the importance of maintaining the family unit and social
Ouspensky, Leonid Theology of the Icon, Volumes I & II, 1992, St. Vladimir's Seminary Press
The writer acquaints the reader with the idea of myth. While recognizing that researchers contrast enormously on the exact definition, Oswalt demands that this should not discourage the single person from looking for a decent meaning of the saying. While trying to help characterize the saying, he records four essential qualities of a myth. These qualities conclude that people have practically zero natural worth, they are relatively absence of enthusiasm toward history, they are fascinated with magic and the occult, and they refuse to acknowledge obligation regarding individual
Franklin, Simon and Emma Widdis, eds. National Identity in Russian Culture: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2004.
Rosenburg, Donna. World Mythology: An Anthology of the Great Myths and Epics. Third Edition. Chicago: NTC/Contemporary Publishing Group, Inc., 1999. Text.
Like many other countries, the church has played a great role in the formation of Russia. Russia’s main church is known as the Russian Orthodox Church, which is about one thousand years old and roughly half of the country’s population belongs to it. However, the vast majority of Orthodox believers do not attend church on a regular basis. Also most Russians don’t adhere strictly to a single belief. Instead, they combine traditional faiths with other alternative beliefs. Among these are witchcraft and astrology, which are especially popular among young people. Russians have also turned to numerous new beliefs, sects, and religious denominations. Nonetheless, the Russian Orthodox Church is widely respected by both believers and nonbelievers, who see it as a symbol of Russian heritage and culture.
Leick, Gwendolyn. A Dictionary of Ancient Near Eastern Mythology. London: Routledge, 1991. Print Page 61